Director, Impact & Innovation — Hybrid Public Service

American Public Human Services Association; Arlington (VA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

3% 401k or Roth plan contribution

Hybrid work environment

11 paid holidays + 20 vacation days

Disability and life insurance

Job summary

American Public Human Services Association (APHSA) is seeking a Director, Impact and Innovation to lead a portfolio focused on modernizing public human services through technology, data, and human-centered design. This senior role blends strategy with practical implementation, partnering with members and stakeholders to translate innovative ideas into action in Arlington, VA, with hybrid work options.

The role requires 10+ years of experience, strong leadership and supervision skills, and a

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred (field may vary based on functional area)
• 10+ years of relevant professional experience
• 5+ years of experience supervising, coaching, and developing staff

Responsibilities

• Lead a portfolio of impact and innovation initiatives that advance modernization in human services through technology, data, human-centered design, and cross-sector collaboration, using evidence and learning to strengthen implementation and inform scaling.
• Guide the strategic direction of innovation initiatives, member-facing communities, and field-building efforts that strengthen implementation and expand APHSA’s value to members and the broader human services field.
• Lead national conversations on innovation, digital service delivery, data modernization, artificial intelligence, and systems transformation through presentations, convenings, partnerships, and thought leadership.
• Grow the Impact and Innovation portfolio by identifying and cultivating funding opportunities, leading competitive proposals, and securing grants, contracts, and strategic investments.
• Oversee the implementation and performance of portfolio initiatives, grants, contracts, budgets, and work plans, ensuring responsible resource management, compliance, high-quality delivery, and measurable outcomes.
• Build connections across systems by leading collaborative efforts among APHSA teams, members, funders, partners, researchers, technology organizations, and other stakeholders to accelerate implementation and systems-level change.
• Lead and develop team members through effective supervision, coaching, performance management, clear expectations, and opportunities for professional growth and leadership, while fostering an inclusive and collaborative team environment aligned with APHSA’s values.
• Contribute to organizational leadership as a member of the management team, supporting cross-functional initiatives and enterprise-wide strategy.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Strategic planning

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Data analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Budget management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

American Public Human Services Association (APHSA) is seeking a Director, Impact and Innovation to lead a portfolio focused on modernizing public human services through technology, data, and human-centered design. This senior role blends strategy with practical implementation, partnering with members and stakeholders to translate innovative ideas into action in Arlington, VA, with hybrid work options.

The role requires 10+ years of experience, strong leadership and supervision skills, and a