Program Director

At VisionQuest (VQ) , we serve children, youth, and families during some of the most critical moments of their lives. Our teams help young people overcome challenges, build resilience, and move toward brighter futures. VQ is a national child, youth, and family services organization providing residential programming, community-based services, and in-home support across the United States. We partner with state and federal agencies to deliver services where the need is greatest and to strengthen the communities we serve. Every role at VQ contributes to meaningful impact. Whether working directly with youth or supporting the professionals who serve them, your work helps create opportunity and stability for the next generation. Why build your career at VQ? Purpose-driven work Every role contributes to helping children and families succeed. Fair and responsible compensation We are committed to transparent and equitable pay practices. Career growth opportunities Internal promotions and leadership development pathways. Professional leadership culture Accountable, supportive leadership focused on long-term success. Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage Flexible Spending Accounts Employee Assistance Program Company-paid Life and Short-Term Disability 401(k) with employer match At VQ, we are building more than programs. We are building careers that make a difference. POSITION SUMMARY The Program Director plays a pivotal role in steering the day-to-day operations, strategy, financial management, and administrative tasks of the program. This role is the main point of contact in emergencies, acting as a dynamic leader to uphold program standards and safety, while also being the primary connection to external agencies, funders, and stakeholders. The Program Director is tasked with implementing policies & procedures and overseeing a trauma‑informed, results‑focused service delivery. Additionally, the Program Director excels in team building, conflict resolution, and fostering an environment conducive to innovation, problem‑solving, and teamwork. This position not only demands flexibility, with a schedule that extends beyond the typical workday to include evenings, weekends, holidays, and on‑call duties, but also a commitment to personal leadership growth. The ideal candidate will actively pursue self‑improvement and professional development to enhance their leadership skills, ensuring they remain at the forefront of effective program management and team leadership. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Strategic Planning and Innovation: Develop and implement the strategic plan and vision for the program. Proactively improve program performance and quality of services through quality assurance and continuous quality improvement practices. Innovative approach to problem-solving, employee development, and ensuring compliance. Adapt to changes and additional duties with a productive and growth mindset. Leadership and Workforce Development: Take ownership of building a positive culture that supports growth, teamwork and collaboration with an emphasis on trauma informed care. Establish open communication by facilitating a strength‑based, feedback‑rich environment with clear expectations. Maximize team performance by ensuring high‑quality training, supervision, and regular performance evaluations. Oversee and optimize the entire recruitment process and the full span of the employee lifecycle. Direct the development and enhancement of systems, focusing on leveraging technology. Continued growth and development as a leader, leading by example with commitment to self‑awareness and skill development. Flexible schedule to accommodate staff meetings, unannounced visits, and other program needs to accommodate all shifts. Engage in continuous learning through organizational training and external professional development opportunities, including off‑site training and meetings. Partnerships and Communication: Functions as the primary liaison with contract, funding, and licensing entities. Cultivate and sustain constructive relationships with stakeholders at local and state levels, thereby amplifying the program's scope and effectiveness. Participate in and facilitate meetings with external stakeholders, effectively managing concerns and conflict with professionalism and openness. Works in collaboration with VisionQuest leadership and other sister programs to ensure continuity and consistency across programs. Willingness to fill vacant roles as needed. Assist with after hours on‑call responsibilities and unannounced visits. Compliance, Quality Assurance and Continuous Quality Improvement: Develop and submit regular reports to both internal and external stakeholders, ensuring transparency and accountability. Guarantee compliance with all relevant organizational, licensing, and funding standards, proactively staying informed of policy and procedure changes. Review findings from the departmental monthly audits, ensuring action plans are developed and completed as needed. Take responsibility for and lead change, risk, and resource management initiatives in order to enhance quality of services and process improvement. Operations Management: Manage financial oversight, adhering to budgetary constraints and operational requirements. Supervise and manage the daily operations of the entire program to ensure a safe therapeutic environment. Directly supervise department leads as assigned or depending on the needs of the program. Other tasks and responsibilities as assigned SKILLS & ABILITIES Leadership, Supervision and Conflict Management Excellent interpersonal communication skills with ability to listen actively Knowledge in implementing and ensuring compliance with policies and procedures Budget Management Application of change, risk and resource management principles Adaptability and continuous learning for program improvement and staff development Commitment to professional development and proactive research Ability to work independently and as part of a team Excellent writing and technical proficiency EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE Bachelor’s degree or Associates degree plus a minimum of 2 years experience in child welfare administration, child protective services or a related field OR Associate’s Degree and a minimum of 5 years experience in child welfare administration, child protective services or a related field. QUALIFICATIONS Must be 21 years of age or older. Cleared background checks from appropriate entities, including Child Abuse and Neglect and FBI criminal background. Must have a valid driver’s license and be eligible to drive to facilitate program services as required. May be required to obtain and maintain CPR/First Aid and Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) certification. May be required to provide cleared tuberculosis test results. May be required to pass a drug test. The pay range for this role is: 80,000 - 85,000 USD per year (Tucson, AZ) #J-18808-Ljbffr