Program Director

Austin Community College; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A Program Director position in the DC Foster Care Program is being offered with contingent funding; it requires strategic leadership, budget oversight, and staff supervision to ensure high-quality service delivery in compliance with regulations.

The role emphasizes trauma-informed care for children and families, CQI collaboration, and building partnerships with community organizations and government agencies, while reporting to executive leadership.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work; licensed as LCSW/LICSW in DC and MD
• 5–7 years’ experience in child welfare; at least 3 years in a leadership role
• Strong leadership, team-building, and strategic planning abilities
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Knowledge of child welfare regulations, trauma-informed care, and evidence-based practices
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of DC Foster Care Program, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness
• Supervise and mentor program managers and staff, promoting professional growth and accountability
• Implement evidence-based, trauma-informed practices to improve outcomes for children and families
• Monitor program performance and collaborate with CQI Director on CQI initiatives
• Ensure adherence to federal, state, and agency regulations, licensing requirements, and accreditation standards
• Prepare and participate in audits and reviews
• Develop and manage program budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility
• Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, government agencies, and stakeholders
• Represent the organization at meetings, conferences, and public events
• Oversee data collection and reporting to demonstrate program impact and compliance
• Provide regular updates to executive leadership
• Master’s degree in Social Work and be clinically licensed (LCSW, LICSW) in DC and MD
• Minimum 5–7 years’ experience in child welfare, including at least 3 years in a leadership role
• Strong leadership and team-building abilities
• Excellent communication, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of child welfare regulations, trauma-informed care, and evidence-based practices
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work in a fast-paced environment

Job description

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The Program Director provides strategic leadership and oversight of the DC Foster Care Program. This role ensures high-quality service delivery, compliance with federal and state regulations, and alignment with agency mission and values. The Program Director is responsible for program development, staff supervision, budget management, and fostering a trauma-informed, culturally responsive approach to serving children and families.

This position is contingent upon grant funding/award. Recruitment is being conducted in advance of a final funding decision. Employment will begin only if funding is secured.

Essential Functions

• Oversee daily operations of DC Foster Care Program, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness
• Supervise and mentor program managers and staff, promoting professional growth and accountability
• Implement evidence‑based, trauma‑informed practices to improve outcomes for children and families
• Monitor program performance and work in conjunction with the CQI Director for CQI initiatives
• Ensure adherence to all federal, state, and agency regulations, licensing requirements, and accreditation standards
• Prepare and participate in audits and reviews
• Develop and manage program budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability
• Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, government agencies, and stakeholders
• Represent the organization at meetings, conferences, and public events
• Oversee data collection and reporting to demonstrate program impact and compliance
• Provide regular updates to executive leadership
• Master’s degree in Social Work and be clinically licensed (LCSW, LICSW) in DC and MD
• Minimum 5‑7 years’ experience in child welfare, including at least 3 years in a leadership role
• Strong leadership and team‑building abilities
• Excellent communication, strategic planning, and problem‑solving skills
• Knowledge of child welfare regulations, trauma‑informed care, and evidence‑based practices
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work in a fast‑paced environment