What are the responsibilities and job description for the Program Director position at The Poston Foundation?
Company Description The Poston Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting underserved communities across South Carolina through direct aid, youth mentorship, and civic empowerment. The organization focuses on providing immediate, practical relief to individuals experiencing homelessness while also building long-term pathways to stability through education and grassroots leadership. Through its flagship Carolina Cares initiative, The Poston Foundation delivers essential resources with a strong commitment to dignity, equity, and fiduciary accountability. Team members join a mission-driven environment that values collaboration, community partnership, and measurable impact for those most in need.
Role Description The Program Director is a full-time, hybrid role based in Columbia, SC, with the flexibility to work from home for part of the week. The Program Director will oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs focused on direct aid, youth mentorship, and civic empowerment. On a day-to-day basis, this role will manage program timelines and budgets, supervise program staff and volunteers, and coordinate services with community partners and local agencies. The Program Director will collect and analyze program data, prepare reports for leadership and funders, and ensure alignment with organizational goals and compliance requirements. This role will also support grant proposals, contribute to fundraising efforts, and represent The Poston Foundation at community meetings, events, and stakeholder gatherings.
Qualifications
- Program leadership skills, including experience designing, implementing, and evaluating community-based or social service programs.
- Strong people-management abilities, including supervising staff and volunteers, providing coaching and feedback, and fostering an inclusive, collaborative team culture.
- Organizational and project management skills, including budgeting, scheduling, prioritization, and meeting deadlines across multiple initiatives.
- Relationship-building and partnership development skills with community organizations, agencies, schools, faith groups, and local leaders.
- Written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear reports, present to diverse audiences, and contribute to grant and fundraising materials.
- Data collection and evaluation skills, including basic proficiency with spreadsheets or databases to track outcomes and measure program impact.
- Commitment to equity, inclusion, and trauma-informed, person-centered approaches when working with individuals experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable populations.
- Bachelor’s degree in social work, public administration, nonprofit management, education, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
- Previous experience in nonprofit or community-based work in areas such as homelessness services, youth development, or civic engagement is strongly preferred.
- Ability to work some evenings and weekends for community events or program activities, and reliable transportation for local travel within South Carolina.