About the Organization
A well-established, mission-driven nonprofit organization based in the Greater Cleveland area is seeking a dynamic and visionary Director of Programs to lead and elevate its programmatic impact.
For over a decade, this organization has served as a trusted community partner delivering culturally responsive, high-impact programming that supports youth and perinatal populations, improves health outcomes, and strengthens families. The organization is deeply committed to advancing equity, access, and compassionate care across the communities it serves.
About the Role
This is a senior leadership role designed for a systems-level thinker who excels at building infrastructure that prevents problems—not just solving them. The Director of Programs will architect, lead, and continuously optimize program strategy, ensuring alignment between mission, execution, data, and long-term sustainability.
This Director of Programs is responsible for moving the organization from reactive program management to proactive, data-informed, and highly efficient program delivery. They will identify risks before they surface, close operational gaps, and build scalable systems that drive measurable impact across all initiatives.
As a key member of the leadership team, this role holds enterprise-wide responsibility for program excellence, performance accountability, and cross-functional alignment.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and lead a cohesive program strategy that aligns mission, funding, and measurable outcomes across all initiatives
- Build and implement program infrastructure, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and workflows that increase efficiency and reduce operational risk
- Identify gaps, redundancies, and inefficiencies across programs and proactively implement solutions
Predictive Performance & Data Intelligence
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and dashboards to track program health in real time
- Use data to anticipate challenges, inform decision-making, and drive continuous improvement
- Lead program evaluation efforts that go beyond compliance to demonstrate impact and scalability
Operational Excellence & Accountability
- Oversee program execution with a focus on quality, consistency, and sustainability
- Ensure all programs meet compliance, funding requirements, and performance benchmarks
- Integrate financial oversight into program planning, ensuring alignment between budgets and outcomes
Leadership & Culture Building
- Build, lead, and develop a high-performing program team with clear expectations, accountability structures, and growth pathways
- Coach team members to think strategically, not just execute tasks
- Foster a culture of ownership, innovation, and continuous improvement
Cross-Functional & External Alignment
- Partner with executive leadership to align programs with organizational strategy, growth, and funding priorities
- Collaborate with development, finance, and operations to ensure programmatic decisions are sustainable and fundable
- Strengthen partnerships with community stakeholders, funders, and collaborators to expand impact
Risk Management & Problem Prevention
- Anticipate operational and programmatic risks before they escalate
- Implement systems for quality assurance, feedback loops, and early intervention
- Serve as the organizational “early warning system” for program performance and delivery issues
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree strongly preferred (MPA, MPH, MSW, MBA, or related field).
- Seven (7) or more years of progressive leadership experience in program management within nonprofit, public health, healthcare, or human services settings.
- Minimum of five (5) years of direct people management experience, including supervision, coaching, performance management, and team development.
- Demonstrated success building, redesigning, or restructuring programs, processes, and operational systems—not solely maintaining existing structures.
- Proven ability to leverage data, performance metrics, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive strategic decision-making, operational improvements, and measurable outcomes.
- Strong operational and financial acumen, including budget development, management, forecasting, and alignment of financial resources with programmatic outcomes.
- Experience leading teams and organizations through growth, change management initiatives, and organizational transformation.
- Demonstrated track record of identifying operational inefficiencies and implementing innovative, scalable solutions that improve performance and impact.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including experience with formulas, pivot tables, data analysis, reporting, dashboards, and troubleshooting data discrepancies.
- Proficiency with organizational systems and technology platforms, including project management software, databases, CRM systems, learning management systems, and other business operations software.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Deep commitment to community impact, health equity, and culturally responsive programming and leadership practices.
- Community Health Worker (CHW) certification, bilingual proficiency, and/or experience serving diverse populations are considered strong assets.
Core Competencies
- Systems Thinking & Organizational Design
- Predictive Problem-Solving & Risk Mitigation
- Data-Driven Leadership & Performance Management
- Advanced Data Analytics & Reporting (Microsoft Excel)
- Technology Systems Management & Digital Proficiency
- Business Intelligence, Dashboard Development & KPI Tracking
- Process Improvement, Workflow Optimization & Automation
- Talent Development & Accountability Leadership
- Cross-Functional Collaboration & Strategic Influence
- Change Management & Continuous Improvement
- Adaptability, Innovation & Transformational Leadership
- Financial Analysis, Budget Oversight & Resource Stewardship
- Strategic Planning & Organizational Performance Management
Why This Opportunity
This role offers more than a title—it is a defining opportunity to build legacy through transformative impact. As Director of Programs, you will shape and scale initiatives that directly influence lives, strengthen families, and drive equitable outcomes across the communities we serve.
You will operate with a high level of influence, partnering closely with executive leadership to design systems, programs, and strategies that are both sustainable and measurable. This role is ideal for a leader who is not only committed to service but driven to build structures that create lasting change.
The organization offers a competitive compensation package, comprehensive benefits, and intentional investment in professional growth. Our onsite work environment is designed to foster collaboration, accountability, and well-being—ensuring leaders have the support and infrastructure needed to perform at the highest level.
Pay: $70,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Education:
Experience:
- Program management in nonprofit : 7 years (Required)
License/Certification:
- Community Health Worker (CHW) (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
