Director, Residential Services (Hybrid)

Lutheran Social Services of WI & Upper MI; Eau Claire (WI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Vision Insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts (Health & D

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Calm Wellness App Premium Access

403(b) Retirement Plan

Student Loan Navigation Program

Early Earned Wage Access

Mileage Reimbursement

Job summary

Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin & Upper Michigan (LSS) seeks a strategic, mission-driven leader to serve as Director of Program Services - Residential Services. This executive role provides leadership, operational oversight, and growth across Wisconsin, with a focus on high-quality service delivery.

You will oversee approximately 103 colleagues and an $8.5 million operating budget, partnering with senior leadership to drive workforce development, regulatory compliance, and financial

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, Counseling, Business Administration, Public Administration, Healthcare Administration, or related field.
• Current Wisconsin CSAC or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential required.
• Progressive leadership experience overseeing residential treatment, behavioral health, human services, housing, or community-based service programs.
• Experience managing large budgets, multi-site operations, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience with strategic planning, financial management, contract administration, vendor relations, and regulatory compliance.
• Proven ability to lead organizational change and achieve operational results.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership and oversight for Residential Services programs across multiple locations and service lines.
• Partner with senior leadership to develop and implement strategic plans aligned with organizational goals and mission.
• Lead operational excellence initiatives focused on quality outcomes, efficiency, growth, and sustainability.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, continuous improvement, and servant leadership.
• Build strong relationships with community partners, funders, referral sources, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders.
• Direct and manage an annual operating budget of approximately $8.5 million.
• Monitor financial performance, program profitability, staffing ratios, and resource allocation.
• Develop annual budgets, forecasts, and business plans to support operational objectives.
• Collaborate with Finance and executive leadership to identify opportunities for growth and long-term sustainability.
• Ensure responsible stewardship of organizational resources while maintaining high-quality service delivery.
• Provide leadership and oversight for approximately 103 colleagues and growing.
• Coach, mentor, and develop managers, supervisors, and emerging leaders.
• Collaborate with Human Resources on recruitment, workforce planning, retention, succession planning, and employee engagement initiatives.
• Promote a culture that values inclusion, professional development, accountability, and high performance.
• Ensure staffing models effectively support program quality, compliance, and client outcomes.
• Develop and maintain productive relationships with vendors, contractors, and community partners.
• Oversee contract negotiations, implementation, administration, and performance monitoring.
• Ensure compliance with contractual obligations, service agreements, funding requirements, and organizational policies.
• Evaluate vendor effectiveness and identify opportunities to improve service quality and operational efficiency.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic planning

Budget management

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder management

People development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related field

Master's degree preferred

CSAC or LPC credential required

Job description

Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin & Upper Michigan (LSS) seeks a strategic, mission-driven leader to serve as Director of Program Services - Residential Services. This executive role provides leadership, operational oversight, and growth across Wisconsin, with a focus on high-quality service delivery.

You will oversee approximately 103 colleagues and an $8.5 million operating budget, partnering with senior leadership to drive workforce development, regulatory compliance, and financial