Program Director

• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with local and national health and community stakeholders, including healthcare systems, governments, NGOs, and universities

• Identify and cultivate relationships with potential health program implementation partners to fill service or program gaps and bring interventions to scale

• Manage the full partner engagement lifecycle, including agreement execution and partner performance management

• Identify potential community organizations that should be part of NKF’s local network

• Represent NKF at industry events, coalitions, and sector platforms to strengthen NKF’s visibility and influence in the community and public health space

• Partner with the Executive Director, National Programs, and Development teams to grow and diversify financial resources for the local program portfolio

• Lead prospecting and proposal development for new programs and initiatives

• Identify potential industry and non-industry funding opportunities, including new and innovative funding models

• Keep the Executive Director and Development team member informed on program priorities, progress, and funding needs

• Proven ability in grant proposal writing and securing grant funding opportunities through new and existing grants

• Strong public speaking and presentation skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex information to diverse audiences (e.g., stakeholders, patients, donors, community members).

• Develop and execute an internal and external communications plan to highlight local program outcomes and impact

• Collaborate with NKF’s Branding and Communications teams to ensure consistent messaging and visibility

• Represent NKF as a subject matter expert and thought leader at conferences, community forums, and health sector meetings

  
  

WHAT YOU’LL POSSESS

• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in health-related program delivery, public health initiatives, nonprofit or community engagement; or equivalent experience in the design, implementation, and evaluation of health programs; Master's degree preferred

• Proven experience in partnership development and relationship management with healthcare or public health organizations

• Demonstrated project management experience, including managing budgets, events, and deadlines independently and collaboratively

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize effectively, and maintain attention to detail

• Experience with volunteer recruitment and management, preferably with healthcare or community-based professionals to ensure focus on the groups at highest risk for kidney disease

• Strong analytical skills; experience using data and basic statistical analysis to inform decision-making

• Proficiency with multiple software platforms, including Microsoft Office Suite, Zoom, Salesforce, Canva and Smartsheet

• Superior organizational, communication, time management, and interpersonal skills

• Flexible, resourceful, and able to adapt when challenges arise

• Deep understanding of U.S. health systems, nonprofit and community health ecosystems, and funding streams preferred

• Experience working within or alongside mid-size to large nonprofit organizations or NGOs preferred

• Experience developing strategic communications, advocacy, or thought leadership initiatives within the healthcare or public health sector

  
  

COMPETENCIES

• Accountability: Takes ownership of actions, decisions and results, ensuring high standards of performance and transparency
• Collaboration: Collaborates effectively with peers and stakeholders, contributing to shared team goals. Demonstrates openness to feedback and is willing to work across teams to achieve NKF’s mission
• Cultural Humility: Fosters a team environment that values humility, continuous learning, and respect for diverse cultures. Ensures team members are equipped to interact with individuals from varie backgrounds with sensitivity
• Data-Driven Decision Making & Results Orientation: Analyzes team and project data to drive performance and improve outcomes. Drives team performance, ensuring alignment with NKF’s strategic objectives
• Financial Acumen: Oversees budgets and identifies funding opportunities to align with revenue goals
• Operational Excellence: Implements process improvements across teams, driving productivity gains
• Patient and Community-Centered Focus: Leads teams and executes on implementation of programs and initiatives that address the needs of underserved populations. Ensures that patient, donor, and caregiver needs are central to all decision-making processes, while fostering team accountability for community-focused outcomes
• Resource Stewardship: Manages resources responsibly, balancing cost, quality, and sustainability to maximize impact
• Stakeholder Engagement: Supports NKF’s mission by coordinating the efforts of volunteers, partners, and stakeholders. Engages in project management activities to ensure smooth execution of initiatives and builds relationships that strengthen NKF’s impact in the community

WORKING CONDITIONS, EQUIPMENT USED AND SPECIAL INFORMATION

Ability to lift and transport equipment weighing up to 25 lbs. Flexible to work evenings and weekends as needed. Available for overnight business travel. Must have a valid driver’s license.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

At the National Kidney Foundation, diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity apply to both our workforce and the communities we serve as they relate to kidney health and kidney disease prevention. It is the policy of NKF to provide equality of employment opportunity regardless of race, creed, color, qualified handicap or disability, national origin, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, age, gender, political affiliation or veteran status, or any other factor or reason prohibited by relevant local, state, and federal fair employment laws.

The Equal Employment Opportunity policy will apply to all employment practices of NKF, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, promotion, training, compensation, benefits, layoffs, transfers, and discipline. Implementation of the Equal Employment Opportunity policy is the shared responsibility of the management of NKF.
 

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position.   They are not intended to be considered an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The National Kidney Foundation does not accept resumes from third-party recruitment/search firms. Please do not forward resumes to NKF employees, company locations, or email addresses. NKF is not responsible for any fees related to resumes not solicited by NKF Recruiting.