Director Of Programs

Position Summary: We are seeking an accomplished and visionary Director of Programs to join our team at Valley Outreach. This role is integral to our organization’s mission, involving strategic direction, oversight, and management of all our client-facing programs, including food programming, clothing thrift store operations, and client support services. As a member of the Leadership Team, the Director of Programs will work closely with program managers, staff, and the Board of Directors to ensure that our services are effective, impactful, and client-centered. The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and a deep commitment to community service. This role carries significant responsibility for driving the success and sustainability of our programs, fostering a collaborative environment, and ensuring that our operations meet the highest standards of excellence.

Valley Outreach offers a competitive benefits package that includes Medical/Dental/Vision insurance as well as Short Term Disability, a Simple IRA, a Flexible Spending Account, and Employee Assistance Program.

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Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Program Direction, Strategy, and Oversight: Working with Valley Outreach Staff and Board, actively engage in long- and short-term program development and planning.

Strategically oversee the coordination of all Valley Outreach programs including planning, organizing, and management in collaboration with Program Managers.

o Food programming including in-person shopping, pick-up ordering, and in-home deliveries - support the oversight of volunteers, inventory, client experience, and operations.

o StyleXchange clothing program including free distribution of clothing and thrift model - support the oversight of inventory, volunteers, special events/sales, client experience, and operations.

o Client Support Services including homelessness prevention support, case management, and client intake - support the client support services staff, homelessness prevention grant execution, intake, and client experience.

o Liaise with other departments that support programs to ensure seamless delivery of services.

· Assess service gaps so that programming can be developed, adapted, and/or strengthened.

· Identify partnership and relationship-building opportunities with other organizations, agencies, and/or individuals.

· Actively influence the execution of the organization’s strategic priorities for programs.

· Ensure operational infrastructure supports (client database, communication channels, etc.) are accessible and support staff needs.

Influence and engage in data and evaluation.

o Support the implementation of methods to evaluate programs using stakeholder voice.

o Analyze program data to evaluate effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.

o Prepare reports on program usage and trends.

o Assist team in using data to inform program approaches.

Leadership and Staff Management: As part of afive-person leadership team responsible for leading the organization responsibly and in alignment with strategic priorities, supervise and support a team of three program managers, along with their combined total of nine direct reports.

· Participate in monthly Board meetings, Board retreats, and appropriate Board committees.

· Engage in initiatives for staff development, such as organizational development, consultant- led retreats, and various staff trainings.

· Participate in regular check-ins with direct reports, and conduct annual performance reviews and mid-year check-ins.

· Lead the hiring process of program staff as needed, including the development of position descriptions, interview questions, and interviews.

Staff Engagement and Communications: As a Valley Outreach staff member, contribute to the team dynamic through regular communication, meetings, and training.

· Responsible for maintaining consistent communication with your team and colleagues through email, program and other team meetings, and all-staff meetings.

· Participate in ongoing staff development opportunities and training.

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Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:

· Bachelor’s Degree with a Social Service emphasis or equivalent work/professional experience required.

· Minimum of 5 years of experience, including team management, with a degree OR a minimum of 7 years of experience, including team management, without a degree.

· Nonprofit experience in the basic needs sector required with familiarity with food insecurity preferred.

· Commitment to racial equity and social justice and willingness to be actively engaged in ongoing equity work.

· Proficient in using technology as a management reporting tool.

· Experience with working in a high-performance, collaborative, constructive group environment.

· Ability to easily multi-task in a fast-paced and changing environment.

· Highly organized, adaptive and detail oriented.

· Strong understanding of working with individuals of differing ages, races, and socio-economic backgrounds.

· Demonstrated ability to work closely and communicate effectively with other team members.

· Ability to work a flexible schedule that will include some evening hours.

Physical Requirements:

· Ability to consistently perform essential job functions safely and successfully with the ADA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.

· Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance.

· Requires lifting of up to 35 lbs.

· Must be able to talk, listen, and speak clearly on the telephone.

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To apply for this position: Forward your resume and cover letter to jobs@valleyoutreachmn.org and place Director of Programs in the subject line. The process will include:

· Review of information from all interested parties. Be sure to give us your phone number and email so we can contact you.

· A phone screening conversation will be set up with those candidates who most closely meet the requirements of the position.

· Several candidates will be invited to an in-person conversation regarding the position.

· If needed, a second in-person conversation will be scheduled.