Director of Programs

Overview
The Director of Programs is a key member of the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore’s leadership team and plays a central role in shaping strategies that evaluate the neighbor voice across all programs. Reporting to the Chief Neighbor Experience Officer, this position provides strategic and operational leadership to the Programs team and advances the Foodbank’s commitment to neighbor-centered hunger relief.

The Director of Programs is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating comprehensive program strategies that build on the organization’s history of impact while advancing innovation, equity, and mission alignment. In partnership with the Chief Neighbor Experience Officer, the Director oversees all programs that directly serve individuals and families in the community, ensuring effectiveness, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an annual, comprehensive programming plan aligned with the Foodbank’s strategic goals to address hunger and food insecurity in the community.
• Establish and maintain the infrastructure, systems, and metrics needed to meet monthly, quarterly, and annual program targets, grounded in logic models and the organization’s theory of change.
• Provide oversight of the implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of all Foodbank programs in accordance with best practices, regulatory requirements, and Feeding America standards.
• Lead the development and integration of neighbor-centered strategies that expand program reach, improve outcomes, and elevate the neighbor voice across all services.
• Identify, cultivate, and manage strategic partnerships that enhance program effectiveness and community impact, represent the Foodbank on local and regional coalitions and committees as appropriate.
• Develop, manage, and monitor the annual program budget, collaborating with the leadership team to analyze trends and support sustainable, scalable program models.
• Partner with the Development team to support grants administration, including program input for prospecting, applications, reporting, and compliance with funder requirements.
• Compile and analyze program data and prepare regular reports for internal leadership, the Board of Directors, and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the leadership team to develop and evaluate recruitment strategies for volunteers and ensure a positive, mission-aligned volunteer experience.
• Serve as a staff liaison to assigned board committees, providing strategic insight and operational support.
• Partner with the Chief Neighbor Experience Officer and Director of Human Resources to recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing Programs team; provide supervision, coaching, evaluation, and professional development.
• Foster strong communication and collaboration through regular team, departmental, and leadership meetings.
• Actively champion and model the Foodbank’s mission, vision, and values internally and externally, contributing to a culture of accountability, equity, and active philanthropy.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, public administration, social work, public health, business administration, or a related field required, master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive leadership experience in program management, preferably within a nonprofit, community-based, or human services organization.
• Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, and evaluating complex programs aligned with organizational strategies and community need.
• Proven success leading and managing multidisciplinary teams, including hiring, coaching, performance management, and staff development.
• Experience overseeing program budgets and multiple funding sources, including grants, contracts, and earned revenue.
• Knowledge of best practices in program evaluation, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement; familiarity with logic models and theories of change preferred.
• Experience building and sustaining strategic partnerships with community organizations, funders, and public-sector stakeholders.
• Understanding of issues related to food insecurity, hunger relief, health equity, or related social determinants of health preferred.
• Familiarity with Feeding America standards, regulatory requirements, and grant compliance strongly preferred.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills with the ability to represent the organization with credibility and empathy.

Certifications/licenses

• No specific certifications or licenses required.
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker or Licensed Professional Counselor credentials preferred.
• Relevant profession certifications such as Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP), Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Public Manager (CPM), or similar credentials preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required for travel to partner sites, meetings, and Foodbank locations, as needed.

Pay: $70,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $70,000 - $75,000