Program Director

Join Our Team as a Program Director

Kansas City Metro | Exempt | $66,000/year + Full Benefits

If you are an experienced leader who thrives on building strong teams, improving program quality, and ensuring individuals receive exceptional support, this opportunity may be for you.

Join Center for Developmentally Disabled (CDD) - a nonprofit serving Kansas City for over 50 years - as a Program Director, overseeing residential and community living services while mentoring leadership teams who support adults with developmental disabilities.

This role provides high-level oversight of service delivery, staff development, and regulatory compliance across multiple locations while helping ensure individuals supported by CDD live safe, meaningful, and independent lives.

Why You'll Love Working at CDD

• Mission-Driven Leadership: Guide programs that empower individuals with developmental disabilities to live independently and participate fully in their communities.
• Impactful Work: Support Program Specialists, Residential Specialists, and DSP teams to deliver high-quality, person-centered services.
• Collaborative Leadership Team: Work alongside experienced professionals committed to continuous improvement and compassionate service.
• Professional Growth: Access leadership development opportunities while helping shape program improvements across the organization.
• Stability and Purpose: Join a respected nonprofit with over five decades of service in the Kansas City community.

What You'll Do

Program Leadership & Staff Development

• Supervise, mentor, and support Program Specialists and assist with oversight of Residential Specialists across assigned locations.
• Provide coaching and leadership development to supervisory staff.
• Conduct performance evaluations and support staff accountability and professional growth.
• Partner with Human Resources on performance management and employment decisions when needed.
• Foster a collaborative team culture focused on quality services and person-centered care.

Program Operations

• Oversee service delivery across multiple residential and community living programs.
• Monitor staffing patterns, staffing hours, and service utilization to ensure programs operate effectively.
• Provide guidance to leadership staff addressing operational challenges or service concerns.
• Assist with transitions of individuals entering or leaving services.
• Ensure discharge summaries and service coordination documentation are completed appropriately.

Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure programs operate in compliance with Department of Mental Health (DMH) regulations and agency policies.
• Support preparation for accreditation and regulatory reviews including CARF .
• Conduct regular site visits to evaluate program quality, safety, and documentation standards.
• Review Event Reports and ensure appropriate follow-up when incidents occur.
• Complete monthly summary reports outlining program operations and improvement initiatives.

Collaboration & Communication

• Maintain strong relationships with families, guardians, service coordinators, and community partners.
• Collaborate with internal departments including Nursing, HR, and Finance to ensure coordinated services.
• Participate in leadership meetings and contribute to agency-wide initiatives and improvements.

What You Bring

Required

• Bachelor's degree in education, rehabilitation, social/behavioral sciences, human services, or a related field - OR equivalent relevant experience sufficient to meet Missouri DMH/DD Professional Manager qualification requirements (typically 5 years or more of relevant experience in the field).
• Minimum 3 years of supervisory experience in residential or community-based human services, including responsibility for staff performance management, evaluations, accountability, and corrective action.
• Experience supporting individuals served under DMH ID/IDD/DD services.

AND

• Supervisory experience in residential or community-based services
• Experience supporting individuals served under DMH ID/DD services
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills
• Valid MO Class E or KS Class C driver's license

Preferred

• Master's degree in a related field
• Experience managing multi-site programs or supervisory leadership teams
• Familiarity with CARF accreditation standards and DMH regulatory requirements

The Role at a Glance

• Pay: $66,000/year (Exempt)
• Schedule: Full-time | Core hours 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Includes occasional before/after hours and weekend support
• Work Setting: Group homes, ISLs, community settings, and administrative offices
• Training: Paid onboarding + ongoing certification requirements
• Reports To: Vice President of Programming
• Travel: Daily travel throughout the KC metro; occasional out-of-area travel as needed

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're passionate about helping others reach their potential, we'd love to meet you. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.

About CDD

For over five decades, Center for Developmentally Disabled has helped individuals with developmental disabilities live, work, and thrive independently in their communities. Our mission is to promote dignity, opportunity, and inclusion - and we're looking for compassionate professionals like you to help us continue that work.

Apply today at and start changing lives tomorrow!