Job Summary The Program Director will oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of all flagship programs at HHCI, providing strategic and operational leadership across the organization's full programmatic portfolio. This leadership role requires a strategic thinker with strong management skills, cultural competence, and a passion for community impact. The Program Director will supervise program staff and event support, manage program budgets, build community and employer partnerships, ensure programs are effective, inclusive, and measurable, and contribute to the organization's fundraising and development efforts in partnership with the CEO/President.
FLAGSHIP PROGRAMS OVERSEEN
The Program Director provides oversight and leadership for the following HHCI flagship programs: Workforce Development Pipeline — bilingual pre-apprenticeship to job placement program with employer partnerships, including high-demand trades such as heavy equipment operation. Youth & Career Pipeline — early career exposure, mentorship, and pathways for middle and high school students. Cultural & Community Programming — annual programming including Three Kings Day, Cinco de Mayo, Día del Niño, the Hispanic Heritage Month calendar, the Hispanic Film Festival, and the Annual Community Breakfast. Music Academy — free afterschool guitar instruction for youth ages 12-17. Sin Fronteras WNY / Without Borders — bilingual radio programming and future Media Center programming. Scholarship Program — community scholarships for Hispanic/Latino students. Future Programs — Business & Entrepreneurship Support and additional flagship programs as developed.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES PROGRAM STRATEGY & MANAGEMENT
Develop and maintain relationships with community members and local organizations to ensure engagement for the Hispanic Heritage Cultural Institute. Ensure compliance with relevant policies, regulations, and reporting requirements. Design, launch, and continuously improve flagship programs in alignment with HHCI's mission and community needs. Collaborate with leadership on long-term planning and expansion of program initiatives. Responsible for ensuring the proper allocation of budgets and grants for programs they are responsible for. Ensure programs are culturally appropriate, evidence-based, and responsive to the needs of the Hispanic community. Provide leadership and direction to program staff and volunteers. Establish performance benchmarks and outcome measures for each flagship program; track and report results to the CEO/President, Board, and funders.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT LEADERSHIP
Serve as HHCI's primary lead on workforce development partnerships, including employer relationships, pre-apprenticeship pipelines, and job placement strategy. Cultivate and maintain partnerships with employers, unions, training providers, community colleges, and workforce funders. Oversee the Workforce Development Case Navigator (Wave 2 hire) and ensure participants receive bilingual, culturally responsive case management from intake through placement and retention. Ensure compliance with workforce funding requirements and reporting obligations.
STAFF SUPERVISION & TEAM LEADERSHIP
Directly supervise Event Day Support and (as Wave 2 hires are made) the Wellness & Resource Program Navigator, Workforce Development Case Navigator, Educational Coordinator, and Communications & Development Coordinator. Lead recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling, performance management, and professional development for program staff. Build a positive, multicultural, bilingual team culture aligned with HHCI's values. Hold regular team meetings, individual one-on-ones, and program review sessions.
EVENT & PROGRAM OPERATIONS OVERSIGHT
Note:
The Program Director provides oversight of events; on-site setup, breakdown, and day-of execution are performed by Event Day Support and volunteers. Provide strategic oversight of event planning, ensuring events achieve programmatic and community goals. Supervise the Event Day Support staff member, who leads on-site setup, vendor coordination, registration, and breakdown. Approve event plans, budgets, vendor selections, and post-event reports. Maintain ultimate accountability for the quality and impact of all HHCI events.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS & EXTERNAL REPRESENTATION
Coordinate with partner agencies to ensure comprehensive support services. Represent HHCI at community meetings, events, and interagency coalitions. Prepare and submit timely reports and updates to contract managers and HHCI leadership. Collaborate with senior leadership on policy, strategy, and quality improvement.
FUNDRAISING & DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT
Note:
Approximately 15-20% of the Program Director's time is dedicated to fundraising support. The CEO/President leads overall fundraising strategy and major donor cultivation. Identify and pursue funding opportunities; contribute to proposal development. Lead grant writing for program-specific funding, including foundation, government, and workforce grants. Provide programmatic content, outcomes data, and impact stories for grants, donor reports, and fundraising communications. Support donor stewardship, site visits, and program tours for funders and prospects. Partner with the CEO/President on capital campaign close-out activities and the launch of operating fundraising as relevant to programs.
QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Bachelor's or Master's degree in social work, public administration, education, nonprofit management, workforce development, or related field; equivalent experience considered. 5-7 years of experience with community-based or non-profit organizations. Minimum 3 years of supervisory experience required. Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish required. Demonstrated experience designing and managing multiple concurrent programs in a non-profit setting. Workforce development, case management, or career services experience strongly preferred. Demonstrated experience in planning and analysis of financial operations, budgeting, and personnel activities. High level of proficiency with Word and Excel and experience with a variety of web-based software and fundraising platforms. Grant writing experience required. Strong understanding of and connection to the Hispanic/Latino community of Western New York. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Valid NYS Driver's License and access to insured vehicle preferred.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS
Office-based work with regular travel throughout Western New York for partner meetings, employer site visits, community events, and program activities. Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends to support events and programming. Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally for program and event support. Ability to attend events that may include extended standing, walking, and outdoor settings.
Pay:
$66,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off
Education:
Bachelor's (Preferred)
Experience:
community-based or non-profit organizations: 5 years (Preferred)