Director Of Field-Based Services- Social Work Office of Research and Public Service- UTK

The Director of the Division of Field-Based Services is responsible for leading SWORP's efforts to build a high performing Field-Based Services division with regional and statewide programs offering support and technical assistance to professionals in early childhood education, child welfare, relative caregiving, and domestic violence sectors. The Director of Field-based Services will serve a s a member of SWORPS’ senior management team and places a formative role in the agency’s overall work and commitments, which represents grant funding totaling almost $36 million.  In addition to developing and leading SWORPS’ field-based programs, this position is also responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders within SWORPS, the UTK College of Social Work and the University of Tennessee community, local communities within Tennessee, and funders. The director will serve as a spokesperson for the field-based services conducted by the division, sharing and translating programs to internal and external audiences, the business community, and the legislative community as appropriate. The director will be expected to leverage and maintain partnerships within the community and find ways to break down silos and increase collaboration. The Director of Field-Based Services provides support and supervision for the management team of the division. This role requires a visionary leader who can navigate complex challenges and drive the division toward achieving its mission of improving the lives of individuals and communities through effective service delivery and advocacy. 

Strategic Leadership and Management:

• Lead and manage the division, ensuring all programs align with the organization’s strategic goals and compliance requirements.
• Provide oversight and direction to the Program Directors of multiple distinct programs within the division.
• Participate on SWORPS project teams to complete multidisciplinary initiatives that provide insights and solutions for external clients. 
• Develop semi-annual division-level performance reports and ensures knowledge sharing and dissemination throughout SWORPS. 

Program Development, Implementation & Financial Management:

• Oversee the design, delivery, and improvement of service programs, ensuring they meet the needs of the community and stakeholders.
• Oversee the financial management of the division, including budgeting, forecasting, and ensuring resource allocation aligns with strategic priorities.
• Secure funding and manage resources to sustain and expand program initiatives.
• Ensure all programs operate in compliance with legal, regulatory, and ethical standards.
•  Implement rigorous program evaluation methodologies to assess program effectiveness and identify areas for enhancement.

Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including community leaders, government agencies, and other relevant organizations.
• Represent the division and its interests in public forums, conferences, and with the media.

Advocacy and Policy Influence:

• Act as a key advocate for the division's target populations, influencing policy decisions and legislative developments.
• Engage in critical analysis of sector trends and policy developments to steer the division's strategic response.

Required Qualifications

• Education: 
  • Masters Degree in nonprofit management, public administration, social work or a related field
• Experience: 
  • 5 or more years of demonstrated skill in program and / or project management and supervision
  • 5 or more years of demonstrated skill in grant management
  • 8 or more years of experience in field-based services
  • 5 of more years of experience in budget management
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: 
• Knowledge of the fields of child support, child welfare, and early childhood education
• Ability to manage diverse teams and multiple programs
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Skilled in financial management and program evaluation
• Proven track record of successful stakeholder engagement and partnership development.
• Proven track record of successful stakeholder engagement and partnership development. 
• Knowledge of budget principles, state and federal funding limitations, uniform guidance, grant and contracts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: 
  • Doctoral Degree in nonprofit management, public administration, social work or a related field
• Experience: 
  • 10 or more years of demonstrated skill in p