Regional Director (Texas-based) with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
Merrimac International, Granite Heights, WI, United States
Regional Scope
Regional Scope: Mid Region This role oversees the Mid Region for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The Regional Director will support statewide and community partners across the following states:
Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Arkansas, Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Vision
Establish Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library as the highest quality, most impactful, book gifting resource that policymakers, funders, early childhood organizations and families trust to INSPIRE A LOVE OF READING. Position Overview
There are currently 2,500+ Imagination Library programs in the US, with a program in every state plus the District of Columbia. Expanding the reach of the program and putting more books in the children’s hands is the primary objective for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. While currently reaching nearly 17% of all US children each month with the gift of an age-appropriate book in the mail, the Foundation aims to reach 25% of US children in the next five years. The Regional Director plays a critical role in advancing this mission by expanding access to communities without statewide programs, strengthening existing Local Program Partners (LPPs), and providing leadership in non-turnkey model states. This position requires a strategic, relationship-driven leader who excels in communication, project management, and results-oriented growth. Primary Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Perpetuate The Dollywood Foundation’s Vision & Mission Be a ‘personal representative’ for Dolly Parton and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Provide information and be a guiding resource to ‘Start a Program’ interest to successfully replicate, launch, and grow Imagination Library programs Provide localized support to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library partners to grow, sustain, and energize programs Perform a wide scope of complex duties and responsibilities in the management of a statewide Imagination Library program, exercise independent judgement, and have delegated decision-making authority Develop, plan, implement and maintain state specific model to include: Ensure smooth communication and alignment between teams (Dollywood Foundation, State Program Leadership, National and State Partners) and local affiliates Work with Marketing to ensure all brand elements adhere to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library brand guidelines Provide excellent customer service by managing contact with stakeholders daily, with timely response to emails and telephone inquiries Periodic travel for training, information, and planning sessions (20%) Support Operations and Finance Teams, as needed Prepare accurate and timely reports Provide leadership, support, and direction to meet assigned yearly performance goals Support Dolly Parton Events when assigned Maintain strict confidentiality and excellent judgement regarding privileged information Perform other duties as assigned Development – 50%
Serve as the first point of contact for nonprofit organizations and community groups interested in becoming Local Program Partners (LPPs). Screen potential partners for alignment and capacity and guide them through the formal onboarding process Provide consultation and technical assistance to help LPPs develop and execute strategic plans for enrollment growth, fundraising, and long-term sustainability Collaborate with the State Relations Director to identify and advance opportunities for government engagement, funding, and policy support Promote awareness of DPIL through presentations, meetings, and public events, representing the Foundation with professionalism and enthusiasm Provide leadership and oversight for the development and growth of non-turnkey model state teams Partner with state teams to design strategies for building robust, sustainable statewide programs Monitor state-level progress, ensuring alignment with national goals, effective funding models, and appropriate legislative strategy Project Management – 25%
Plan and coordinate presentations, events, meetings, and travel to support program development and partner engagement Embraces and utilizes CRM to manage accounts and track progress Assist with operational functions such as accounts receivable and other administrative processes as needed Position Requirements
The ideal candidate is a passionate, outstanding leader who thrives on the opportunity to deliver Dolly’s mission to inspire a love of reading as well as incorporate the foundation’s Core Values into all aspects of their work. Core Competencies/Values
Fully Represents Dolly Parton and The Dollywood Foundation with professionalism, integrity, and respect for the mission Demonstrates a strong commitment to improving children’s lives and advancing early childhood literacy Maintains a polished, professional presence in all interactions and communications Provides inspiring leadership that fosters collaboration across teams, partners, and communities Applies strategic thinking to support regional growth, identify opportunities, and strengthen long‑term sustainability Builds and maintains strong partnerships through effective relationship management Communicates clearly and compellingly across written, verbal, and public‑facing channels Manages projects effectively, coordinating multiple priorities and ensuring timely execution Adapts well to changing needs, schedules, and environments, including travel and non‑traditional hours Uses analytical thinking to interpret data, evaluate performance, and inform decisions Contributes positively to team culture, modeling integrity, ethics, and collaboration Skills/Knowledge
