Director of Programs

Position Title: Director of Programs

Department: Programs

FLSA Status: Full-time, Salaried, Exempt

Location: Lincoln, Nebraska

Reports to: Executive Director

Date Created: October 2026

God has called us to build up the Body of Christ in southern Nebraska through the spiritual and corporal works of

mercy. We are called to grow in holiness, walk in trust, serve with integrity, and faithfully proclaim the Gospel.

Position Summary: The Director of Programs provides vision, leadership, and oversight for programs that

promote the integral development of the human person through compassionate service, authentic

accompaniment, and meaningful community engagement. Grounded in the Gospel and Catholic Social Teaching,

this position cultivates a culture that recognizes the inherent dignity of every person and works collaboratively

with staff, volunteers, clergy, parishes, and community partners to foster hope, healing, stability, and

opportunities for individuals and families to flourish.

Leadership & Supervision:

● Provide strategic leadership, vision, and oversight for programs, including financial assistance, homeless

outreach, the Prison and Reentry Apostolate, and food market and meal services, ensuring all programs

advance the mission of Catholic Social Services and respond to evolving community needs.

● Recruit, supervise, coach, develop, and evaluate program staff, fostering professional growth,

collaboration, accountability, and excellence in service rooted in Catholic Social Teaching.

● Develop annual goals, measurable outcomes, and continuous improvement strategies for programs in

alignment with the agency's mission and vision.

● Actively contribute as a member of the CSS Leadership Team to strengthen organizational culture,

collaboration, innovation, accountability, and the Catholic mission throughout the agency.

Program Development & Operations

● Provide oversight for program implementation, quality assurance, evaluation, and expansion to ensure

services remain client-centered, mission-driven, and responsive to community needs.

● Guide the development of new initiatives that promote long-term human flourishing, including financial

education, homelessness prevention, prison ministry, mentoring, housing and employment partnerships,

parish engagement, and other supportive services.

● Ensure direct reports are equipped to provide exceptional client services by maintaining familiarity with

program operations, offering coaching and support, and assisting with direct service when needed to

meet client or operational needs.

● Establish, implement, and evaluate policies and procedures that support effective operations, equitable

service delivery, regulatory compliance, and continuous quality improvement.

● Collaborate with the Marketing and Development team to communicate program impact, support

fundraising efforts, recruit and train volunteers, promote agency initiatives, assist with grant applications

and reports, and share client stories that respectfully reflect the dignity, resilience, and hope of those

served.

Subject to the Constitution of the United States and all applicable state and federal laws, CSS does not discriminate in its

employment practices or in the administration and dissemination of its programs and services.

● Effectively manage program budgets and resources, exercising responsible stewardship while identifying

innovative opportunities to maximize mission impact and long-term sustainability.

● Ensure accurate documentation, data collection, reporting, and program evaluation through Clarity and

other agency systems to support compliance, performance measurement, and informed

decision-making.

● Prepare and submit internal monthly, quarterly, annual, and grant-related reports as requested.

Prison & Reentry Apostolate

● Provide strategic leadership and oversight of the Prison and Reentry Apostolate, including sacramental

ministry, volunteer engagement, mentoring, and reentry programming for incarcerated and formerly

incarcerated individuals.

● Collaborate with prison chaplains, the Diocese of Lincoln, the Nebraska Department of Correctional

Services (NDCS), Catholic parishes, clergy, volunteers, and community partners to strengthen ministry

efforts and expand opportunities for successful reintegration.

● Ensure prison ministry and reentry services comply with applicable laws, NDCS policies, agency

standards, and best practices while remaining responsive to the spiritual and practical needs of

participants.

● Foster opportunities for accompaniment, spiritual formation, and community support that encourage

healing, restoration, and successful reintegration into family, parish, and community life.

Preferred Competencies:

● Communication; written and verbal

● Leadership

● Cooperation

● Teamwork

● Problem Solving

● Ethical

● Organizational Support

● Safety and Security

Qualifications:

A degree in social work, psychology or similar field is preferred. A minimum of seven to ten years of experience

serving the poor and vulnerable or other at-risk populations. Must have previous supervisory and leadership

experience. Must be knowledgeable about the Catholic Church and support its moral and religious teachings.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to

successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable

individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the

employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands or arms, climb or

balance, talk or hear. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Working Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is primarily indoor working conditions. The noise level in

the work environment is usually moderate.

Pay: $65,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $65,000 - $75,000