Strategic Programs Director

Job Description

Job Description

Crystal Stairs, Inc.

Improving the Lives of Families through

Child Care Services, Research, and Advocacy

Director, Strategic Programs

Location: Los Angeles, California

100% On-site Position

Job Summary:

Crystal Stairs, Inc., a California nonprofit corporation dedicated to child care development for working low-income families, is looking for a dedicated, mission-driven Strategic Programs Director who leads development, implementation, and evaluation of innovative initiatives that advance our mission of improving the lives of families and children through child care services, early learning, and family support services.

Reporting to the Chief Strategy Officer, this senior leader will drive organizational strategy, strengthen program impact, and expand Crystal Stairs' reach across Los Angeles County. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with deep experience in social services, early childhood systems, parent support, community partnerships, and equity-centered program design.

Key Job Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Partner with the executive leadership team to define and execute organizational strategic priorities.
• Lead the design, scaling, and continuous improvement of programs that strengthen family stability, child development, and community well-being.
• Monitor trends in early childhood education, child care policy, family services, and community development to inform program strategy.
• Drive organizational effectiveness through innovative programs/services and continued relevance for families and communities served.
• Collaborate with the COO and program leadership to support operational excellence and cross-functional initiatives.

Program Development & Innovation

• Oversee the development and refinement of program models that integrate child care access, family support, provider engagement, and community partnerships.
• Implement data-driven approaches to evaluate program outcomes and improve service delivery.
• Foster a culture of innovation, exploring new methodologies, technologies, and evidence-based practices.
• Develop and analyze performance metrics using existing data systems to ensure program quality and accountability.

Partnership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and sustain relationships with key partners, including child care providers, community-based organizations, county agencies, policymakers, and funders.
• Advocate for policies that advance equitable access to child care and family support services.
• Represent Crystal Stairs at conferences, community forums, and public events to elevate the organization's mission, impact and community presence.

Resource Development & Sustainability

• Partner with the External Affairs team to identify funding opportunities and support proposal development.
• Contribute to compelling narratives, reports, and presentations that demonstrate program impact to funders and stakeholders.
• Support the development of sustainable program models that promote long-term financial health and organizational resilience.

Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in Public Administration, Social Work, Education, Nonprofit Management, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of program management experience, including at least 5 years in a leadership role within a nonprofit, social services, or early childhood organization.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing and scaling programs serving families, children, or underserved communities.
• Strong understanding of early childhood systems, child care access, family support services, and community-based program delivery.
• Proven ability to build and maintain partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, providers, and community organizations.
• Exceptional communication, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Commitment to Crystal Stairs' mission and core values.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite required
• Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Maintain "approachability" as an advisor; use tact and diplomacy in communicating with all levels of the Agency.

Total Package of Benefits

• Medical/ Dental/ Vision - 95% paid by employer
• 401k Matching Options
• Flex Spending
• Sick and Vacation Time
• Paid Holidays
• Opportunity for Growth and Development
• Robust Learning Management System offering the following continuing education units: PDC, HRCI, CEU, CPE, PDU

Crystal Stairs, Inc. is committed to building and sustaining diverse workforce and culture. As part of this commitment, Crystal Stairs, Inc. provides equal opportunity in all of our employment practices, including selection, hiring, promotion, transfer, and compensation, to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, medical condition as defined by state law, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, ethnic group identification, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, or any other legally protected status.

For more information about Crystal Stairs, Inc. please visit our website at: