Program Director for
Children's Media & Partnerships

Program Director, Children's Media & Partnerships

https://www.ellingtonbooks.com/home

​

Location: Remote

Schedule: Flexible Hours (20 hours per week estimated) during start up

Compensation: Equity stake in the corporation

 

Company Overview: J Ellington Publishing LLC is a digital media startup focused on mobilizing college students to drive social change through digital and social media that can engage the whole family. We believe the creative arts have the power to unite people across diverse cultures and backgrounds. By amplifying the voices of college student leaders through music, poetry, and performance, we aim to promote compassion, unity, and action for the common good. Our content will support families through each stage of their child's development. 

 

Position Overview

We're seeking a visionary Program Director to lead the development of children's media content that weaves important social justice themes into engaging, age-appropriate storytelling. This role will shape programming that empowers young minds while creating inclusive content that resonates with families, educators, and caregivers. A key focus will be building and managing partnerships with higher education institutions to engage undergraduate and graduate students in content creation and social impact initiatives.

 

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Pipeline Development Priorities

• - Design and implement a comprehensive talent pipeline strategy focusing on underrepresented creators

• - Create pathways for diverse storytellers to enter children's media through multiple entry points (new startups, digital media, academic partnerships, community programs, industry initiatives)

• - Establish mentorship programs connecting emerging creators with industry veterans

• - Develop training programs specifically designed to support creators from non-traditional backgrounds

• - Build sustainable partnerships with HBCUs, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and Tribal Colleges

 

Diversity Pipeline Management

• - Lead the development of a multi-year strategic plan for diversifying children's media talent pipeline

• - Create and manage accelerator programs for emerging diverse creators

• - Establish partnerships with cultural organizations and community groups

• - Track and report on pipeline diversity metrics and program impact

 

Academic & Community Engagement

• - Develop partnerships with colleges and universities, including minority-serving institutions

• - Create scholarship and fellowship opportunities for underrepresented students

• - Design curriculum that centers diverse perspectives in children's media creation

• - Facilitate workshops and masterclasses led by diverse industry professionals

• - Build relationships with community organizations serving diverse youth

 

Content Development & Production

• - Oversee the creation of content that authentically represents diverse experiences

• - Mentor emerging creators through their first productions

• - Establish content development programs specifically for underrepresented creators

• - Create opportunities for diverse student creators to develop pilot programs

• - Implement feedback mechanisms to ensure cultural authenticity in content

​

Storytelling

• - Lead the creative development and production of original children's content across multiple platforms (social, digital, podcasts)

• - Design programming frameworks that effectively translate complex social justice concepts into accessible, entertaining content for young audiences

• - Oversee content development teams and guide storytellers in creating narratives that balance entertainment with educational objectives

 

Student Led Content Creation

• - Create a pipeline program for emerging talent in children's media

• - Mentor student creators and provide professional development opportunities

• - Oversee student-led content development initiatives

• - Facilitate cross-disciplinary collaboration between students in different fields (e.g., education, media production, social work, psychology)

• - Support student research projects related to children's media impact and effectiveness

 

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an institution of higher learning

• - 3+ years experience in content creation and/or children's media production or educational content development

• -Experience as a classroom teacher

• - Proven track record of developing successful children's programming

• - Experience in higher education partnerships or academic program development

• - Deep understanding of child development stages and age-appropriate learning methodologies

• - Strong background in cultural diversity 

• - Excellent project management and team leadership skills

• - Superior communication abilities across diverse stakeholder groups

 

Desired Attributes of the Ideal Candidate
(All are strongly encouraged to apply even if the attributes below are not part of the applicants experience).

• - Master's degree in Education, Child Development, Media Studies, or related field

• - Teaching experience

• - Experience developing curriculum for both children's content and higher education

• - Understanding of current social justice movements and their intersection with children's education

• - Track record of mentoring emerging professionals

• - Experience with educational technology and digital learning platforms

• - Grant writing and program development experience

 

Impact & Outcomes

The successful candidate will:

• - Create programming that helps children develop empathy, critical thinking, and social awareness

• - Build a sustainable pipeline of diverse talent in children's media

• - Develop innovative student engagement programs that benefit both higher education partners and our organization

• - Establish measurement frameworks to track program impact and learning outcomes

• - Foster lasting partnerships between media organizations and academic institutions

• - Support the next generation of children's media creators

 

Academic Partnership Goals

• - Establish partnerships with at least 2 college student groups in the first year

• - Create meaningful engagement opportunities for 50+ college student interns annually

• - Develop assessment metrics for student learning outcomes

• - Build sustainable programs that can be scaled across multiple institutions

• - Generate research and scholarship around children's media impact

 

Our Commitment

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates diverse perspectives and experiences. We believe the best children's content comes from teams that reflect the audiences they serve. We actively support the development of emerging talent and seek to create pathways for underrepresented voices in children's media.

 

Compensation Package

• - Equity stake in the corporation during the startup phase

• - Traditional compensation structure will begin around 6 to 9 months into the project.

• - Opportunity for additional performance-based equity grants

 

Benefits & Perks

• - Remote work and flexible schedule 

 

Work Environment

• - Entrepreneurial startup atmosphere with significant growth potential

• - Collaborative, creative environment focused on innovation in children's media

• - Regular interaction with community partners and student creators

• - Opportunity to work with diverse teams of educators, artists, and content creators

• - Flexible. Remote.

• - Direct input into company strategy and growth decisions

• - Seat on the company's educational advisory board.

 

Startup Phase Expectations

• - Active participation in strategic planning and company direction with the Founder

• - Flexibility to adapt role and responsibilities as organization grows

• - Opportunity to build and scale team from ground up

• - Direct reporting relationship to founders/executive team

• - Key role in establishing company culture and values

 

Our Commitment to Transformation

• We're committed to transforming the landscape of children's media by creating sustainable pathways for diverse creators. This role is central to our mission of ensuring that the next generation of children's content creators reflects the diversity of our audience. We believe that authentic representation in children's media starts with authentic representation in our creative teams.

​

How to Apply: 

Submit to info@ellingtonbooks.com 

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and 2-3 writing samples that showcase your ability to engage and mobilize a young audience. In your cover letter, tell us why you’re passionate about VoiceUp’s mission and how you envision collaborating to achieve its mission. The foundation for collaboration will be humility, precision, and patience.

​