Program Director

POSITION OVERVIEW Under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer, the Program Director is responsible for the overall development, implementation, and administration of Community Action–related projects. This role requires a strong, resilient leader who can manage multiple complex programs simultaneously, navigate competing priorities and stakeholder expectations, and collaborate with the grants team to identify funding opportunities, support grant development efforts, and ensure successful administration of awarded grants in a high‑accountability environment. Responsibilities include overseeing approved projects in the areas of budget management, grant compliance and reporting, supervision of assigned staff, and the development of additional resources and collaborative partnerships. The position requires creativity, strategic thinking, strong collaboration, and excellent communication and organizational skills. The Program Director is a member of the NCO Leadership Team and may serve as a liaison to policy groups at the local, state, and national levels, requiring a high level of professionalism and emotional intelligence. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Serve as the primary coordinator of assigned projects from development and approval through implementation; develop policies and procedures as required by grants or contracts. Direct assigned programs/contracts by establishing project plans and work outlines to achieve required funding outcomes. Collaborate with the NCO Accounting Department to oversee grant/contract budgets and ensure compliance with NCO Accounting Policies and Procedures. Ensure all activities comply with grant/contract agreements, scopes of work, reporting requirements, and budget parameters. Identify and pursue opportunities to leverage financial and material resources to maximize program outcomes. Promote community awareness of programs through public forums, events, and communication efforts (print, email, social media). Provide leadership, supervision, and support to assigned staff; ensure staff receive appropriate training and resources. Ensure accurate and timely data tracking, analysis, and reporting to meet funder requirements; keep the CEO informed of program status. Oversee the completion of the biennial Community Assessment for Lake County and contribute to the Community Action Plan and strategic planning processes. Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with partner agencies and organizations to strengthen programs and expand services. Convene, facilitate, and/or attend meetings related to program development and operations. Supervise staff in accordance with NCO Personnel Policies; coordinate and oversee consultants and contractors as needed. Perform other duties as assigned. ESSENTIAL WORK HABITS Align work behaviors with NCO’s Purpose, Vision, and Values. Maintain a work schedule appropriate to a Director-level position. Uphold strict confidentiality in accordance with agency and program policies. Follow NCO’s Injury, Illness, and Prevention Plan and all safety procedures. Foster a positive, efficient work environment. Treat colleagues and clients with respect. Represent NCO professionally within the community. Adhere to appropriate professional dress standards. JOB QUALIFICATIONS Education, Training and Experience Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or an equivalent combination of education and experience and related experience is required. Minimum of four years of recent senior management experience and at least two years supervising staff is required. Experience with budget development and management, along with a working knowledge of accounting principles. ROMA Certification is preferred; if not obtained, certification will be required upon hire. Knowledge Principles and practices of effective interpersonal communication. Computer systems relevant to the role, including cloud-based platforms, spreadsheets, internet and email. Microsoft Office 365 and related products. Grant writing, group facilitation or mediation is preferred Bilingual (Spanish) skills preferred. Ability Interact with others in a culturally and emotionally intelligent manner. Communicate clearly and professionally in English, both verbally and in writing. Organize, prioritize and delegate tasks to meet deadlines. Communicate effectively with individuals and groups of varying sizes. Build and maintain strong working relationships with staff, Board members and community stakeholders. Take direction and align work priorities with organizational goals. Work independently and collaboratively. Maintain a flexible schedule to support events and professional development opportunities. Necessary Special Skills & Requirements Must be at least 18 years of age. For work‑related driving, a valid California driver’s license, good driving record, and access to an insured vehicle OR reliable transportation with proof of insurance is required. WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, listen, and communicate clearly; the employee frequently is required to sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, use manual and automatic office equipment, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; bend; reach down and stretch overhead; walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee may frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds unassisted and may occasionally move and lift heavier materials with assistance using ergonomic guidelines. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The ability to travel during the day and/or night, sometimes long distance – possession of a valid California Driver’s License and access to an insured vehicle is required. Interaction and contact with outside agencies, vendors, funders, volunteers, donors, and contributors is a frequent aspect of this job. The employee will regularly use computers and computer printers, telephones, and other similar electronic office equipment. NOTE Note: This class specification should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the core essential functions and requirements of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform job‑related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Any essential function or requirement of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or California FEHA. Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant when possible. #J-18808-Ljbffr