Director of Programming & Community Engagement- General Sessions Court, Division VIII (8)

About the Department

METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE & DAVIDSON COUNTY

Invites Applications For The Position of:

Director of Programming & Community Engagement

General Sessions Court, Division VIII (8)

Judge Rachel L. Bell, Presiding

SALARY: $81,000.00 annually plus full benefit package

DEPARTMENT: General Sessions Court, Division VIII (8)

POSITION DESCRIPTION: 

Please read this job description in its entirety, especially the last page to be considered for an interview for this position.

***All applicants MUST attach a resume, three references,

and a letter of interest in 500 words or less.***

 The General Sessions Music City Community Court, Division VIII (8) hereinafter referred to as “GSMCCC” is a unique project and the first of its kind in the State of Tennessee and Davidson County.  The vision of this court rests upon a robust partnership between the community and the criminal justice system in both operational and policy support to the judiciary and community court team members.  

These responsibilities include assisting Judge Rachel L. Bell and the GSMCCC Team in management services essential with supporting the court's daily operations, strategic planning, development, and coordination of interagency and community partnerships.

The Director of Programming and Community Engagement is a non-civil service position and will report and provide support to Judge Rachel L. Bell, the presiding judge of the General Sessions Music City Community Court, Division VIII (8), for operational purposes in addition to working directly with the GSMCCC staff.  Finally, the Director of Programming and Community Engagement will be expected to work closely with GSMCCC staff, work directly with participants and community stakeholders with the C.A.R.E. Diversionary Court for Ages 18-30, the L.E.G.A.C.Y. Housing Resource Diversionary Court/Program RESTORE Re-Entry Court for Returning Citizens, the ASPIRE After-Care Program, the R.E.A.C.H. Summer Literacy Program and the FUTURE Internship Program.

Judge Rachel L. Bell started the General Sessions Music City Community Court in 2012 and since its inception, the court has piloted several community initiatives focused on preventative, restorative and diversionary justice with the concept, that “Justice does NOT stop and the courthouse steps!” and charged to use all of its power and resources to help move the needle for marginalized people. 

Position Duties

• Knowledge of pertinent professional subject matter field(s).
• Knowledge of principles and practices of business management. 
• Knowledge of managerial and administrative principles and practices.   
• Knowledge of community resources and agencies and the services they provide. 
• Knowledge of programs or organizations and activities to which the subject matter knowledge relates. 
• Skills in dealing with voluminous amounts of information. 
• Skills in following up and gaining accurate information for request made for community appearances, events and speaking engagements.
• Ability to guide GSMCCC participants through the court process, linking them to court-mandated and voluntary services, and offers support as participants complete their programs.
• Ability to help GSMCCC participants access a wide array of services.
• Ability to analyze, monitor, and evaluate programs and to measure their effectiveness. 
• Ability to assess situations accurately. 
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. 
• Ability to keep accurate records and write detailed reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.  
• Performs related duties as required.

GOALS: 

The Director of Programming and Community Engagement at GSMCCC will also work with the continued work of GSMCCC at the Bordeaux North Community Justice Center located in the heart of Nashville, TN aiming to assist participants in diverse types of cases access a wide array of services that can help address the underlying issues that may have brought them to court.  

The Director of Programming and Community Engagement helps to guide participants through the court process, links them to court-mandated and voluntary services, and offers support as they complete their programs.   To facilitate these linkages, the Director of Programming and Community Engagement works closely with all GSMCCC staff (the Housing Court Navigator, Program & Social Work Coordinator, Community Client Advocate and Division VIII (8) along with General Sessions Court Probation Department) and at times acts as the liaison between clinicians and the court.

By bridging the social services, clients, and court actors the GSMCCC staff help make the court process more efficient.  When there is one caring and knowledgeable point person, the court saves clients the frustrating experience of being sent to different people and never reaching anyone who can help.  Often the GSMCCC staff are the only people stationed in the courtroom who can answer detailed questions about the GSMCCC programs and make sure that all the court representatives are on the same page. 

DEDICATION & PERSONABLE: 

Dedication and people skills lie at the heart of the Director of Programming and Community Engagement’s role, since there are many challenges and clients have their unique struggles and circumstances.   Applicant MUST possess strong interpersonal and communication skills; are highly capable of adapting to a variety of situations and environments; and display strong empathy and an ability to see different perspectives.  The Director of Programming and Community Engagement is seen as an ally and “cheerleader” in the court for the participants and the overall GSMCCC operation.  

