Marco Dementia Respite (MDR)
Program Manager – Caregiver and Participant Services
About the Role
The Program Manager – Caregiver and Participant Services plays a central role in delivering and strengthening the mission of Marco Dementia Respite (MDR) by supporting both caregivers and individuals living with dementia. This position combines program leadership, direct facilitation, volunteer supervision, and ongoing program development.
The Program Manager oversees volunteer caregiver support group facilitators, personally leads specialized small-group sessions for caregivers and participants, and develops meaningful, engaging programming that enhances quality of life, connection, and support for those MDR serves.
This role is both strategic and hands-on, ensuring that MDR programs remain compassionate, responsive, and aligned with best practices in dementia support.
Key Responsibilities
Program Delivery and Facilitation
- Plan and facilitate specialized small-group support sessions for caregivers
- Lead engaging activity-based sessions for individuals participating in MDR dementia programs
- Create a welcoming, safe, and supportive environment for all participants
- Adapt activities to meet varying cognitive, emotional, and physical abilities
- Provide compassionate guidance and encouragement to both caregivers and participants
Volunteer Supervision and Support
- Recruit, train, and supervise volunteer caregiver support group facilitators
- Provide guidance, coaching, and ongoing support to facilitators
- Ensure consistency and quality across all support group offerings
- Assist with scheduling and coverage of support group sessions
- Serve as a resource for facilitators managing group dynamics or participant concerns
Program Development
- Lead the ongoing development of program content for both caregivers and dementia participants
- Develop and implement meaningful, evidence-informed activities and discussion topics
- Evaluate program effectiveness and recommend improvements
- Help ensure programs reflect MDR’s mission, values, and standards of excellence
- Stay informed about best practices in dementia care, caregiver support, and brain health
Communication and Coordination
- Communicate regularly with MDR leadership regarding program needs, progress, and
opportunities
- Help maintain program calendars, attendance records, and basic documentation
- Assist with outreach and relationship-building with caregivers and community partners
- Support special events, workshops, and educational offerings
Qualifications
Required
- Demonstrated compassion for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills
- Experience facilitating groups, leading activities, or providing caregiver support
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
- Commitment to MDR’s mission and values
Preferred
- Background in social work, psychology, gerontology, therapeutic recreation, nursing, counseling, or
a related field
- Experience working with individuals living with dementia
- Experience supervising volunteers
- Program development or curriculum design experience
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field
Personal Attributes
- Warm, patient, and empathetic
- Creative and engaging
- Calm and confident in group settings
- Flexible and adaptable
- Professional and dependable
Supervision
Reports to: Executive Director or Program Director
Supervises: Volunteer Caregiver Support Group Facilitators
Position Type
Part-time or Full-time, depending on organizational needs.
Pay: $29.00 - $35.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