Demonstrates and uses excellent judgement and decision-making abilities throughout all job duties Prioritizes and plans work activities, uses time efficiently; disciplined to meet deadlines Ability to focus on the daily details while managing the overall scope of the job responsibilities Disciplined in meeting goals Ability to manage and resolve difficult or emotional situations Skilled in: Networking; Building Relationships; Leadership; Training; and Negotiation Excellent communicator via telephone, video conferencing and in person Exceptional verbal and written English language skills; patience in responsiveness to repetitive questions. Articulate, speaks, and writes clearly and informatively, proofs work for spelling and grammar. Listens for knowledge and clarification Responds promptly to requests for assistance. Responds well to questions Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills Works a varying schedule that may include nights, holidays, weekends, and occasional travel Observe safety and security functions; report potentially unsafe conditions; use equipment and materials properly; request assistance when necessary Education / Experience
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, or equivalent professional experience 3–5 years of relevant experience in business development, sales, government relations, nonprofit leadership, or a related field Proven experience developing, negotiating, and managing successful partnerships with diverse stakeholders. 2+ years of project management experience, with demonstrated ability to balance multiple priorities and maintain strong attention to detail Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with confidence in client‑facing interactions across phone, email, virtual meetings, and in‑person engagements Demonstrated success in relationship‑building, program development, or stakeholder engagement Highly organized, detail‑oriented, and able to manage work independently from a home office or while traveling. Proficiency with Google Workspace (G Suite), Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, video conferencing platforms, and CRM systems; technologically informed and comfortable adopting new tools Problem‑solving mindset with experience in customer service or client support preferred Dependable transportation, a valid driver’s license, and proof of insurance; ability to travel regularly within the assigned region Serves as a personal representative of Dolly Parton and The Dollywood Foundation, consistently incorporating the Foundation’s Core Values into all aspects of their work Location Requirement
Although this position is remote, the candidate must reside in Texas to meet compliance and business needs.
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Regional Scope: Mid Region This role oversees the Mid Region for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The Regional Director will support statewide and community partners across the following states:
Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Arkansas, Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Vision
Establish Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library as the highest quality, most impactful, book gifting resource that policymakers, funders, early childhood organizations and families trust to INSPIRE A LOVE OF READING. Position Overview
There are currently 2,500+ Imagination Library programs in the US, with a program in every state plus the District of Columbia. Expanding the reach of the program and putting more books in the children’s hands is the primary objective for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. While currently reaching nearly 17% of all US children each month with the gift of an age-appropriate book in the mail, the Foundation aims to reach 25% of US children in the next five years. The Regional Director plays a critical role in advancing this mission by expanding access to communities without statewide programs, strengthening existing Local Program Partners (LPPs), and providing leadership in non-turnkey model states. This position requires a strategic, relationship-driven leader who excels in communication, project management, and results-oriented growth. Primary Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Perpetuate The Dollywood Foundation’s Vision & Mission Be a ‘personal representative’ for Dolly Parton and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Provide information and be a guiding resource to ‘Start a Program’ interest to successfully replicate, launch, and grow Imagination Library programs Provide localized support to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library partners to grow, sustain, and energize programs Perform a wide scope of complex duties and responsibilities in the management of a statewide Imagination Library program, exercise independent judgement, and have delegated decision-making authority Develop, plan, implement and maintain state specific model to include: Ensure smooth communication and alignment between teams (Dollywood Foundation, State Program Leadership, National and State Partners) and local affiliates Work with Marketing to ensure all brand elements adhere to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library brand guidelines Provide excellent customer service by managing contact with stakeholders daily, with timely response to emails and telephone inquiries Periodic travel for training, information, and planning sessions (20%) Support Operations and Finance Teams, as needed Prepare accurate and timely reports Provide leadership, support, and direction to meet assigned yearly performance goals Support Dolly Parton Events when assigned Maintain strict confidentiality and excellent judgement regarding privileged information Perform other duties as assigned Development – 50%
