Director for Program Strategy and Innovation

If you are passionate about transforming communities with a mission-driven organization, then we have the opportunity for you!

Reporting to the Chief Programs Officer, The Director for Program Strategy and Innovation serves as a senior leader responsible for driving the design, evaluation, adaptation, and strategic evolution of programs across the organization. Reporting to the Chief Programs Officer, this role leads new program development, strengthens program effectiveness through evidence and learning, and ensures programs remain responsive to emerging needs, policy shifts, and funding landscapes. This position plays a critical role in translating organizational strategies into scalable, high-impact programs and fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation. It requires senior-level leadership, the ability to manage a large and diverse team, a high degree of flexibility, excellent problem-solving skills, and in-depth knowledge of child welfare best practices for migrant and refugee children and families.

This position can be remote with occasional trips to Baltimore as needed.

Global Refuge, formerly known as Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS), is a nonprofit serving newcomers seeking safety, support, and a share in the American dream. Since 1939, we have welcomed those seeking refuge, upholding a legacy of compassion and grace for people in crisis. We walk alongside individuals, families, and children as they begin their new lives in the United States through our work in refugee resettlement, care for unaccompanied children, and economic empowerment and employment. Our work also extends to Guatemala and Mexico, where we help young people with skills training and community reintegration. To date, we have served over 800,000 people from around the globe. Our comprehensive services leverage our extensive organizational expertise as well as government, community, and faith partnerships.

Benefits

Attracting and retaining the best talent is vital to our continued growth and we are proud to offer an excellent benefits package including:

• medical, dental, vision available the first day of employment
• generous paid time off including 20 days of vacation, 12 days of sick leave, 12 paid holidays
• 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave and up to 12 weeks of fully paid FMLA leave
• company 403(b) contribution of 3%, an additional 7% match which vests immediately
  
  

At Global Refuge, welcoming newcomers isn't just our duty-it's an inherent part of our identity, rooted in our Lutheran heritage and inspired values and serving as a testament to our unwavering commitment to those in search of refuge. Please join us as we make a difference in the lives of newcomers.

Responsibilities

• Conduct landscape analysis, needs assessments, and feasibility studies to inform new program opportunities, particularly within the private sector (foundations, corporations, and philanthropists) and translate this information into recommendations for new strategic program initiatives.
• Monitor and manage key deliverables of the strategic plan
• Act as lead in identifying and securing/implementing new private funding opportunities.
• Explore and evaluate new models of care for unaccompanied children, refugees, and other eligible populations.
• Oversee the writing and submission of proposals for such models.
• Lead the design and development of new programs, pilots, and service models aligned with organizational strategy, mission, and emerging community needs.
• Partner with Development and Programs teams to ensure program designs are funder-responsive and implementation-ready.
• Facilitate scenario planning for the programs team, monitoring key external factors that may impact on the organization in the future.
• Oversee evaluation and learning processes to assess program effectiveness, outcomes, and implementation quality.
• Lead structured reviews of existing programs to identify opportunities for adaptation, improvement, scaling, or sunsetting.
• Translate qualitative and quantitative findings into actionable recommendations for leadership and decision-making.
• Supervise a small team
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications

• Master's degree in public policy, international development, social work, business administration, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• In-depth understanding of, and experience working with, U.S. policies and programs related to refugee resettlement, unaccompanied children in migration, human trafficking assistance and/or asylum required. Experience in more than one sector is strongly preferred.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of relevant work experience in social services programs with at least seven (7) years' experience in immigration; and at least six (6) years of progressively responsible experience managing multiple programs, staff, and project and budget administration.
• Demonstrated experience developing and standing up (or executing) new programs and adapting existing programs based on evidence.
• Experience in directing complex multi-state and/or national programs/lines of business.
• Extensive track record in securing funding from diverse funding sources including corporations, private foundations, individuals and through sales/fee for service. Demonstrated ability to secure new sources of funding.
• Strong knowledge and experience with program management, compliance, developing performance metrics and reporting
• Experience in administering and overseeing grants, including proposal development, contract, and cooperative agreement compliance, reporting, and budget oversight.
• Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills, including experience supporting proposals and executive briefings.
• A high degree of initiative; able to conceptualize, articulate, and cultivate collaboration in innovative strategies.
• Must be able to travel within the United States up to 25% of the time.
• Commitment to Global Refuge's core mission and values and an ability to model those values in relationship with colleagues and partners; commitment to empowering refugees and migrants.
  
  

Special Position Requirements

• Must be willing and able to clear a criminal background check for the past 7 years.
• Must be willing and able to request and clear Child Abuse and Neglect background check in all states lived within previous 5 years, updated yearly.
• Must obtain a negative TB Test yearly.
• CPR, First Aid, and AEC must be certified upon hire or within 60 days of hire.
• Must be willing and able to obtain FBI fingerprint check every 5 years.
• Must have valid driver's license and MVA check free of major infractions for the last 7 years.
• Must clear a State of Maryland Department of Public Safety and Corrections Services screening.
• This role may be based in US locations where Global Refuge employs staff. If the selected candidate is not local to the Baltimore, Maryland region, they will be required to travel to Baltimore on a quarterly basis, at a minimum. This would be in addition to travelling to other locations where Global Refuge provides services.
  
  

Global Refuge is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We participate in E-Verify.

We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package in an innovative and rewarding work environment. Salaries are based on the latest market data and reflect the education, skills and requirements for the role. Differentials may exist based on the region and language abilities. Global Refuge has been welcoming newcomers since 1939. Learn more at globalrefuge.org.