Program Director

Friendship Circle Miami; Miami (FL); On-site; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused nonprofit in Miami seeks a Program Director to lead and oversee program operations, ensuring high-quality services for individuals with special needs. The role includes guiding the program team, engaging with the community, and developing initiatives based on feedback. The ideal candidate has extensive nonprofit leadership experience and a passion for inclusivity. This is a full-time position with flexibility required for events.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of progressive leadership in nonprofit programming.
• Experience in community-based organizations or education.
• Strong understanding of special needs services.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the program team.
• Ensure high-quality, inclusive programs.
• Serve as a community representative for Friendship Circle.

Skills

Leadership

Team Management

Communication Skills

Program Development

Community Engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Education/Special Education or related field

Master’s degree

Job description

Job Title: Program Director – Friendship Circle of Miami

Reports To: Co Director, Friendship Circle of Miami

About Friendship Circle of Miami

Friendship Circle of Miami is dedicated to creating an inclusive community where individuals with special needs are celebrated, supported, and connected. Through innovative programs, meaningful friendships, and volunteer engagement, we bring together children, teens, and adults of all abilities to learn, grow, and thrive. Powered by dedicated teen and adult volunteers, Friendship Circle fosters compassion, inclusion, and lifelong connections.

Position Overview

Friendship Circle of Miami is seeking a visionary and experienced Program Director to lead all program operations and drive forward our mission of inclusion, connection, and community. This is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing all programs—from Sunday Circle and after-school programs to holiday events, camps, and young adult initiatives.

The Program Director will supervise the program team, ensure quality and consistency across all offerings, and serve as a key representative of the organization within the community, partnering with schools, agencies, donors, volunteers, and families.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, supervise, and support the program team.
• Foster a collaborative, compassionate, and mission-driven team culture.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, training, and mentorship of program staff.
• Provide strategic direction to enhance program impact and sustainability.

Program Oversight & Development

• Ensure Friendship Circle programs are high-quality, inclusive, efficiently run, and aligned with organizational goals.
• Develop new initiatives and enhance existing programs based on community needs, best practices, and participant feedback.
• Ensure safe, welcoming environments for participants of all abilities.
• Monitor program budgets, logistics, evaluations, and outcomes.

Community Engagement & Representation

• Serve as a primary ambassador and face of Friendship Circle of Miami in the community.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with families, volunteers, donors, community leaders, schools, partner organizations, and agencies.
• Represent Friendship Circle of Miami at community events, meetings, and public speaking engagements.
• Collaborate closely with partner organizations on the Friendship Campus.

Strategic Collaboration & Organizational Support

• Work closely with the Executive leadership team on strategic planning and organizational growth.
• Partner with the development team to support fundraising, donor engagement, and grant reporting.
• Collaborate with marketing/communications teams to promote programs and community awareness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Education/Special Education, Social Work, Nonprofit Management, Psychology, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 5–7 years of progressive leadership in nonprofit programming, education, special needs services, or community-based organizations.
• Experience supervising staff and managing teams.
• Strong understanding of working with individuals with special needs and their families.
• Proven success in program design, implementation, and evaluation.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and Sundays as programs require.
• Passion for Friendship Circle’s mission of inclusion, volunteerism, and community.

Compensation & Schedule

• Full-time, salaried senior leadership position with competitive compensation commensurate with experience.
• Schedule includes weekdays, with flexibility for evenings, Sundays, and special events.

Additional Information

Please note that the responsibilities outlined above are not exhaustive; additional duties may be assigned as needed to support the mission and goals of Friendship Circle of Miami.

We Encourage You to Apply: Even if you do not meet every qualification listed, we encourage you to apply! If you are an experienced non-profit leader who is passionate about making a difference in the lives of those with food insecurities and creating a welcoming volunteer community, we’d love to hear from you!

Equal Opportunity Statement

Friendship Circle of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to building an inclusive environment for all employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable law.