Program Director

About Encircle

Encircle provides affirming programs, services, and community spaces for LGBTQ youth, young adults, and their families. Guided by our motto, No Sides, Only Love, we create welcoming environments where individuals of all backgrounds can find connection, support, and belonging.

Position Summary

The Program Director leads the implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of Encircle's programs at their assigned Home. This role combines program leadership, team development, community engagement, and operational oversight to ensure that their location provides an exceptional experience for guests, volunteers, staff, and community partners.

The Program Director is responsible for creating and maintaining a welcoming, affirming, and safe environment; leading and developing Home staff; building strong relationships within the local community; overseeing program operations and budgets; and using data, feedback, and evidence-based practices to continuously improve programs and services.

This is an ideal role for a mission-driven leader who enjoys working directly with people, building community, developing teams, and translating organizational strategy into meaningful local impact.

This is a full time position. Availability required M-F from 12-8pm and some scheduled weekends. Please note Pride month (June) is a time off blackout period.

The starting salary for this role is $65K - 75K per year, depending on experience. Benefits include medical/dental/vision, employer paid life insurance, paid holidays, PTO and paid sick time, and 401k with up to 4% employer match.

Responsibilities

Lead Programs & Create Exceptional Guest Experiences

• Lead the implementation and ongoing improvement of programs at the Encircle Home.
• Deliver inclusive, affirming programs that respond to community needs and align with Encircle's mission and Core Curriculum.
• Apply data-driven, evidence-based, and trauma-informed approaches to assess needs, plan services, and evaluate program effectiveness.
• Monitor program participation and outcomes, and use data and feedback to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Create a welcoming environment where guests feel safe, included, and connected.
• Uphold Encircle's community guidelines and respond thoughtfully to situations that may impact the emotional or physical safety of guests.
• Ensure programs are delivered consistently and effectively while remaining responsive to the needs of the local community.

Lead & Develop a High-Performing Team

• Supervise, coach, and support Home staff, including the Assistant Program Director, Program Coordinator, interns, and volunteers.
• Establish clear expectations and provide regular feedback, coaching, and professional development.
• Foster a team culture grounded in inclusion, accountability, collaboration, and continuous growth.
• Support performance management processes and help team members identify and pursue opportunities for professional development.
• Model Encircle's values and create an environment where team members feel supported, challenged, and connected to the organization's mission.

Build Community Partnerships

• Develop and maintain meaningful relationships with local organizations, community leaders, businesses, and other partners.
• Represent Encircle within the local community and build awareness of Encircle's programs and services.
• Coordinate and participate in community events and collaborative initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen partnerships, expand program reach, and increase community impact.
• Ensure community engagement efforts are inclusive, strategic, and aligned with Encircle's mission and values.

Oversee Home Operations & Administration

• Maintain accurate program, incident, staffing, volunteer, and other operational documentation.
• Track program participation, outcomes, and other relevant data.
• Monitor and manage the Home's budget and expenses.
• Complete monthly financial reconciliation and other administrative responsibilities.
• Manage calendars, communications, projects, and operational deadlines effectively.
• Maintain and improve standard operating procedures and systems that support effective program delivery.
• Collaborate with Operations, Development, Marketing, People & Culture, and other departments to support organization-wide goals.

Maintain a Safe & Welcoming Home

• Ensure the Home is clean, organized, welcoming, and aligned with Encircle's brand and style.
• Conduct regular walk-throughs and identify facility, safety, and maintenance needs.
• Coordinate with the Facilities Manager to address and track maintenance issues.
• Support compliance with safety protocols and organizational requirements.
• Help create physical spaces that foster belonging, connection, and psychological safety.

Lead Volunteer Engagement

• Oversee volunteer recruitment, onboarding, training, scheduling, supervision, and appreciation.
• Ensure volunteers have the tools, information, and support they need to contribute effectively.
• Build meaningful relationships with volunteers and create opportunities for ongoing engagement and development.
• Recognize and celebrate volunteer contributions to Encircle's mission.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, or a related field.
• At least 3 years experience supervising, coaching, or developing staff, volunteers, and/or teams.
• At least 3 years of experience working with youth, young adults, families, community programs, or a related field.
• Experience planning, implementing, and evaluating programs.
• Experience working with LGBTQ communities and/or demonstrated knowledge of LGBTQ youth and family experiences is strongly preferred.
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills with the ability to build trust across diverse communities and partnerships.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, budgets, and operational responsibilities with strong organization and follow-through.
• Comfortable using data, feedback, and evaluation to assess program effectiveness and drive continuous improvement.
• Ability to navigate challenging situations with sound judgment, emotional intelligence, and a calm, solutions-oriented approach.
• Demonstrated commitment to Encircle's mission, values, and No Sides, Only Love philosophy.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across teams and departments.

Equal Opportunity Employer

• Encircle is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences. We strongly encourage LGBTQIA folks and allies to apply.