Programs Director

Job Description

Job Description

Priority will be given to applications submitted before July 1, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted and reviewed until the position is filled.

Join our team of mission-driven professionals!

Whatcom Center for Early Learning (WCEL) provides transformational services for young children and their families across Whatcom County, WA-with majestic mountains, beautiful seaside views, and a thriving outdoor recreation culture. Founded in 1973, WCEL partners with families and caregivers to provide high-quality, equitable, and comprehensive therapy, early learning, and support services to children, with a focus on those experiencing developmental delays and disabilities. WCEL is a non-profit organization with a $5 million annual budget and approximately 60 employees. For more information, please visit

Lived experience brings valuable insight

We are working to build a team that reflects the communities that we serve and brings a range of perspectives to help strengthen our services. We strongly encourage candidates who bring lived experience related to the barriers people may face in accessing early support services including, but not limited to, experiences related to race, culture, language, disability, identity, or involvement with support systems to apply. This perspective helps us better understand the needs of our communities, improve how we deliver services, and ensure that everyone feels welcomed and supported. If you meet the qualifications and feel your experience can help us grow in this way, we would love to hear from you.

Position Summary

The Programs Director provides strategic leadership, oversight, and support for WCEL's clinically-aligned services and its program managers.

This role supervises Program Managers and ensures that programs are high-quality, compliant, and aligned with organizational priorities, grant requirements, and community needs. The Programs Director drives consistency in program execution, strengthens accountability structures, and advances systems for planning, tracking, and reporting across all program areas.

The Programs Director partners closely with Finance, Development, and Culture & People to ensure program sustainability, regulatory compliance, and staff support-while enabling Program Managers to focus on service delivery, outcomes, and family impact.

Location: Primarily works from our Cordata location.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Leadership & Oversight

• Provide direct supervision, coaching, and support to Program Managers across ESIT and Mental Health

• Establish clear expectations, goals, and accountability structures for program performance and outcomes

• Ensure alignment of program operations with WCEL's strategic priorities, mission, and equity commitments

• Support service delivery and program metrics across programs at a strategic level, working towards long-term improvements and sustainability of service delivery

• Serve as a senior leader in cross-program coordination and organizational planning

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

• Utilize the expertise of each program manager to support ensuring all programs operate in compliance with applicable regulations

• Oversee program adherence to allowable costs, service delivery requirements, documentation standards, and reporting timelines

• Ensure audit readiness across programs, including documentation systems, file integrity, and reporting accuracy

• Partner with Finance and Development to ensure alignment between program operations and funding requirements

Program Planning, Tracking & Reporting

• Oversee development and implementation of program plans, including goals, outputs, outcomes, and evaluation metrics

• Ensure consistent systems for tracking program performance, deliverables, and key indicators across all program areas

• Review and approve program reports, dashboards, and funder applications for accuracy, clarity, and compliance

• Support Program Managers in using data to inform decision-making, continuous improvement, and strategy

Financial & Grant Alignment

• Partner with Finance to monitor program budgets, ensuring compliance with funding requirements and fiscal accountability

• Oversee alignment between program activities and grant or contract deliverables

• Support forecasting, resource planning, and sustainability efforts across programs

• Collaborate with Development on grant strategy, reporting, and funding alignment

Systems & Continuous Improvement

• Establish and standardize program management systems, tools, and documentation practices across all program areas

• Oversee development and maintenance of SOPs related to program operations, compliance, and reporting workflows

• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, clarity, accountability, and cross-program consistency

• Ensure Program Managers are equipped with tools, templates, and systems needed for effective program execution

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Collaborate with DCPE on staffing, performance management, and team development within programs

• Partner with Administrative and IT functions to ensure strong data systems and reporting infrastructure

• Serve as a liaison between programs and executive leadership, elevating risks, needs, and strategic opportunities

• Contribute to organizational decision-making as a member of the leadership team

Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to lead through others, including supervising and developing Program Managers with clear expectations, accountability, and coaching
• Strong understanding of regulatory and compliance environments (e.g., IDEA Part C/ESIT, Medicaid, licensing, and grant requirements) and ability to translate requirements into program operations
• Ability to think strategically while ensuring strong execution, connecting organizational priorities to program-level implementation
• Experience building and standardizing systems, including program tracking, reporting, and SOP development across multiple program areas
• Strong data literacy, including the ability to interpret dashboards, analyze trends, and use data to guide decision-making and continuous improvement
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple programs, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously
• Effective cross-functional collaboration skills, with experience partnering across different departments and functions
• Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate with staff, leadership, and external partners
• Strong problem-solving and conflict management skills, with the ability to navigate complex program and personnel challenges
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and family-centered practices in program design, service delivery, and outcomes

Education and Knowledge:

Required

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., early childhood education, social services, public health, nonprofit management) or equivalent combination of education and experience

• Experience scaling programs

• Experience directly supervising staff or managers

• Demonstrated experience managing or overseeing regulated programs (e.g., early intervention, healthcare, education, or similar)

• Strong knowledge of program compliance, documentation standards, and accountability structures

• Experience with program planning, performance measurement, and reporting

• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 tools and data/reporting systems

Preferred

• Experience with health equity initiatives

• Direct experience with Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT) / IDEA Part C systems and requirements

• Experience overseeing multiple programs or service lines within a nonprofit, healthcare, or early learning environment

• Experience with grant-funded programs, including compliance and reporting requirements

• Training or experience in reflective supervision and staff development

• Background in early childhood, mental health, or family-centered service delivery

• Experience building or improving program systems, SOPs, and cross-program workflows

• Multilingual skills or lived experience reflective of the communities served

Benefits:

• Simple IRA with 3% company match
• Health insurance (Medical/Dental/Vision) – including family coverage options
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Professional development stipend after 90 days of employment
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

Other Requirements

• Vehicle in working condition, driver's license, and auto insurance

FLSA Status Options

Exempt: This position is exempt from overtime pay in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Washington State regulations.

Whatcom Center for Early Learning (WCEL) is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.