Director, Youth Transition Programs

The New Foster Care; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The New Foster Care is seeking a Program Director in Michigan to lead the Bridge Program with strategic, hands-on leadership across operations. The role requires a visionary, servant leader who mentors staff, partners with community organizations, and drives transformative outcomes for youth aging out of foster care.

The ideal candidate brings a strong background in executive leadership, systems thinking, and a deep commitment to participant-centered, trauma-informed services across multiple

Qualifications

• Doctorate degree strongly preferred.
• Master’s degree in a related health and human services field.
• Current Michigan licensure (LMSW or LPC) required.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible executive leadership experience.
• Minimum 8 years in child welfare, behavioral health, or related fields.
• Experience managing multi-county or multi-site programs.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across the Bridge program.
• Lead, mentor, and develop department leaders and multidisciplinary teams.
• Engage staff, participants, and community partners across the organization.
• Align staffing, workload, and resources to participant needs and success.
• Coordinate staff training and professional development opportunities.
• Partner with leadership on budget oversight and sustainability.
• Promote cross-department collaboration for integrated service delivery.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic planning

Staff development

Program management

Budgeting

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Doctorate degree (Ph.D. DSW, or equivalent)

Master’s degree in social work, counseling, psychology, or related field

Michigan licensure: LMSW or LPC

10 years executive leadership experience

8+ years experience in child welfare/foster care

Multi-county/multi-site program experience

Job description

The New Foster Care is seeking a Program Director in Michigan to lead the Bridge Program with strategic, hands-on leadership across operations. The role requires a visionary, servant leader who mentors staff, partners with community organizations, and drives transformative outcomes for youth aging out of foster care.

The ideal candidate brings a strong background in executive leadership, systems thinking, and a deep commitment to participant-centered, trauma-informed services across multiple