Director of Programs

Job Title: Director of Programs

Team: Programs

Classification: Full-Time, Exempt

Reports To: Senior Director of Operations

Direct Reports: Shelter Program Manager, Shelter and Recovery Program Manager, Training and Works Program Coordinator and Facilities Manager

Effective Date: March 2025

Position Summary

The Director of Programs will provide strategic direction, and operational oversight for the organization’s shelters, Facilities, and Training and Works Program. This position provides strategic leadership to the management staff to ensure that programs align with the organization’s mission. This role is key to overseeing programs and Facilities to ensure they are data-driven, accountable, and impactful, while fostering a culture of continuous improvement. The Director will work closely with other departments, community partners, and key stakeholders to ensure that the shelter programs are providing high-quality services that meet sustainable outcomes in the areas of housing stability, recovery, and personal transformation.

Position Qualifications

For Employment with Oliver Gospel

A believer in Jesus Christ

Affirm without reservation Oliver Gospel’s Statement of Faith

Fully support Oliver Gospel’s Mission and Vision Statements

Ability and desire to work in harmony with other Oliver Gospel employees

Due to sensitivity for potential impact upon Oliver Gospel’s Program Participants, the use of tobacco and/or vaping products is not permitted during scheduled work hours or at any Oliver Gospel event

Valid South Carolina driver’s license

For the Director of Program Programs

Bachelor’s degree in social work, Nonprofit Management, Theology; or equivalent experience preferred (master’s preferred).

Minimum of 5 years of experience in program management, with at least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role.

Experience in trauma-informed care, addiction recovery, and/or homeless services preferred.

Proven ability to lead teams with a focus on spiritual growth and staff development.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and collaborate effectively with clients, staff, and community partners.

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while balancing operational needs with the mission-driven focus of the organization.

Ability to administer comprehensive and effective transformational programming for men, women and children in a Christ-centered environment

Knowledge of addiction, mental illness, poverty and homelessness preferred

Ability to engage and work well with people from various backgrounds and cultures

Experience in staff development and supervision

Ability to work independently while staying aligned with the priorities of the supervisor

Knowledge of PC-based software and relevant applications and office equipment

Position Responsibilities

Develop and implement a comprehensive data strategy to track and evaluate program outcomes, including identifying key metrics, setting performance goals, and ensuring data integrity.

Ensure the integration of advanced data reporting and tracking systems into program design and operations, aligning with the organization’s strategic goals.

Collaborate with senior leadership to set measurable program objectives, incorporating data insights into long-term strategic planning and decision-making.

Proven experience in managing complex data systems, program evaluation, and data analytics within nonprofit, public sector, or relevant organizational settings.

Prepare and present high-level data-driven reports for senior leadership, demonstrating program impact, performance, and alignment with strategic objectives.

Collaborate with finance, development, and communications teams to integrate program data with other organizational data systems (e.g., donor data, financial data) for a comprehensive understanding of program and organizational performance.

Oversee the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of shelter services, including spiritual transformation, life skills development, career readiness, housing support, and addiction and trauma recovery.

Oversee the design and delivery of comprehensive program services, starting from the entry point of individuals into the shelter, ensuring seamless integration of food, shelter, life skills development, and classroom education.

Ensure that the shelter’s curriculum is aligned with the goals of spiritual transformation, career readiness, housing stability, and addiction and trauma recovery.

Continuously evaluate and enhance the effectiveness of the curriculum to meet the evolving needs of participants and provide a pathway to long-term stability.

Lead, motivate, and develop the management team providing guidance, support, and professional development opportunities.

Oversee the recruitment, training, and retention of staff and volunteers to ensure that the shelter team is well-equipped to provide excellent services.

Foster a positive, collaborative, and mission-driven work environment that aligns with the organization's values.

Build and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders, including community partners, local government agencies, and donors.

Represent the organization at community events, meetings, and conferences to raise awareness and advocate for the needs of the populations served by the shelter programs.

Ensure that shelter programs comply with all relevant regulations, accreditation standards, and best practices in the field.

Stay informed of emerging trends in shelter services, trauma-informed care, and housing recovery to incorporate into the program.

Core Competencies

Builds relationships with those who experience homelessness, addiction, mental illness, or poverty

Ability to build relationships with individuals and groups with diverse demographic and cultural characteristics

Strong team leader and player

Clear understanding and application of organizational structure

Strong detail orientation with a capacity to delegate effectively

Strong administrative and organizational skills

Establishes and maintains effective working relationships, with proper boundaries

Ability to prioritize with an emphasis on quality and accuracy of work

Ability to solve problems and think critically

Ability to use sound judgment in decision making

Ability to perform all duties with integrity and excellence

Ability to keep confidential information

Demonstrates a respectful and Christ-like manner in all interactions

Strategic program planning and growth ability

Mental and Physical Demands

Ability to work in a changing, growth-oriented environment

Ability to concentrate and apply mental processes

Ability to work with disruptions, critical issues and emotional individuals

Ability to operate with a positive attitude

Ability to move seamlessly from one task to another

Ability to participate in travel experiences

Ability to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time

Ability to operate office equipment and/or machinery for long periods of time

Ability to move about inside the facility to engage employees and/or guests

Ability to frequently bend, squat, kneel, reach upward and/or outward in performing tasks

Ability to lift, carry, push and/or pull items weighing up to 25 pounds

Ability to engage in limited exposure to health-related issues such as colds, viruses, etc.