SENIOR DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS

ABOUT CONNECTIONS FOR CHILDREN

Connections for Children (CFC) has long been a key community resource, empowering families and child care providers to ensure every child has access to quality early care and education. Through comprehensive resources, referrals, and training programs, CFC strengthens the link between families, providers, and the broader community, promoting the well-being and development of all children. Committed to equity and excellence, CFC remains a steadfast advocate for the nurturing and educational needs of children, continually evolving to meet the changing demands of the community.  

Connections for Children is focused on expanding programs to serve more people throughout the Westside and South Bay communities of Los Angeles County, while investing in staff and organizational capacity to ensure mission success. By establishing a more diverse revenue base, CFC is sustaining and growing its impact, prioritizing equity and inclusivity in all efforts. This prioritization affirms CFC’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, particularly in serving underserved populations, and positions the organization to embrace innovation and cultivate strong partnerships for the betterment of countless children and families. 

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Senior Director of Programs (Director) reports to the Chief Program Officer (CPO). This newly created position is responsible for leading program growth, ensuring program contract compliance, setting standards for program data collection and results, analyzing program data, and also serves as an internal consultant for others in the programs department and the overall organization. The Director will act as the principal advisor and key partner to the CPO. In addition, the Director may identify, recruit, and manage outside consultants on an as-needed basis.   

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Programs Department Support  

• Identifies programs to enhance growth and incubates new program ideas. 
• Serves as an internal consultant to the CPO and others in the department by reviewing program strategies and results.   
• Works collaboratively with other programs department leaders and finance department to set standards for program data collection and analysis. 
• Reviews and evaluates existing program strategies and implementation goals, and makes recommendations for enhancements where needed. 
• Prepares department budget for CPO to review and to approve. 
• Regularly reviews program metrics and provides recommendations and advice to CPO and to others in the department. 
• Acts as the principal advisor and key partner to the CPO. 

Quality Improvement 

• Defines quality improvement for the programs department in terms of scope and quality elements to be addressed (training for providers, standards of care for families, etc.) 
• Reviews all current quality control programs/standards in the programs department for standardization and consistency. Ensures services to families and providers meet or exceed program quality standards. 
• Ensures quality metrics are meaningful and reasonable, and meet childcare provider standards of care. 

Contract Compliance 

• Reviews existing and newly created contracts and highlights major compliance requirements and standards. Ensures organizational leaders understand contract compliance requirements through adequate communication. 
• Supports programs department leaders to manage program contracts. Serves as internal consultant when new contracts are received and or current contracts are renewed. 
• Creates process for ensuring contract compliance is monitored, met and communicated on a timely basis to all stakeholders (Executive Leadership Team, Programs and Strategies Board Committee, programs department staff, etc.) 

Other Leadership Responsibilities 

• Serves as an active member of CFC’s leadership team. Provides leadership and mentorship by being a role model.   
• To the extent feasible, participates in fund development activities and community activities to financially grow the agency.    
• Represents the organization in the community by attending community and special events, conferences, workshops, etc. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and planning, education, social services field and/or business is desired. Master’s degree preferred.
• Proven ability to identify, recruit and to manage outside consultants. 
• Experience reviewing government funded program contracts, related budgets and performance metrics. Prior experience in grant writing preferred.
• Ability to identify, plan and launch new programs that enhance the organization’s ability to strengthen services to its providers and families. 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and to practice good judgment in a changing social environment. 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The salary range is $105,000—$120,000 depending on experience. Salary is based on a minimum 35-hour workweek, and is eligible for a performance-based incentive. Competitive benefits package consisting of health, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) employer contribution, paid sick leave, paid time off (PTO), holidays, and a hybrid telework work option (after a 90-day introductory period).

Connections for Children is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of gender, race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender orientation, or different ability.

Envision Consulting was retained by Connections for Children to conduct the search for their incoming Senior Director of Programs.

Applicants needing accommodation for any part of the application process may contact Envision Consulting at 626.889.7905 to request and arrange for assistance.