Director of Programs & Services: Strategic Impact Leader

Stepcentral; Dearborn Heights (MI); On-site; USD 95,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

403(b) Retirement Plan with 5% match

Paid Time Off

Short & Long Term Disability Insurance

Life & AD&D Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

STEP is seeking an experienced Director of Programs & Services to lead the organization’s STEP FORWARD programs, aligning assessment, planning, and coordination under STEP’s house model. This role drives strategy, execution, and a culture of accountability across programs and services in the front, middle, and back of the house.

Based in Dearborn Heights, Michigan with regular travel to STEP locations, the ideal candidate will turn ideas into action, manage budgets, and foster continuous

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field; master’s degree strongly preferred.
• At least 5 years of progressively responsible program and team leadership experience.
• Experience leading and developing managers or multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience managing multiple programs, priorities, and organizational initiatives.
• Knowledge of Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) or related quality practices.
• Understanding of person-centered services, self-determination, independence, dignity, and community inclusion for people with I/DD.
• Strong strategic thinking, project management, communication, relationship-building, and decision-making skills.
• A demonstrated ability to turn strategy into practical action and measurable results.
• Experience in disability services, behavioral health, vocational rehabilitation, human services, or another mission-driven organization is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for programs and services operating within STEP FORWARD.
• Lead and develop program managers and other assigned leaders.
• Establish clear program expectations, outcomes, performance measures, and accountability.
• Evaluate and improve existing programs while identifying opportunities for innovation and growth.
• Ensure services are person-centered and intentionally support independence, skill development, relationships, community participation, and meaningful goals.
• Use data, member feedback, and stakeholder input to drive continuous quality improvement.
• Collaborate with Clinical and Employment Services to create coordinated pathways that support each member’s goals.
• Participate in organizational strategy, budgeting, resource allocation, and program planning.
• Build strong relationships with members, families, staff, community partners, funders, and other stakeholders.
• Serve as a member of STEP’s executive leadership team and help shape the organization’s future.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Project management

Communication

Relationship-building

Decision-making

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Master’s degree strongly preferred

Job description

STEP is seeking an experienced Director of Programs & Services to lead the organization’s STEP FORWARD programs, aligning assessment, planning, and coordination under STEP’s house model. This role drives strategy, execution, and a culture of accountability across programs and services in the front, middle, and back of the house.

Based in Dearborn Heights, Michigan with regular travel to STEP locations, the ideal candidate will turn ideas into action, manage budgets, and foster continuous