Director of Programs and Services

Job Description

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WHAT WE DO

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Our Mission: Improve the lives of people affected by epilepsy through education, advocacy, research, and connection.

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Our Vision: An informed community in which people with epilepsy and seizure disorders enjoy respect, dignity, and the opportunity to achieve their full potential, free from stigma and bias.

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Our Core Values:

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• Education: Increase public awareness through seizure first aid training and community education.
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• Connection: Bring people and families together through programs, support groups, camps, and events.
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• Advocacy: Promote understanding, equal opportunity, and access to resources for people affected by epilepsy.
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Founded in 1954, the Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County provides free programs and services to people living with epilepsy, their families, caregivers, and the broader community. Its offerings include epilepsy education, seizure first aid training, support groups, family activities, scholarships, advocacy, and community events. The Foundation serves people throughout San Diego County, helping reduce stigma and build meaningful connections.

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LEADERSHIP & CULTURE

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This is an organization with momentum: led by President & CEO Rick Burritt, the Foundation is entering an exciting new chapter focused on deepening community engagement and expanding programs. Its highly collaborative, mission-driven team works closely with a dedicated Board of Directors and a Professional Advisory Board of medical experts and other specialists. Staff and board members value compassion, initiative, open communication, and creative ideas. The Foundation recently celebrated the opening of its new Liberty Station office, providing more opportunities to bring people together and amplify community partnerships. The organizational culture is defined by:

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• A collaborative, mission-driven team committed to serving people and families affected by epilepsy.
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• An approachable leadership style that encourages initiative, open communication, and new ideas.
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• Engaged Board and Professional Advisory Board members who contribute expertise and support.
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• A client-centered environment that values compassion, flexibility, and continuous improvement.
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COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

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• Salary: $90,000–$115,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications
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• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
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• 403(b) retirement plan
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LOCATION

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This is a hybrid role with an office located at 2508 Historic Decatur Road, Suite 110, San Diego, CA 92106. Typically onsite Tuesday–Thursday, with remote flexibility Monday and Friday; occasional evenings and weekends for programs and events.

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POSITION SUMMARY

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The Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County seeks a creative, organized, and compassionate Director of Programs and Services to lead community programming, education, outreach, and events for individuals and families affected by epilepsy. Reporting to President & CEO Rick Burritt, this leader will evaluate and strengthen existing offerings, develop new programs, build partnerships, and expand the Foundation’s reach throughout San Diego County. The position works closely with client services staff, community partners, and the Professional Advisory Board, with an emphasis on program leadership rather than direct clinical care.

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Working closely with the President & CEO, the Director will be a strategic partner with a meaningful opportunity to help shape the Foundation’s future.

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Priorities for the Director of Programs and Services include:

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1. Strengthen the quality, consistency, and reach of existing programs and client services.
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2. Lead and develop the Programs and Services team while building trusted countywide partnerships.
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3. Measure impact, support organizational development, and help shape longer-term innovation and growth.
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DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

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• Lead the portfolio of programs and client services. Set annual priorities, initially strengthening quality, consistency, access, and participation and, over time, developing innovative responses to emerging needs.
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• Manage, supervise, coach, and support all programs and client services staff, consultants, and interns. Set expectations, delegate effectively, evaluate performance, and build an accountable team.
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• Ensure compassionate, responsive information, resources, navigation, referrals, advocacy, and follow-up for individuals and families. Support specialized staff without personally providing clinical or social work services.
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• Oversee signature connection and family programs, including Creativity & Connection , children’s and family camps, support groups, wellness activities, and other gatherings, ensuring quality, access, and strong participant experiences.
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• Guide the Foundation’s education and awareness portfolio, including seizure first aid training, epilepsy education conferences, workshops, and webinars. Engage the Professional Advisory Board and other experts as appropriate.
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• Provide program leadership for Sharon’s Ride.Run.Walk and support the Gingerbread City Gala through participant stories and mission-focused content.
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• Oversee the college scholarship program and other initiatives, including the Parent Advisory Committee, Teens Speak Up, the Public Policy Institute, and emerging youth engagement efforts.
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• Build relationships with healthcare providers, schools, employers, referral partners, volunteers, and community organizations. Expand access throughout San Diego County.
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• Use participant feedback, service data, and community input to assess needs, improve quality, identify gaps, and measure effectiveness and impact.
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• Maintain accurate records in case and donor management databases, monitor participation and outcomes, and prepare reports for leadership, the Board, grantors, and other stakeholders.
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• Collaborate with the Director of Operations on budgets, contracts, purchasing, systems, records, facilities, event logistics, and financial tracking.
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• Partner with the President & CEO and development team on grants, program budgets, donor engagement, site visits, impact reporting, and participant stories.
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• Ensure welcoming, culturally responsive, and accessible programs, services, and outreach. Support bilingual delivery and reduce language, geographic, and other barriers.
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• Collaborate across the organization on communications, outreach, events, volunteer engagement, and shared priorities. Represent the Foundation credibly and participate directly when needed.
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BACKGROUND PROFILE

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• Commitment to the Foundation’s mission and to serving people and families with empathy, respect, and cultural awareness.
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• Required: demonstrated leadership, including success leading programs or services, setting priorities, managing change, and delivering results.
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• Experience supervising and developing staff and overseeing consultants, interns, volunteers, or cross-functional teams.
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• Strong organizational, operational, and project management skills; able to balance strategy, service quality, budgets, deadlines, and execution.
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• A creative, collaborative, hands-on leader who is comfortable working independently and partnering with the President & CEO and staff.
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• Excellent communication, facilitation, public speaking, and relationship-building skills across diverse audiences.
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• Ability to translate community needs into accessible services and use data, feedback, and outcomes to improve and communicate impact.
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• Appreciation for client-centered service and the role of social services; direct clinical or social work experience and an MSW are not required. Bilingual skills and relevant experience are valued.
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