Brighter Futures Program Director

Brightside Child and Family Advocacy; Savannah (GA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Brightside Child and Family Advocacy is seeking a Program Development & Strategic Leadership professional to guide Brighter Futures' strategic direction and outcomes in Savannah, GA. The role focuses on setting program goals, leading planning, and ensuring trauma-informed, youth-centered services.

Responsibilities include overseeing day-to-day operations, data reporting, compliance, staff supervision, and building partnerships with schools, agencies, and community organizations to expand

Qualifications

• Experience in program development or management in child welfare or youth services.
• Strong leadership and staff supervision skills.
• Ability to build community partnerships and coordinate with multiple stakeholders.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed, culturally responsive practices.

Responsibilities

• Set and implement program goals, objectives, and performance measures for Brighter Futures.
• Maintain program policies, procedures, and guidelines aligned with standards and regulations.
• Lead strategic planning to expand services for youth aging out of foster care.
• Track needs, trends, and opportunities in child welfare to guide innovation.
• Ensure services are trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and youth-centered.
• Oversee day-to-day program operations for efficient service delivery.
• Maintain data collection systems and oversee reporting to funders and regulators.
• Monitor performance indicators and timely documentation and audits.
• Ensure compliance with contracts and grant terms.
• Lead FSA program operations including eligibility, enrollment, case coordination, financial assistance, documentation, reporting, and outcomes.
• Prepare and submit reports and outcomes to funders and leadership.
• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate program staff.
• Provide coaching and professional development to staff.
• Foster a collaborative, mission-driven team culture.
• Lead regular staff meetings and supervision sessions.
• Build and maintain relationships with government agencies, schools, employers, housing providers, and other community organizations.
• Coordinate community resources and partnerships that expand opportunities for transition-age youth.
• Represent Brighter Futures in community meetings and professional networks.
• Advocate for the needs and rights of youth aging out of foster care at local and state levels.
• Support the Executive Director on organizational management and strategic planning.
• Contribute to grant development, fundraising, and sustainability planning.
• Market and promote Brighter Futures to strengthen referral networks.

Job description

Program Development & Strategic Leadership

• Set and implement program goals, objectives, performance measures, and expected outcomes for Brighter Futures.
• Maintain program policies, procedures, and operational guidelines aligned with organizational standards, evidence-based practice, and state and federal regulations.
• Lead strategic planning to expand and strengthen services for youth aging out of foster care.
• Track emerging needs, trends, and opportunities in child welfare and independent living services to guide program innovation.
• Ensure all services are trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and youth-centered.

Program Operations & Management

• Oversee day-to-day program operations to ensure efficient, effective service delivery.
• Maintain accurate data collection systems and oversee reporting to funders, stakeholders, and regulatory agencies.
• Monitor program performance indicators and ensure timely completion of documentation, reports, and audits.
• Ensure compliance with contracts, grant terms, and organizational policy.
• Lead FSA program operations, including eligibility determination, enrollment, case coordination, financial assistance, documentation, reporting, and outcome tracking.
• Prepare and submit reports, performance measures, and program outcomes to funders, executive leadership, and other stakeholders.

Staff Supervision & Team Leadership

• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate program staff, including case managers, mentors, trainers, and interns.
• Provide coaching, professional development, and performance management to support staff growth and effectiveness.
• Foster a collaborative, supportive, mission-driven team culture.
• Lead regular staff meetings, case reviews, and supervision sessions to ensure quality service delivery and adherence to best practice.

Community Collaboration & Partnership Development

• Build and maintain relationships with government agencies, schools, colleges, employers, housing providers, and other community organizations.
• Coordinate community resources and partnerships that expand opportunities for transition-age youth.
• Represent Brighter Futures in community meetings, coalitions, and professional networks.
• Advocate for the needs and rights of youth aging out of foster care at the local and state levels.

Organizational Support & Outreach

• Support the Executive Director on organizational management, strategic planning, and special initiatives.
• Contribute to grant development, fundraising, and sustainability planning for the program.
• Market and promote Brighter Futures across child welfare systems, schools, community organizations, and public forums to strengthen referral networks and community awareness.