Leadership role
Director of Programs
Directs the planning and delivery of an organization's programs or services.
Reporting and scope
Usually reports to the Executive Director / CEO or Chief Program Officer. Authority covers the organization's programs or a program area.
Core responsibilities
- Designs and manages mission programs and services
- Supervises program managers and front-line staff
- Manages program budgets and grant deliverables
- Measures outcomes and reports to funders and the board
- Keeps programs compliant with licensing and contract terms
- Recruits and supports program volunteers
How it differs
Chief Program Officer and VP of Programs are the executive tiers above. Program Manager runs a single program. Director of Clinical Services leads licensed clinical programs. Director of Programs directs the overall service portfolio or a major area.
By organization size
In small organizations the Director of Programs is often the second senior leader, overseeing all services. In large ones it leads one program area under a chief program officer.
Filings from the last five years mapped to this role commonly report titles such as: Program Director; Director of Programs; Program Dir.; Senior Program Director; Programs Director; Senior Director of Programs