Programming Director-- Non-Profit

Job Description

Job Description

Position is located in Brainerd, MN. No remote work option is available. Must be in person.

Position Summary:

The Program Director provides strategic leadership, data-informed decision-making, and operational oversight for the core service areas of homelessness response, food insecurity, volunteer engagement, and community resource coordination. This role is central to ensuring that programs are high-impact, outcome-driven, and aligned with the agency’s mission and long-term strategic goals.

The Program Director directly supervises key staff members, oversees the volunteer program, ensures excellence in service delivery, and leverages data and evaluation to guide program growth, innovation, and sustainability. Additionally, this position leads cross-sector initiatives, manage budgets, ensures contract and grant compliance, and develops strategies that address poverty and homelessness in the Brainerd Lakes Area.

As a member of the senior leadership team, the Program Director collaborates closely with the Executive Director, Retail Director, HR, Finance & Operations Director, grant writers, funders, and external partners to ensure the sustainability and expansion of critical programs.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of direct service programs, including:
  • Community lunch program
  • Emergency shelter
  • Resource Connection Services (intake, case coordination, and referrals)
  • Volunteer Program (recruitment, training, and engagement)
• Ensure all programs are mission-aligned, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and outcome-driven.
• Use data to identify trends, monitor performance, and inform programmatic decisions.
• Translate data and evaluation findings into strategic direction, innovation, and measurable goals for program growth.
• Supervise 4 direct reports
• Develop systems to recruit volunteers and track contributions of those individuals
• Grant Writing
• Planning, budgeting and organizational leadership

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred in Nonprofit Management, Public Health, Social Work, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive leadership in human services or nonprofit program management, with at least 3 years of supervisory experience.
• Proven experience managing multi-faceted programs, volunteers, and cross-sector initiatives.
• Demonstrated success using data, evaluation, and performance measures to drive programmatic decisions and strategic direction.
• Strong knowledge of trauma-informed, housing-first, and equity-centered service models.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills with the ability to inspire teams and influence system-level changes.

Company DescriptionBrainerd Lakes Economic Development Corporation is helping to hire this position for a member company. We work with companies in our area to help them expand and grow in MN.

Company Description

Brainerd Lakes Economic Development Corporation is helping to hire this position for a member company. We work with companies in our area to help them expand and grow in MN.