Director of Programs

Director of Programs

Full-Time | Exempt | On-site
Department: Programs
Reports to: VP of Advancement

Lead Programs. Build Partnerships. Expand Food Access.

At Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania, our programs are at the heart of our mission to ensure our neighbors have consistent access to nutritious food. The Director of Programs provides strategic leadership for SHFB’s programming, partnerships, and contracts, helping ensure that our programs are effective, sustainable, compliant, and responsive to the needs of the communities we serve.

As a member of the Management Team, the Director works closely with organizational leadership and departments across SHFB to translate strategic goals into meaningful program outcomes. This position leads and develops the Programs Department, builds strong community partnerships, identifies opportunities for program growth, and ensures resources are used effectively to maximize our impact across our 11-county service area.

What You'll Do

Program Leadership & Strategy

• Provide strategic direction and leadership for SHFB’s Programs Department and assigned organizational programming.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate program strategies that support SHFB’s mission, strategic plan, and organizational goals.
• Analyze community needs, hunger trends, and program data to identify opportunities for growth, innovation, and improved food access.
• Establish departmental goals, priorities, timelines, and performance expectations.
• Lead, mentor, and empower team members while fostering a collaborative, accountable, and high-performing work environment.
• Manage department resources and ensure they are allocated effectively to maximize program impact.

Program Management & Compliance

• Oversee assigned contracts, partnerships, grants, and program requirements from implementation through reporting.
• Ensure programs comply with applicable federal, state, local, foundation, and organizational requirements.
• Develop and maintain systems for program monitoring, documentation, training, and compliance.
• Oversee program reporting, outcomes, goals, and objectives and ensure information is provided to the Development Team and Grant Writer in a timely manner.
• Oversee the accuracy and effectiveness of program databases, records, and reporting systems.
• Develop and maintain effective training systems, including both in-person and remote training opportunities.
• Monitor program budgets, timelines, deliverables, and performance to ensure organizational and contractual obligations are met.

Community Partnerships & Program Development

• Build and maintain strong relationships with community organizations, funders, program partners, and other stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to develop new partnerships and expand SHFB programs and services throughout the region.
• Market and promote programs and services to increase participation, strengthen partnerships, and maximize community impact.
• Analyze program and operational data to identify service gaps and implement improvements that increase food distribution and access.
• Represent SHFB professionally in the community and cultivate relationships that support the organization's mission and long-term goals.

Team & Organizational Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with the CEO, VP of Advancement, and other members of the Management Team to support short- and long-term organizational priorities.
• Work across departments to ensure programs are effectively coordinated with operations, development, finance, marketing, and other organizational functions.
• Provide leadership and support to staff while encouraging independent decision-making, professional development, and innovative problem-solving.
• Prepare and submit monthly progress reports and other updates to organizational leadership.

What You'll Bring

• Strong leadership and people-management skills with experience motivating, developing, and empowering staff.
• Strategic thinking and the ability to translate organizational goals into actionable programs and measurable outcomes.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, contracts, and initiatives.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with experience using data to evaluate programs and inform decisions.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, negotiation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong community and organizational partnerships.
• Ability to make sound independent decisions and effectively resolve complex problems.
• Knowledge of nonprofit organizations, community services, and/or food access initiatives.
• Strong customer service skills and a commitment to treating neighbors, volunteers, employees, and partners with dignity and respect.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other computer-based systems.
• Ability to travel throughout the SHFB service area and work occasional evenings or weekends as needed.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university required; master's degree preferred.
• 4–6 years of related nonprofit experience, including at least 3 years in a management or leadership capacity.
• Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Certificates & Requirements

• Valid Pennsylvania driver's license with a good driving record.
• Ability to travel throughout SHFB's 11-county service area.

Physical Requirements

• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, reach, use hands, talk, and hear.
• Ability to occasionally climb, balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch.
• Must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to work in an office environment and occasionally outdoors during community events or program activities.

Work Environment

This position is primarily office-based and requires extended periods of computer work. Regular travel throughout the service area is required, with occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions. The position may require work outside normal business hours, including occasional evenings and weekends.

Why Join Second Harvest?

At Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania, leadership means more than managing programs—it means creating opportunities for our neighbors to access nutritious food with dignity. As Director of Programs, you'll have the opportunity to shape programs, develop partnerships, lead a talented team, and help expand our impact across Northwest Pennsylvania.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law.