Program Director & Community Development Manager
Grace Haven Senior Center
53 West Church Street, Kilmarnock, VA 22482
Full-Time
Competitive Salary (Based on Experience & Qualifications)
Licensed Adult Day Center by the Virginia Department of Social Services
Lead. Inspire. Build. Grow.
Grace Haven Senior Center is seeking an exceptional leader to help build one of Virginia’s premier Adult Day Centers.
This is more than a Program Director position. This is an opportunity to shape the future of a growing organization dedicated to serving older adults and adults with disabilities throughout the Northern Neck.
We are looking for an energetic, compassionate, and results-driven professional who is passionate about serving seniors, building community relationships, leading teams, and growing a thriving Adult Day Center. The ideal candidate understands that exceptional care and community engagement go hand in hand. This individual will oversee the daily operations of the center while serving as the face of Grace Haven throughout the community.
If you’re looking for an opportunity to make a lasting impact while helping build a program from the ground up, we’d love to meet you.
About Grace Haven
Grace Haven Senior Center is a licensed Adult Day Center committed to providing compassionate, person-centered care that enhances the quality of life for older adults and adults with disabilities.
Our mission is to provide a safe, engaging, and enriching environment where participants remain active, independent, connected, and valued while giving families peace of mind knowing their loved ones are receiving exceptional care.
As we continue to grow, we are seeking a visionary leader who shares our commitment to excellence, dignity, innovation, and compassionate service.
Position Summary
The Program Director & Community Development Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, administration, regulatory compliance, program development, participant experience, staff supervision, community outreach, enrollment growth, and strategic development of Grace Haven Senior Center.
This position serves as both the operational leader of the Adult Day Center and the organization’s primary ambassador within the community.
The successful candidate will ensure compliance with all Virginia Department of Social Services Adult Day Center regulations while actively developing referral relationships, increasing community awareness, and helping grow participant enrollment.
This is a leadership position for someone who enjoys building programs, leading people, solving problems, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Primary Responsibilities Leadership & Program Administration
- Provide overall leadership and day-to-day management of Grace Haven Senior Center.
- Ensure compliance with all Virginia Department of Social Services Adult Day Center licensing regulations, organizational policies, and quality standards.
- Supervise, mentor, and develop staff while fostering a positive, accountable, and compassionate workplace culture.
- Assist with hiring, onboarding, training, coaching, scheduling, and performance management.
- Develop policies, procedures, and quality improvement initiatives.
- Prepare for licensing inspections, audits, and regulatory reviews.
- Maintain accurate records, documentation, participant files, and required reports.
- Collaborate with families, healthcare providers, and interdisciplinary team members to ensure exceptional participant care.
Program Development & Participant Experience
- Design and oversee engaging therapeutic, recreational, educational, wellness, and social programs.
- Develop monthly activity calendars that promote physical, cognitive, emotional, and social well-being.
- Ensure programs accommodate varying abilities, including individuals living with dementia and other cognitive or physical disabilities.
- Continuously evaluate and improve programming based on participant needs and best practices.
- Create a welcoming, respectful, and person-centered environment where every participant feels valued.
Community Development & Business Growth
Serve as the public face of Grace Haven throughout the community by developing strong referral relationships and increasing awareness of our services.
Responsibilities include:
- Building partnerships with hospitals, physicians, rehabilitation centers, assisted living communities, skilled nursing facilities, home care agencies, hospice providers, churches, senior organizations, veterans’ organizations, social workers, case managers, and community leaders.
• Representing Grace Haven at networking events, health fairs, senior expos, educational seminars, and community meetings. • Conducting presentations and educational workshops for families, caregivers, and community partners.
- Developing new referral sources and maintaining existing professional relationships.
- Working closely with leadership to increase participant enrollment and expand community awareness.
Marketing & Community Engagement
- Collaborate on marketing campaigns and community outreach initiatives.
- Assist with social media content, newsletters, community events, and promotional activities.
- Coordinate open houses, caregiver education events, and community engagement opportunities.
- Identify innovative ways to strengthen Grace Haven’s visibility throughout the region.
Enrollment & Family Relations
- Conduct tours for prospective participants and families.
- Assist with intake assessments and admissions.
- Follow up with inquiries and referral sources.
- Build trusting relationships with families throughout the enrollment process.
- Help develop strategies that increase census and participant retention.
Operational Excellence
- Monitor budgets related to programming and supplies.
- Coordinate volunteers, guest speakers, entertainers, and community partners.
- Maintain inventory and order supplies as needed.
- Track program outcomes and recommend operational improvements.
- Support continuous quality improvement initiatives.
Qualifications
Candidates should meet the qualifications required for a Program Director under Virginia Adult Day Center licensing requirements or be eligible to do so.
Preferred qualifications include:
- Experience in Adult Day Services, senior services, healthcare administration, social services, recreation therapy, nursing, human services, or a related field.
- Leadership or management experience in healthcare or senior services.
- Experience supervising staff and managing daily operations.
- Experience with community outreach, business development, marketing, or relationship management.
- Strong knowledge of aging, dementia, disabilities, and person-centered care.
- Excellent organizational, leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to build strong relationships with participants, families, referral partners, and community organizations.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for community outreach activities.
Who We’re Looking For
The ideal candidate is:
- A natural leader who motivates and inspires others.
- Passionate about serving older adults and adults with disabilities.
- Energetic, outgoing, and comfortable networking throughout the community.
- Highly organized and able to manage multiple priorities.
- Creative, innovative, and solutions-oriented.
- Comfortable speaking with families, healthcare professionals, and community organizations.
- Self-motivated and able to work independently while collaborating with a team.
- Committed to excellence, accountability, compassion, and continuous improvement.
Success in This Role
Within your first year, you will help:
- Build strong referral relationships throughout the Northern Neck.
- Increase awareness of Grace Haven Senior Center within the community.
- Grow participant enrollment and maintain a healthy census.
- Develop engaging, person-centered programming.
- Lead a highly engaged, compassionate team.
- Maintain full compliance with Virginia Adult Day Center regulations.
- Establish Grace Haven as the trusted choice for Adult Day Services in our region.
Why Join Grace Haven?
At Grace Haven, you won’t simply manage a program—you’ll help build a lasting legacy.
We offer:
- Meaningful work that changes lives.
- The opportunity to lead and shape a growing organization.
- A collaborative, mission-driven leadership team.
- Professional growth and leadership development opportunities.
- The ability to make a measurable impact on older adults, families, and the community.
- A culture built on compassion, dignity, innovation, integrity, and excellence.
If you’re ready to lead with purpose, build meaningful community partnerships, and help create one of Virginia’s premier Adult Day Centers, we invite you to apply and become part of the Grace Haven family.
