WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR:
New Directions Career Center empowers women to achieve financial stability and self-sufficiency through education, career development, and supportive services. We are seeking a collaborative, strategic, and mission-driven Program Director to lead our programming and ensure our services continue to create meaningful impact for the individuals and communities we serve.
Position Summary
The Program Director provides strategic leadership and operational management for all New Directions programs and services, ensuring they align with the organization's mission, strategic priorities, and the evolving needs of clients and the community. This position exercises independent judgment in programmatic and operational decisions within established organizational policies and plays a key role in fostering a collaborative, high-performing, and mission-focused culture.
The Program Director serves as a member of the leadership team and partners closely with staff, volunteers, community organizations, funders, and the Board of Trustees to ensure program excellence, organizational sustainability, and continuous improvement.
WHAT YOU’LL DO:
Program Quality and Effectiveness
· In partnership with internal and external stakeholders, leads and oversees the design, implementation, and evaluation New Directions programs, initiatives, and partnerships, identifying opportunities for growth, innovation, and improved impact
· Directs departmental budget and resources plans in support of organizational revenue and expense goals
· Ensures program plans and goals measure and articulate impact, meet funder outcome requirements, and further the agency strategic plan
· Ensures client voice and experience inform program design and implementation.
· Maintains and applies high level of knowledge of current human services, workforce development, and career services trends and best practices
· Oversees data management for program operations, and is responsible for timely high-quality reporting of outcomes to stakeholders
· Practices continuous program improvement based on participant feedback, evaluations, data, and resources
· Leads scholarship and award selection process
Program Team Management
· Manages the hiring, development, coaching, and supervision of direct reports
· Establishes clear performance expectations, metrics, and accountability structures for program staff and outcomes
· Provides direction and feedback to contractors
· Manages client concerns and develops resolution plans as appropriate
Program Budget Management and Resource Development
· Works with organizational leadership, board members, and other appropriate staff in the development and monitoring of the organization’s budget
· Ensures compliance with applicable regulations, ethical standards, risk management, and funder requirements
· Collaborates with agency leadership to secure revenue outlined in the board approved budget
· Cultivates relationships with potential funders and resources for program operations
· Supports resource development by researching funders, contributing to proposal development, and completing and submitting program reporting
Build Relationships with Program Stakeholders
· Works collaboratively with Board Committees to support programs and services
· Directs the development of strategic partnerships with networks, collaborative groups, individual community service providers, and partners serving programs. This includes management of Contracts/Service Agreements and Memorandums of Understanding
· Oversees the communication of program fiscal and operational information to stakeholders including staff, funders, partners, and board members
· Conducts and oversees regular outreach and engagement activities to raise awareness of New Directions offerings
· In partnership with agency leadership, develops professional relationships with funders and keeps them informed of grant and program progress, challenges and successes
WHAT YOU'LL BRING TO US:
Professional Qualifications
· Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred in nonprofit management, social work, education, public administration, or a related field.
· At least 5 years of experience in career planning, counseling, and adult education with emphasis in program development and delivery; non-profit experience and experience in a small organizational setting preferred.
· Five or more years of progressive leadership experience
· Experience working with women and diverse adult client populations
· Integrates equity-centered and trauma-informed practices into leadership, program design, service delivery, and evaluation
· Demonstrated disciplined, structured, and data driven approach to decision making and problem solving with a focus on metrics, outcomes, and results
· Strong strategic planning, project management, and organizational skills.
· Experience managing budgets and multiple funding sources.
· Demonstrated success building collaborative relationships with community partners and stakeholders.
· Strong written and verbal communication skills, along with the ability to analyze audience for effective delivery.
· Strong proficiency working within Windows, Microsoft, and Google applications, as well as remote meeting platforms; ability to use AI tools effectively with sound judgement, ethics, and data privacy.
· Commitment to equity, inclusion, and serving diverse populations.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with grant-funded programs and outcome measurement, including grant writing and reporting.
· Direct experience in career-related assessments, career exploration, decision-making and planning, job assistance, and placement
· Knowledge of workforce development, career services, adult education, or related human services.
· Experience working with nonprofit boards and committees
The ideal candidate is:
- A strategic thinker who balances big-picture planning with operational excellence.
- A collaborative leader who develops and inspires others.
- A relationship builder who enjoys connecting with community partners and stakeholders.
- A strong communicator who leads with integrity, accountability, and empathy.
- Passionate about helping individuals achieve economic self-sufficiency and advancing New Directions' mission.
WHY WORK HERE?
New Directions Career Center practices what we teach in our career development and wellness-based programs. We believe our staff is the heart and soul of the organization and is a positive agent of change for a more equitable and inclusive community. Our workplace culture is challenging, supportive, collaborative and mission-driven and celebrates diversity. We take a genuine interest in career paths and work-life balance.
You’ll enjoy a welcoming and casual professional environment with self-development opportunities and supportive leadership. New Directions provides health, vision, dental, and life insurance and short term disability in addition to generous paid time off benefits. If you want to work in a small and mighty progressive organization where you can build something meaningful and have fun while doing it, we would love to hear from you.
ABOUT NEW DIRECTIONS CAREER CENTER:
New Directions Career Center is in its 46th year of providing high-quality career counseling, education, and supportive services to help thousands of women achieve affirming and satisfying career paths. We accomplish our mission of uplifting and empowering women to achieve and maintain self-sufficiency by offering a holistic suite of career development programs, workshops, and individualized services, including career counseling, employment readiness and placement, mediation, and support services.
Learn more at newdirectionscc.org.
Equal Employment Opportunity
New Directions is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, military status, citizenship, or any other status or condition protected by law.
Pay: Commensurate with experience and qualifications
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Benefit subsidy can be applied internally to health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
- Short-Term Disability Insurance
- Group Life/ AD&D Insurance
Schedule:
- Primarily day-time hours with need for evening availability for committee and board meetings and events – can flex schedule to accommodate this.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $75,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year
Ability to Commute:
- Columbus, OH 43219 (Required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Columbus, OH 43219