Serve as the first point of contact for nonprofit organizations and community groups interested in becoming Local Program Partners (LPPs). Screen potential partners for alignment and capacity and guide them through the formal onboarding process Provide consultation and technical assistance to help LPPs develop and execute strategic plans for enrollment growth, fundraising, and long-term sustainability Collaborate with the State Relations Director to identify and advance opportunities for government engagement, funding, and policy support Promote awareness of DPIL through presentations, meetings, and public events, representing the Foundation with professionalism and enthusiasm Provide leadership and oversight for the development and growth of non-turnkey model state teams Partner with state teams to design strategies for building robust, sustainable statewide programs Monitor state-level progress, ensuring alignment with national goals, effective funding models, and appropriate legislative strategy Project Management – 25%
Plan and coordinate presentations, events, meetings, and travel to support program development and partner engagement Embraces and utilizes CRM to manage accounts and track progress Assist with operational functions such as accounts receivable and other administrative processes as needed Position Requirements
The ideal candidate is a passionate, outstanding leader who thrives on the opportunity to deliver Dolly’s mission to inspire a love of reading as well as incorporate the foundation’s Core Values into all aspects of their work. Core Competencies/Values
Fully Represents Dolly Parton and The Dollywood Foundation with professionalism, integrity, and respect for the mission Demonstrates a strong commitment to improving children’s lives and advancing early childhood literacy Maintains a polished, professional presence in all interactions and communications Provides inspiring leadership that fosters collaboration across teams, partners, and communities Applies strategic thinking to support regional growth, identify opportunities, and strengthen long‑term sustainability Builds and maintains strong partnerships through effective relationship management Communicates clearly and compellingly across written, verbal, and public‑facing channels Manages projects effectively, coordinating multiple priorities and ensuring timely execution Adapts well to changing needs, schedules, and environments, including travel and non‑traditional hours Uses analytical thinking to interpret data, evaluate performance, and inform decisions Contributes positively to team culture, modeling integrity, ethics, and collaboration Skills/Knowledge
Demonstrates and uses excellent judgement and decision-making abilities throughout all job duties Prioritizes and plans work activities, uses time efficiently; disciplined to meet deadlines Ability to focus on the daily details while managing the overall scope of the job responsibilities Disciplined in meeting goals Ability to manage and resolve difficult or emotional situations Skilled in: Networking; Building Relationships; Leadership; Training; and Negotiation Excellent communicator via telephone, video conferencing and in person Exceptional verbal and written English language skills; patience in responsiveness to repetitive questions. Articulate, speaks, and writes clearly and informatively, proofs work for spelling and grammar. Listens for knowledge and clarification Responds promptly to requests for assistance. Responds well to questions Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills Works a varying schedule that may include nights, holidays, weekends, and occasional travel Observe safety and security functions; report potentially unsafe conditions; use equipment and materials properly; request assistance when necessary Education / Experience
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, or equivalent professional experience 3–5 years of relevant experience in business development, sales, government relations, nonprofit leadership, or a related field Proven experience developing, negotiating, and managing successful partnerships with diverse stakeholders. 2+ years of project management experience, with demonstrated ability to balance multiple priorities and maintain strong attention to detail Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with confidence in client‑facing interactions across phone, email, virtual meetings, and in‑person engagements Demonstrated success in relationship‑building, program development, or stakeholder engagement Highly organized, detail‑oriented, and able to manage work independently from a home office or while traveling. Proficiency with Google Workspace (G Suite), Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, video conferencing platforms, and CRM systems; technologically informed and comfortable adopting new tools Problem‑solving mindset with experience in customer service or client support preferred Dependable transportation, a valid driver’s license, and proof of insurance; ability to travel regularly within the assigned region Serves as a personal representative of Dolly Parton and The Dollywood Foundation, consistently incorporating the Foundation’s Core Values into all aspects of their work Location Requirement
Although this position is remote, the candidate must reside in Texas to meet compliance and business needs.
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