Director of Programs

The Safer Foundation is a social service provider to individuals with arrest and conviction records. Through a full range of services, including case management, educational instruction and advocacy, we focus on preparing individuals for the world of work by helping them find and keep productive and meaningful employment.

General Summary:

The Director of Programs, Quad Cities is responsible for the implementation, oversight, and continuous improvement of all Safer Foundation programs and services across the Quad Cities region. This position ensures that all programmatic and operational objectives align with Safer’s mission of reducing recidivism through education, employment, and supportive services.

The Director provides direct supervision to Program Managers overseeing key initiatives such as Employment Services, Youth Empowerment Program (YEP), Pathway Home, and other workforce or reentry programs within the region. Working in close partnership with the Associate Vice President (AVP) of Regional Operations, the Director supports program growth, sustainability, and quality by collaborating on fund development, contract management, budget planning, and community partnerships.

This position maintains oversight of performance outcomes, staff development, data integrity, and compliance with funder and regulatory requirements. The Director serves as a key liaison with external stakeholders, community partners, and funders while fostering a cohesive and accountable team culture that upholds Safer’s core values.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Stakeholder Interface

• Represent Safer Foundation at community meetings, collaborative groups, and public events across the Quad Cities and surrounding counties.
• Serve as a senior liaison between Safer Foundation and key partners including Juvenile Court Services, community colleges, workforce boards, employers, and community agencies.
• Support Advisory Board engagement and regional advocacy efforts to promote second chances and expand Safer’s mission and visibility.
• Coordinate local media and marketing efforts in collaboration with Safer’s Development and Communications teams.

Stakeholder Outreach and Recruitment

• Support Program Managers in maintaining consistent and effective communication with referral sources including courts, schools, probation, and workforce partners.
• Strengthen outreach strategies to ensure steady and appropriate referrals across all programs.
• Identify and cultivate new community partnerships to expand recruitment efforts and service reach.
• Ensure outreach efforts align with program capacity, eligibility criteria, and contract requirements.

Tracking, Document and Reporting

• Oversee data quality and documentation standards across all programs using Salesforce.
• Ensure timely and accurate data entry by program staff to support service delivery, audits, and performance tracking.
• Monitor performance metrics and program outcomes to ensure compliance with funder expectations.
• Oversee the preparation of monthly reports, performance dashboards, and required funder reports.
• Partner with the Quality Assurance team to conduct audits and continuous quality improvement activities.
• Ensure timely submission of reports to state agencies, funders, and internal leadership.

Fiscal Reporting and Accountability

• Partner with the AVP and Accounting team to develop, monitor, and reconcile program budgets.
• Ensure funds are expended in accordance with approved budgets and grant terms.
• Identify financial risks, trends, or variances early and collaborate on corrective action planning.
• Support preparation for annual audits and financial reporting requirements.
• Contribute to program planning and sustainability efforts to ensure long-term fiscal health.

Supervision and Leadership

• Provide direct supervision, coaching, and professional development to Program Managers and assigned staff.
• Conduct regular supervision meetings and annual performance evaluations.
• Collaborate with the AVP on hiring, onboarding, and training for program staff.
• Facilitate regular team meetings to promote communication, alignment, and accountability.
• Serve as designee for the AVP as needed to ensure operational continuity across Iowa and Illinois sites.
• Ensure implementation of evidence-based practices, including trauma-informed and cognitive-behavioral interventions.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience, preferably in workforce development, reentry, or social services.
• Strong understanding of program design, grant management, and outcome measurement.
• Knowledge of barriers faced by individuals impacted by the criminal legal system and familiarity with trauma-informed practices.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Salesforce and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, Criminal Justice, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive program management experience, including supervision of multiple teams, contract oversight, and budget management.
• Experience in fund development and community engagement strongly preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer
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