Program Director

Jewish Vocational Service (JVS); Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) in Kansas City seeks a Program Director to lead strategy, operations, and continuous improvement of all programs. You will build sustainable systems, collaborate across teams, and support staff development to drive client-centered outcomes.

You will supervise and coach staff, ensure data-informed service delivery, manage budgets with the finance team, and engage in external partnerships while maintaining a strong focus on vulnerable populations and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred in related fields.
• 2+ years of direct service/clinical experience with client and case management.
• 5+ years of progressive management experience supervising staff and multi-level teams.
• 5+ years work experience with vulnerable populations; refugees/immigrants strongly desired.
• Exceptional relationship-building, communication, and strategic planning skills.
• Valid driver license with classification appropriate to operate JVS vehicles, valid auto insurance, clean driving record.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy, operations, and continuous improvement of programs to ensure high-quality, client-centred outcomes.
• Oversee program design, delivery, and evaluation for quality, impact, and measurable results.
• Develop metrics and drive data-informed decision-making for new program development.
• Coordinate with leadership to represent programs in external meetings and partnerships.
• Supervise staff, coach performance, and support recruitment, onboarding, and development.

Skills

Time management

Self-directed

Multicultural teamwork

Verbal and written communication

Computer skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Job description

Description

The Program Director leads the strategy, operations, and continuous improvement of the organization’s programs to ensure high-quality, data-informed service delivery that is aligned with organizational goals. This role centers on building sustainable systems, strengthening collaboration across teams, and supporting staff development to drive consistent, client-centered outcomes.

Program Leadership and Strategy

• Lead the strategic direction for all program areas, ensuring alignment with community needs and the organization’s mission and goals.
• Ensure client-centered services by staying current on best practices in the field and monitoring and proactively responding to client feedback.
• Oversee program design, delivery, and evaluation to ensure consistent quality, program effectiveness, and measurable impact.
• Develop and be accountable for performance and success metrics to support strategic decision-making, continuous improvement, and new program development.
• Coordinate with other leadership roles to represent programs in external meetings or partnerships, as needed.

Staff Leadership and Development

• Supervise and coach direct reports to optimize team performance.
• Promote and model a positive, inclusive, and accountable team culture aligned with organizational values.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing professional development of program staff in collaboration with HR.

Program Operations and Management

• In partnership with Senior Program Operations and Impact Manager, ensure efficient and sustainable program operations and service delivery, compliance of SOPs, and consistent implementation of policies and procedures
• Develop and manage program budgets in coordination with finance team.
• Serve on Safety Committee to represent program team needs and concerns
• Partner with department leads across the agency to ensure smooth coordination and execution of cross-functional efforts.
• Coordinate with grant and finance staff to review budget plans and provide data and narratives for grant proposals and reports.

Data, Evaluation, and Outcomes

• With support and input from Senior Program Operations and Impact Manager:
• Oversee program data collection, analysis, and reporting to assess outcomes and inform improvements that support strong service delivery.
• Analyze and review program reports and dashboard data with Programs team to identify trends, insights and strategic opportunities
• Provide regular internal reports, dashboards, and summaries to Executive Team and Board, highlighting impact and challenges to inform and shape agency strategy.

Perform other duties as may be required by supervisor

Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred, in social work, counseling, education, or related fields.
• 2+ years of direct service/clinical experience with background in client and case management.
• 5+ years of progressive management experience supervising staff and multi-level teams
• 5+ years work experience with vulnerable populations; previous experience with refugees/immigrants strongly desired
• Exceptional relationship-building, communication, and strategic planning skills.
• Valid driver license with classification appropriate to operate JVS vehicles, valid auto insurance, clean driving record with no moving violations within the past three years.

Skills Needed

• Strong organizational and time management skills, with a proven ability to meet deadlines; able to effectively prioritize, delegate, and execute multiple tasks.
• Ability to be self-directed and highly flexible in daily work.
• Ability to work effectively in an environment that is multicultural and multilingual.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to develop positive working relationships with both internal and external collaborators.
• Strong computer skills and proficiency in Word, Excel, Google Docs and internet-based communication.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Position requires some flexibility in schedule, with some weekends and/or evenings required.
• Occasional travel to community events, public service providers, and other service locations will be necessary. Use of personal vehicle is necessary with mileage reimbursement.
• Much of the work is typically performed in an interior temperature-controlled office work environment. Position requires prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Position requires occasional bending, squatting, sitting, standing, pulling, pushing, lifting, and moving items that may weigh up to 25 lbs.