Senior Director, Education & Training
Reports To : Senior Director of Crisis Programs
Management Responsibility For Youth Services Coordinator Hey Sam Text Coordinators Hey Sam Volunteers OES Volunteers Other Support Staff
About The Position : The Manager of Text Operations is responsible for the leadership, coordination, and success of Samaritans' two text-based support services : Hey Sam, a peer-to-peer texting service for people up to 24 years old, and Samaritans Online Emotional Support (OES), a 24 / 7 text-based crisis service. This position plays a critical role in ensuring program quality, volunteer and staff support, and data-driven decision-making. The Manager will supervise a team of frontline staff and volunteers, oversee technology platforms, manage scheduling, and ensure accurate data reporting to sustain and grow both programs. The Manager of Text Operations will work with the Sr. Director of Crisis Programs to ensure that clinical best practices are implemented on Hey Sam and OES. Key Responsibilities
Program Management & Supervision
- Oversee daily operations of both Hey Sam and OES texting services
- Monitor and maintain technology platforms (e.g., messaging systems, scheduling tools)
- Maintain policies, protocols, and workflows specific to text-based crisis services
- Provide supervision to individual reports
- Hold weekly team meetings for Hey Sam staff
- Oversee staff and volunteer schedules of both Hey Sam and OES texting services
- Ensure compliance with confidentiality, safety, and risk protocol
Recruitment, Retention, & HR Practices
In collaboration with the Recruitment and Retention Coordinator, identify candidates for volunteer and staff positions as neededInterview, hire, and train text service staff and volunteersComplete performance reviews for direct reportsTraining & Quality Assurance
Conduct regular quality assurance reviews of text conversationsIdentify training needs and deliver feedback to staff and volunteersSupport implementation of best practices in crisis interventionIn collaboration with the Senior Director of Crisis Programs, ensure all procedures are implemented by ICH standardsCover text shifts as needed to maintain service continuityReporting & Compliance
Identify, prepare reports and present key metrics associated with OES operationsUse data insights to inform improvements in service deliveryKey Qualifications & Characteristics
Minimum 2 years of supervisory or program management experienceExperience in crisis intervention, mental health, or related support servicesKnowledge of the field of suicide and suicide prevention preferredExperience working with youth or peer support programsKnowledge of texting or chat-based mental health servicesStrong communication skills, including the ability to make effective and persuasive presentationsAdept at interacting with others in person, over the phone, on zoom, or via emailAbility to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentialityAbility to work independently and collaboratively to maximize teamwork across the organizationMust be able to evaluate problems accurately and resolve conflict displaying good, sound judgmentProficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint requiredExperience with Salesforce preferredSpecial Requirements
Successful completion of the Befriender Training and completion of a weekly shift on the Helpline for 1 month after completion of trainingParticipates in the On-call rotationSupport interns from local colleges and universities through supervision and evaluationsAttend conferences and other related meetings outside of the organization as requested by Senior Director of Crisis ProgramsSupport and attend Samaritans key fundraising eventsOther duties as assigned by supervisorSalary & Benefits
The salary range for this position is $72,000.00$86,000.00 annually and will be determined based on experience and skill set.Employer matched 401(k) Plan (Safe Harbor Match- 100% up to 3%, plus 50% from 3-5%)Short and Long-Term Disability coverage as well as Life Insurance- Premium paid by SamaritansLife Insurance coverage on individual employee benefit up to a maximum of $100,000Health (85% of premium covered by Samaritans for individual plan), Dental (90% of premium covered by Samaritans for individual plan) and Vision insurance 100% paid by employeeHealthcare FSA and Childcare DCA, Commuter Benefits and Employee Assistance ProgramPaid Family Medical Leave benefits- Premium paid by SamaritansGenerous Vacation (New hires start with 10 days), Sick (8 days) and Personal Time Off (5 days)14 paid holidays per calendar yearHybrid work schedule (2 days required in office / week) plus 6 fully remote work weeksMileage Reimbursement : provided for work-related travel to off-site trainings, conferences, and meetingsAnnual $300 professional development budgetOut of state applicants will be required to relocate to Massachusetts within three months of employment and also work the same hybrid schedule as all employees.About Samaritans
Samaritans, Inc. is the leading suicide prevention organization in Massachusetts, providing lifesaving services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Samaritans envisions a world without suicide. Our mission is to prevent suicide and offer hope and support to those affected. For nearly 50 years, Samaritans volunteers selected, trained and supported by a dedicated professional staff have provided compassionate and non-judgmental support, free of charge, to callers through its Helpline, and now to texters as well. This growing organization provides prevention, intervention, and postvention services that make our communities healthier and happier, and reduces the stigma associated with suicide and mental health concerns. We provide a working environment that celebrates the positive lifesaving work that occurs here each and every day. Samaritans works to prevent suicide and support those who have lost someone to suicide throughout Greater Boston and MetroWest Massachusetts. Our services are free, confidential, and nonjudgmental. We are located in downtown Boston.
Samaritans is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
To learn more about Samaritans, please visit : www.samaritanshope.org
How To Apply
Applications that are missing a resume or cover letter may not be considered Disclaimer : During the course of the interview, we may inquire about sensitive topics, including the applicant's connection to suicide. We approach these questions with the utmost respect and understanding, recognizing the potential emotional impact they may have. Participation in answering such questions is entirely voluntary, and applicants are encouraged to skip any inquiries that they find uncomfortable. The purpose of these questions is solely to gather relevant information for the assessment process, and all responses will be handled with confidentiality and sensitivity. If at any point an applicant feels distressed or uncomfortable, they are encouraged to communicate their concerns to the interviewer or withdraw from answering specific questions.