The Bridges Program Director has responsibility for the overall management of the local Bridges program and Associates, providing leadership to the team to achieve all goals, including but not limited to managing the local Bridges site, including supervising all site associates, managing external relationships, maintaining funding requirements and overseeing day-to-day operations to achieve program outcomes.
Core Work Activities:
The Program Director’s primary responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Development of an operating budget consistent with available funding;
• Operation of local program within budgetary guidelines;
• Consistent adherence to standards and processes of program model;
• Consistent achievement of program outcome goals relative to enrollments, placements, completions, and advancements of students;
• Achievement of outstanding return on investment for each funding partner;
• Identification, development, and management of local funding opportunities to enhance stability and growth of program.
• Maintenance of processes that ensures all elements of the Bridges model (i.e., documentation, data collection, and reporting) are maintained according to established standards and requirements;
• Regular reporting to Foundation management of operating results for all aspects of local Bridges program.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders throughout the community;
• Act as the primary spokesperson for the program in the local community;
• Seek opportunities to build awareness of and identity for Bridges in the public consciousness.
• Set high standards of performance for self and/or others; assumes responsibility for work objectives; initiates focus, and monitor the efforts of self and/or others toward the accomplishment of goals; proactively takes action and goes beyond what is required.
• Gather information and resources required to set a plan of action for self and/or others; prioritizes and arrange work requirements to accomplish goals and ensure work is completed.
• Support employees and business partners with diverse styles, abilities, motivations, and/or cultural perspectives; utilizes differences to drive innovation, engagement, and enhance business results; and ensures employees are given the opportunity to contribute to their full potential.
• Evaluate and adapt the structure of assignments and work processes to best fit the needs and/or support the goals of an organizational unit.
• Responsible for the obtainment of site outcomes and goals.
• Other duties as assigned.
Leadership Responsibilities:
The Program Director, is responsible for the following leadership and supervisory duties:
• Recruitment and selection; Build and maintain a motivated team with a common vision of critical goals and a shared commitment to achievement;
• Complete timely orientation of all new hires;
• Ongoing training and development;
• Continuously monitor, measure, and manage performance, providing coaching, counseling, and guidance as necessary;
• Alignment of program goals to staff accountability and performance;
• Build and maintain a motivated team with a common vision of critical goals and a shared commitment to achievement;
• Generate creative and effective responses to challenges that ensure goal attainment including assisting with placements when necessary;
• Create dynamic support mechanisms to ensure long-term organizational stability;
• Participates as a member of a team to move toward the completion of common goals while fostering cohesion and collaboration among team members.
Education and Experience:
• Five years of progressive experience in a related field (e.g., business management, social services, education, human resources) with at least three years at a supervisory level;
• Bachelor’s degree in related field;
• Proven success in supervision and leadership, particularly in training, directing, and building a team of professionals;
• Understanding of the business community, and demonstrated success in establishing and building successful business relationships;
• Familiarity and ability to work effectively with the human service sector, especially in the areas of disability, school to work transition, and youth and job development; and
• Experience in identifying and developing funding streams from various desirable sources.
Required Skills:
• High level of emotional intelligence
• Ability to manage internal and external relationships
• Strong verbal and written communication
• Ability to supervise direct reports including recruit, train, coach, counsel, and manage performance
• Ability to participate in strategic planning
• High degree of organization
• Proficient computer applications such as Microsoft Office Suites
• Ability to monitor grant funding to ensure eligibility and reporting requirements are met
• Maintains performance level under pressure or when experiencing changes or challenges in the workplace.
• Identifies and understands issues, problems, and opportunities; obtains and compares information from different sources to draw conclusions, develops and evaluates alternatives and solutions, solves problems, and chooses a course of action.
• Exhibits behavioral styles that convey confidence and command respect from others; makes a good first impression and represents the organization in alignment with its values.
• Ability to work in field as needed.
• Valid driver’s license (where applicable).
• If using own transportation, will need to pass MVR and insurance requirements.
Physical Requirements
• Prolonged periods sitting or standing at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to operate general office equipment.
• Ability to operate a vehicle or proficiency in using public transportation for commuting to various locations on a regular basis.
• Must be fully vaccinated as defined by the CDC where allowed by local mandate.