Position Overview

The Senior Director of Programs reports to the Chief Innovation Officer. This position is primarily focused on the development and implementation of programming which can include both client-facing and community-based services and education. This position also assumes leadership at the organizational level as a member of the Senior Leadership Team. Direct reports include multiple directors/managers who are engaged in child nutrition, nutrition education, and food-is-medicine programs. Although the focus is primarily internal, this position is expected to have a presence at the community level with funders and potential partners within the relevant systems.

Organization Overview

Operation Food Search (OFS), a hunger relief organization based in St. Louis, MO, strengthens the safety net by empowering children, teens, and adults with a range of innovative programs and services proven to reduce food insecurity and increase access to healthy and affordable food. We help feed 200,000 people every month.

Mission: To heal hunger with innovative and collaborative solutions that provide food today and

help create a hunger-free tomorrow.

Goals: 1) Meet the immediate need for food for children and families; 2) Empower long-term skills by

teaching culinary skills and nutrition education; 3) Champion change through advocacy and

innovation.

For more information about OFS, please visit www.operationfoodsearch.org.

Primary Position Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and oversee the performance and evaluation of OFS programs.
• Ensure programs are aligned and coordinated, and barriers to collaboration are reduced to ensure consistency and produce
• Oversee a significant portfolio of programs and related services; evaluate the effectiveness of programs to provide ongoing feedback; help to promote and diversify funding through effective resource stewardship; raise OFS profile through external communications.
• Work in collaboration with the Senior Leadership Team to implement the strategic plan.
• Serve as a member of the departmental leadership team.
• In conjunction with the leadership team, establish annual departmental and program goals, metrics, and objectives and track results against these goals.
• Provide leadership in assessing programmatic priorities, projects, and activities and their feasibility and priority for attaining the organization's mission.
• Develop an assessment protocol to determine the feasibility and sustainability of programs as well as lead to more effective and efficient service delivery. Monitor and evaluate program activities on a regular basis.
• Provide clinical and administrative supervision to direct reports to build their skills and confidence so that they can supervise, evaluate, mentor, encourage, and motivate staff.
• Ensure that procedures and protocols are updated at regular intervals.
• Contribute to and support the development of a trauma informed team culture and approach to providing services.
• Ensure the effective management and implementation of all departmental initiatives through the alignment of staff expertise and capabilities with responsibilities to achieve program goals and objectives.
• Identify opportunities for new and expanding programming; create new positions when appropriate.
• Coordinate with the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Development Officer to ensure grant administration.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets.
• Assist with the conceptualization and implementation of new initiatives.
• Support fund raising efforts for the organization by attending/volunteering at occasional events.
• Be conversant about OFS's programs, positions, strategies, and goals across all program areas and effectively serve as a representative and spokesperson for the organization.
• Ensure program compliance with all federal, state, funding, regulations, certifications, and licensure requirements

Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

The ideal candidate possesses a strong growth-oriented and intentional approach to executing the job duties. The ability to think strategically and to incorporate existing evidence-based practices, social work or public health theory, and the principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) is a must for this position.

Required Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Social Work or Public Health with a minimum of 10 years of professional experience working in clinical and/or community practice settings
• A minimum of five years' experience with staff management
• Substantial experience in program development and implementation with a strategic and intentional approach
• Demonstrated ability to lead quality improvement and program implementation efforts
• Comprehensive working knowledge of program planning, organizational structure, and budgeting
• Robust knowledge of health equity, JEDI principles, and the social determinants of health
• Knowledgeable about Trauma-Informed Care and its implementation
• Experience working with multi-disciplinary teams and diverse systems of care
• Strong analytical, interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to create a learning environment in addition to promoting professional development for teammates
• Ability to establish positive interpersonal relationships with staff and colleagues, as well as external community for networking and partnership building
• Strong relationship builder with the ability to find common ground, build consensus, and strengthen collaboration among diverse stakeholders
• Knowledge of collecting and utilizing data to inform program development
• Familiar with basic research methodology
• Familiar and comfortable using the Microsoft Suite; able and willing to learn other software programs
• Passion for the OFS mission

Helpful Experience:

• Experience in the food security and/or healthcare field(s)

• Knowledge of local community organizations and programs, as well as the Federal Safety Net Programs

Special Requirements:

• Willingness to occasionally travel for meetings and conferences
• Flexibility in working hours for occasional special events, after-hours, or weekend activities
• Willingness to assist with other OFS duties as required or as assigned
  

Salary and Benefits:

Salary: $89,500 - $116,400

Benefits: Medical, Dental, 401(k), Life Insurance, Long-term Disability, PTO

To Apply: Please submit your application and include your resume at https://operationfoodsearch.aaimtrack.com/jobs/896870-219018.html