Program Director

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary

The Program Director plans, leads, directs, and coordinates the programs portfolio of the health center in alignment with the organization’s mission, strategic plan, and the requirements of the federal Health Center Program administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Bureau of Primary Health Care (BPHC). The Program Director provides oversight and direct supervision to Project Managers and program-level staff, ensuring effective delivery of health center programs, project related to service line growth and facilities expansion, performance improvement and continuous quality improvement. The Program Director serves as a key member of the Management Team and works in close partnership with the Chief Operating Officer, Executive Team, and other senior leaders to achieve organizational goals and advance community health outcomes. This position has primary accountability for the implementation and monitoring of key operational programs, building and expansion initiatives and community partnership engagement.

Program Strategy & Leadership

Provides strategic direction for the organization's portfolio of programs in alignment with the FQHC's mission, HRSA-approved scope of project, and the goals of the federal Health Center Program. Participates as an active member of the Management Team. Partners with senior leadership on organizational strategic planning, setting program-level goals, and identifying opportunities for service expansion. Ensures all programs reflect and advance the core values and mission of the health center. Serves as a liaison between operational program teams and executive leadership, translating strategy into executable plans.

Supervision & Development of Project Managers

Directly supervises all Project Managers and program-level staff assigned to the Programs department. Facilitates regular one-on-one and team meetings to promote communication, assess performance, and resolve operational needs. Conducts annual and interim performance evaluations against job description criteria and competency assessments; provides ongoing coaching and guidance for professional development. Recommends hiring, promotion, and corrective action. Schedules and tracks attendance and paid time off for direct reports. Assesses training needs and promotes learning opportunities to build team capacity.

Program Implementation & Quality Improvement

Leads the planning, design, implementation, and evaluation of community health programs and initiatives across the health center’s HRSA-approved scope of project. Ensures all program activities align with patient-centered, culturally competent, and evidence-based practices. Monitors program fidelity and operational effectiveness, identifying gaps and implementing corrective action plans. Participates in Quality Improvement committee meetings and contributes to organization-wide risk management activities. Integrates patient feedback, community health needs assessment findings, and Health Center Program performance measures into program planning cycles to ensure services remain responsive and impactful.

Performance Improvement & Monitoring

Leads the development and implementation of a performance improvement (PI) framework across all programs, establishing clear key performance indicators (KPIs), benchmarks, and outcome measures aligned with HRSA UDS clinical and operational performance metrics. Directs the collection, analysis, and reporting of program data to senior leadership, the Board of Directors, and funders. Facilitates regular performance review meetings with Project Managers to assess progress against targets, identify root causes of underperformance, and develop data-informed improvement plans. Utilizes tools such as Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles, dashboards, and scorecards to drive accountability and measurable improvement. Champions a culture of learning and continuous improvement across program teams. Partners with the Clinical Director and Quality Improvement team to align programmatic and clinical performance improvement initiatives.

Community Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement

Cultivates and maintains partnerships with community-based organizations, public health agencies, local government, hospitals, and other stakeholders to enhance coordination of care and address social determinants of health. Represents the health center in community coalitions, advisory groups, and public forums. Manages collaboration agreements and MOUs with partner organizations. Promotes the health center’s mission, visibility, and impact within the communities served. Supports community health needs assessments and uses findings to inform program priorities.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Working knowledge or ability to learn federal Health Center Program requirements, HRSA/BPHC regulations, and UDS reporting
• Demonstrated knowledge of grant lifecycle management, including budget monitoring, and compliance reporting (2 CFR Part 200)
• Strong understanding of community health, social determinants of health, and public health principles
• Ability to supervise, coach, and develop a team of project managers and program staff
• Excellent organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple programs simultaneously
• Ability to analyze program data and use findings to drive continuous quality improvement
• Strong oral and written communication skills; ability to prepare reports for board, executive, and funder audiences
• Ability to work collaboratively with people of all ages, social, and ethnic backgrounds
• Skill in building and sustaining partnerships with community organizations, government agencies, and healthcare providers
• Proficient in computer applications including Microsoft Office, EHR systems, and grant management platforms
• Demonstrated strategic thinking and analytical skills
• Ability to convey a sense of confidence and trust to all stakeholders
• Ability to manage and perform with a high degree of autonomy, organization, and adaptability
• Ability to maintain patient and employee confidentiality

Additional Responsibilities

• Participates in agency-wide events, staff meetings, and health fairs
• Performs other related duties as required and assigned by the Chief Executive Officer
• Supports onboarding of new program staff and provides temporary coverage as needed

Information Management

• Treats all information and data within the scope of the position with appropriate confidentiality and security

Risk Management

• Cooperates fully in all risk management activities and investigations
• Plans and implements policies and procedures to minimize program-related risk within the organization
• Assists with identifying, analyzing, investigating, and documenting program and grant-related risk management issues and activities

Safety Requirements

• Knowledge of, observes, and complies with clinic safety policies and emergency procedures

Additional Requirements

• Able to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as required by program needs
• Able to work at various health center locations and outreach sites
• Local travel required for community meetings, site visits, and partner engagement

Minimum Position Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in public health, Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, or a related field

Experience / Training: Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in program management, healthcare administration, or a related field; minimum of two (2) years of supervisory experience overseeing project managers or program staff

Preferred Position Qualifications

Education: Master’s degree in Public Health (MPH), Healthcare Administration (MHA), Business Administration (MBA), or related field

Experience / Training: Experience working in a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) or community health center environment; demonstrated experience with HRSA grant management and UDS reporting; experience with Section 330 Health Center Program compliance; bilingual English/Spanish

License / Certification: Project Management Professional (PMP); Certified Community Health Worker (CCHW); or equivalent professional certification in public health or healthcare management

Environmental Conditions

This job operates in a professional office environment and community-based settings. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines. Position involves sitting for extended periods of time while working at a computer. The position may require travel to health center sites, partner organizations, and community locations. Exposure to standard clinical office environments is possible.

Physical and Personal Requirements

• Must have reliable transportation
• Ability to sit for extended periods, with occasional standing, walking, and light lifting (up to 20 lbs)