Program Director

WHO WE ARE

Fueled by passion and urgency, the National Kidney Foundation is a lifeline for all people affected by kidney disease. As pioneers of scientific research and innovation, NKF focuses on the whole patient through the lens of kidney health. Relentless in our work, we enhance lives through action, education, and accelerating change.

WHAT WE BELIEVE IN

NKF’s Mission is what we do, our Values are how we do it.

• Accountability- Earn and Keep Trust
• Collaboration-Work as a team
• Communication- Empower with information
• Community-Build stronger community
• Compassion- Lead with care and respect
• Impact-Focus on the mission

Your Voice Matters: https://www.kidney.org/about/diversity-equity-inclusion

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Program Director will oversee the planning, implementation and budgeting of all local programming to maximize impact within the communities served.

The Program Director is also responsible for leading local expansion strategies, such as the cultivation of community and corporate partnerships, and securing grant funding for programs.

The Program Director will work closely with the Executive Director to evaluate program performance and ensure activities are aligned with the NKF’s national strategic plan and local initiatives. The Program Director will also work in collaboration with Regional leadership and development staff in fundraising efforts.

• Execute evidence-based patient, professional, and public health programs, including design, participant recruitment and marketing, implementation, and evaluation for both in-person and virtual activities.
• Build and maintain relationships (e.g. local community partners, hospital systems, healthcare providers, public health teams, health plans, etc.) to support NKF strategic priorities, volunteer/speaker recruitment, and other strategic support to elevate local impact.
• Foster relationships with community-based partners to identify partnership and funding opportunities, as well as programmatic alignment.

Identify subject matter experts to collaborate on the development and implementation of community-based programs and public health initiatives.

• Lead Medical Advisory Board (MAB) in tandem with MAB chair to provide program strategic direction within territory by identifying gaps in education, clinical practice or patient needs to inform programmatic activities that support NKF goals and priorities. Serve as program staff liaison for NKF professional membership and other relevant committees (CRN, CNSW, etc.).
• Collaborate with Corporate Development and/or HQ program teams on funding opportunities around identified prospects, including representing programmatic needs on calls with potential funders.
• Develop and/or maintain a local needs assessment that identifies gaps and opportunities in the market with a focus on health equity, including social determinants of health, and kidney disease-related care quality, using both quantitative and qualitative data points to inform future program design and/or strategic market goals.
• Develop program ideas and strategies that would address unmet needs in collaboration with the Senior Director of Community Impact, HQ Programs Teams, and other key staff.
• Produce outcomes and impact reports for the office/market and provide feedback to relevant leadership.
• Collaborate across multiple departments at the HQ and local level to ensure programmatic success.
• Develop and coordinate activities to strengthen NKF public education campaigns, priority initiatives, advocacy activities, and other public awareness events.
• Work in collaboration with the Executive Director, Development staff, and Regional Vice President to secure funding for regional/local programs by assisting with grant proposals and meetings with potential sponsors.
• Recruit, train and manage volunteers, ensuring all NKF committees are representative of the patients we serve, with a focus on the groups at highest risk for kidney disease.
• May supervise local program staff to ensure consistency and excellence in the delivery of program services.
• Perform additional duties, as required.

WHAT YOU’LL POSSESS

Competencies:

Accountability: Establishes organizational accountability, driving performance across all levels.

Change Leadership: Delivers or leads large-scale organizational change, setting the direction and guiding teams within the organization through transformations.

Collaboration: Leads collaborative efforts across the organization, bi-directionally, ensuring that departments work together to achieve strategic objectives. Actively builds partnerships with external stakeholders to advance mission.

Cultural Humility: Promotes cultural humility across departments, ensuring that programs, policies, and services reflect a deep understanding of and respect for cultural diversity.

Data-Driven Decision Making & Results Orientation: Leverages accurate, comprehensive data analytics to guide strategic planning and decision-making. Sets high-impact targets and ensures the organization delivers on strategic commitments.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion For All (DEI 4A): Drives organizational DEI initiatives, ensuring that policies, programs, and services are designed with an equity lens for all. Champions efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in decision-making and ensures that underserved communities have access to NKF’s programs.

Financial Acumen: Leads strategic financial planning, driving revenue diversification and long-term sustainability.

Operational Excellence: Leads or delivers on large-scale operational changes to elevate organizational performance.

Patient and Community-Centered Focus: Drives efforts to enhance the impact of programs for patients, living donors, and care partners. Champions initiatives that promote equitable access to care and ensure that the community is well-supported through education, services, and outreach.

Skills/Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in health-related program delivery, public health initiatives, or community engagement.
• Experience building and maintaining partnership relationships, ideally in healthcare and/or public health.
• Project management experience, including managing and developing project budgets, event logistics, establishing priorities, meeting deadlines, and functioning independently and as part of a team.
• Volunteer management skills, ideally with healthcare or other professionals.
• Superior interpersonal, communication, time management and organizational skills
• Flexible and adept at troubleshooting when things don’t go as planned
• Experience with data/basic statistical analysis required.
• Comfortable learning and using multiple software platforms daily including but not limited to Microsoft Office, Zoom meeting/webinar, Salesforce, Smartsheet, Branding UI.
• Experience in grant proposal writing and securing funding opportunities through new grants, preferred
• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university. Masters in health-related or social services field, preferred.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Work/life Integration: Enjoy plenty of vacation time, sick leave, and holidays so you can recharge, regroup or reflect—and come back ready to tackle anything.
• Support for Your Health: We've got your back with top-notch medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your loved ones.
• Peace of Mind: Rest easy knowing you're covered with life insurance and a 403(b) plan with matching company contributions to secure your future.
• Creative savings: Take advantage of flexible spending accounts to save on eligible healthcare and dependent care expenses.
• Easy Commuting: Reduce your stress with our commuter benefits program for transit and parking expenses.
• Support When You Need It: Access confidential counseling, support services, and resources through our Employee Assistance Program.
• A Chance to Spread the Word: Share the love and earn rewards by referring awesome folks to join our team.
• A Big Tent: We're all about creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and heard.
• Mission-Fueled Culture: Join a team that's passionate about making a difference and guided by values like integrity, compassion, and innovation.

WORKING CONDITIONS, EQUIPMENT USED AND SPECIAL INFORMATION

Ability to lift and transport equipment weighing up to 25 lbs. Flexible to work evenings and weekends as needed. Available for overnight business travel. Must have a valid driver’s license.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

At the National Kidney Foundation, diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity apply to both our workforce and the communities we serve as they relate to kidney health and kidney disease prevention. It is the policy of NKF to provide equality of employment opportunity regardless of race, creed, color, qualified handicap or disability, national origin, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, age, gender, political affiliation or veteran status, or any other factor or reason prohibited by relevant local, state, and federal fair employment laws.

The Equal Employment Opportunity policy will apply to all employment practices of NKF, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, promotion, training, compensation, benefits, layoffs, transfers, and discipline. Implementation of the Equal Employment Opportunity policy is the shared responsibility of the management of NKF.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be considered an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The National Kidney Foundation does not accept resumes from third-party recruitment/search firms. Please do not forward resumes to NKF employees, company locations, or email addresses. NKF is not responsible for any fees related to resumes not solicited by NKF Recruiting.