Program Director
Position Overview
The Program Director is a strategic and operational leader responsible for the design, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of programs that align with the nonprofit’s mission. Reporting to the Executive Director (or CEO), this role ensures that programmatic initiatives are high-impact, scalable, and sustainable.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and manage a robust portfolio of programs: from concept through launch, monitoring, evaluation, and iteration
- Align programmatic goals with organizational strategy, ensuring synergy across initiatives
- Lead and mentor program staff and volunteers; build a culture of accountability, innovation, and learning
- Oversee the annual program budget, track performance against metrics, and manage resources efficiently
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and performance dashboards to measure outcomes and impact
- Drive data-driven decision-making through ongoing program evaluation, feedback loops, and continuous improvement
- Cultivate partnerships and collaborations with other nonprofits, community stakeholders, service providers, and funders
- Ensure compliance with funder requirements, regulatory standards, and internal policies
- Communicate program results and stories internally and externally; support fundraising efforts by providing programmatic content
- Innovate new service models or program expansions in response to emerging needs or trends
Qualifications & Attributes
- Leadership experience in nonprofit management, public administration, social sciences, or related field strongly preferred
- Minimum of 7–10 years of progressively responsible experience in nonprofit program leadership
- Strong quantitative and qualitative analytics skills; comfort with data dashboards and reporting
- Demonstrated team leadership, coaching, and cross-functional collaboration skills
- Excellent communicator—able to translate mission and impact into compelling narratives for diverse audiences
- Adaptive, entrepreneurial mindset; capacity to lead change in dynamic environments
- Experience in partnership development, coalition-building, and stakeholder management
- Commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive practices
Must be a resident of Michigan.
Travel Requirements = <5% out of state; 95% in-state