The best person for this position will have a serious appreciation for criminal justice reform, working diligently each and every day, is self-motivated and able to pivot when needed.  This position requires you to have a deep understanding of the challenges faced by those living in poverty.  

This job allows you to solve problems, address concerns and ensure people are aware of services available to them.  You will help create a unified sense among a group and strengthen relationships between group members and others who can offer them assistance.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:

• Strong understanding of restorative justice, diversion courts, and community-based justice initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships across diverse sectors.
• Excellent written, verbal, and public speaking skills.
• Experience supervising staff, managing budgets, and reporting on program outcomes.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and community empowerment.

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Master’s degree in Public Administration, Social Work, Criminal Justice, Community Development, or related field or Juris Doctorate Degree with experience relating to criminal justice, social work, law, public policy, and/or restorative justice and five (5) years of experience in program development, community engagement, restorative justice or nonprofit management.
 

LICENSES REQUIRED
Valid Driver License 


Candidates with accreditations earned in a foreign institute are encouraged to apply.
 
Note: Per Metro Ordinance No. SO94-1078. All employees of the Metropolitan Government shall be residents of the State of Tennessee or become residents of the state within six (6) months of employment as a prerequisite to employment with the Metropolitan Government.

Other Qualifications

Programming Leadership:

• Design and oversee programs that align with the organization’s mission and strategic goals.
• Develop content and curricula for workshops, events, conferences, and ongoing initiatives.
• Supervise program staff and volunteers, ensuring quality delivery and consistency.
• Evaluate program effectiveness through feedback, data collection, and reporting.
• Secure partnerships and funding to sustain and expand programming.

Key Competencies:

• Leadership & Vision: Ability to design and execute programs that advance GSMCCC’s mission.
• Relationship-Building: Skilled at developing partnerships and engaging diverse stakeholders.
• Program Management: Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Cultural Competency: Sensitivity to the needs of marginalized and underserved populations.
• Advocacy: Ability to represent GSMCCC with professionalism, credibility, and passion.

Community Engagement:

• Build relationships with community stakeholders, partners, and organizations.
• Serve along Judge Rachel L. Bell as the public face of GSMCCC at community events, forums, and meetings.
• Engage diverse communities by designing culturally relevant, accessible, and inclusive initiatives.
• Facilitate collaborations between the organization and local businesses, schools, faith groups, and civic organizations.
• Lead outreach campaigns (social media, newsletters, presentations) to boost participation and awareness.
• Serve as the primary liaison between Judge Rachel L. Bell  / GSMCCC and community partners, including nonprofits, schools, businesses, faith-based organizations, and government agencies.
• Develop and sustain collaborative partnerships to expand resources and services for participants.
• Represent GSMCCC at community events, civic forums, and professional conferences.
• Lead outreach strategies to engage underserved and marginalized populations.
• Foster opportunities for community education around restorative justice and civic responsibility.

Strategic & Administrative Duties:

• Align programming with organizational strategy, budget, and mission.
• Report outcomes to leadership, board members, and funders.
• Assist with fundraising by preparing proposals, grant reports, and showcasing program impact.
• Stay informed on community needs and emerging trends, adapting programming accordingly.
• Represent the organization in coalitions and working groups, advocating for shared priorities.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and public speaking abilities.
• Ability to work across sectors and with diverse populations.
• Strategic thinking combined with hands-on leadership.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and community empowerment.

In short, the Director of Programming and Community Engagement is responsible for designing, delivering, and sustaining impactful programs while also building bridges between the organization and the community to ensure mutual growth and lasting impact.

JOB HOURS OF OPERATION:

• 40 hours a week
• Monday- Friday: 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. 
• Occasional work on Saturdays
• Occasional work on Sundays
• Comp Time available for hours worked over 40 in any given week
• 2-3 days of admin time gifted for exceptional work during Judge Rachel L. Bell’s ADMIN and MTMHI Docket Weeks.

All applicants MUST attach a resume, three references,

and a letter of interest in 500 words or less.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. Metro Nashville is committed to selecting the most qualified candidate for each of our roles.

Metro Nashville Government respects the religious beliefs and practices of all employees and will make, on request, an accommodation for such observances when a reasonable accommodation is available that does not create an undue hardship on business operations.
 
 
Requests for ADA or other protected accommodations for the recruitment process should be directed to General Sessions Court at 615-862-5199.

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