Foster Care Project Manager (based in Tennessee)

The Village is accredited by the International Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) for its Adoptions, Foster Care, Mental Health, Wraparound, and Drop-In Center services. We deliver evidenced-based behavioral health services to children, youth and adults, and has long been at the forefront of culturally sensitive foster care and adoption services.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Foster Care Project Manager is responsible for the end-to-end planning, launch, and stabilization of a new foster care program in the State of Tennessee. This role leads project initiation, regulatory readiness, staffing, and cross-functional coordination to ensure the program is fully operational, compliant with Tennessee Department of Children's Services (DCS) requirements, and aligned with trauma-informed, child-centered best practices.

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in human services or a related field. Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred. Demonstrated experience in project management, including leading or supporting complex projects and program startups Must successfully pass all required background clearances, including comprehensive criminal history, child abuse index, and other state-mandated screenings.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

All the responsibilities listed below are considered essential functions of this position. Additionally, this position is expected to ensure adherence to the core operating values and the strategic direction of the agency. 1. End-to-End Program Management Own the full lifecycle of the startup foster care program, translating regulatory requirements into executable plans and overseeing delivery from planning through implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement in compliance with Tennessee state regulations. 2. Project Planning & Execution Lead project startup activities, including development and management of startup budgets, staffing plans, onboarding processes, and operational infrastructure. Ensure readiness for launch by coordinating cross-functional teams, aligning resources to approved funding, and establishing initial operational controls and reporting structures. 3. Data compliance and performance management Identify, track, and mitigate project risks, issues, and dependencies that may impact timelines, budgets, staffing, or regulatory readiness. Develop contingency plans and proactively address barriers to successful launch and stabilization 4. Stakeholder & Partner Coordination Coordinate across DCS, community partners, and foster families to align expectations, manage communications, and deliver integrated, child-centered outcomes. 5. Timeline & Performance Management Establish and maintain project timelines, milestones, and performance indicators. Track progress against approved plans and ensure leadership visibility into project status, risks, and outcomes 6. Systems & Infrastructure Coordination Coordinate readiness of systems, tools, and operational infrastructure required for program launch, including collaboration with IT, Finance, HR, and Operations to ensure systems access, reporting capabilities, and internal controls are in place.

KEY FOCUS AREAS IN TENNESSEE

1. Program Start-Up & End-to-End Project Management Lead the launch and ongoing management of foster care programs in Tennessee, owning the full project lifecycle from initiation and planning through execution, monitoring, and optimization. Oversee scope, timelines, budgets, staffing plans, and operational readiness. 2. Budget, Staffing & Operations Management Develop and manage program budgets, staffing models, and operational workflows to ensure sustainable, compliant, and high-quality service delivery. Align resources to program priorities and evolving needs. 3. Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance Ensure full compliance with Tennessee state regulations and contractual requirements. Establish monitoring, documentation, and reporting processes to support audit readiness and continuous quality improvement. 4. Partnership & Relationship Development Establish and strengthen partnerships across Tennessee, including state agencies, community providers, and local stakeholders, to support recruitment, service delivery, and long-term program success. 5. Manage Relationships with Internal Leadership, Funders, State Agencies, and External Partners Provide regular status updates, escalate risks and decisions as needed, and ensure alignment with organizational priorities and contractual obligations. Confidentiality and Privacy Adheres to all legal parameters for ensuring and maintaining clients' confidentiality including HIPAA, State and Federal laws. Physical Activity Reaching, Standing, Typing, Talking, Hearing, Repetitive Motion Sedentary work. Exerting up to 15 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading. The Village Family Services provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$60,000-65,000/year, exempt

Benefits:

403(b) 403(b) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible schedule Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Mileage reimbursement Paid time off Parental leave Professional development assistance Retirement plan Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance