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AccessAbility
Director of Programs
Career Insights for Education and Social Policy Program Director (Public Sector)
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Scorecard
Based on Minnesota data
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What they do
An Economic and Social Policy Program Director manages government initiatives relating to the education and welfare of the residents in a state and may work for a child welfare agency, department of education, or other public agency.
$177,684 / year median in Minnesota
+7% projected growth
Job Description
Make an Impact Through Leadership, Innovation, and Inclusion AccessAbility is seeking an experienced and mission-driven Director of Programs to provide strategic and operational leadership for our employment and disability service programs. This is a senior leadership opportunity for someone who can combine strong program leadership, regulatory expertise, operational excellence, and innovation. The Director will oversee a diverse portfolio of employment and community-based services while helping shape the future of AccessAbility's programs and the opportunities we create for people with barriers to employment and community inclusion. Reporting to the President & CEO and serving as a member of the organizational Leadership Team, this position will have significant responsibility for program strategy, quality, compliance, financial performance, talent development, and future program growth. What You'll Lead The Director provides leadership and oversight for AccessAbility's employment and program services, including:
- Day Supported Employment
- Extended Employment
- Competitive Integrated Employment
- Employment Services
- Pathway Navigation
- Community-based employment initiatives
- Future program development and expansion The Director will also serve as, or provide oversight for, the agency's Minnesota
DHS 245D
Designated Manager responsibilities and provide executive leadership for regulatory compliance and CARF accreditation. Key Responsibilities Program & Operational Leadership Provide strategic leadership for assigned programs, ensuring services are person-centered, high-quality, financially sustainable, and aligned with AccessAbility's mission and organizational priorities. Establish program goals, performance expectations, and measurable outcomes while continually evaluating opportunities to strengthen and expand services. Compliance, Quality & Risk Management Ensure programs meet applicable federal, state, county, licensing, contractual, and accreditation requirements, including Minnesota DHS 245D, Employment Services, Extended Employment, Vocational Rehabilitation Services, and CARF standards. Lead proactive quality assurance, internal review, risk management, and continuous improvement efforts. Strategy & Innovation Partner with the President & CEO and Leadership Team to translate organizational strategy into measurable program objectives. Identify emerging community needs, funding opportunities, industry trends, and innovative service models that can expand opportunities for the people AccessAbility serves. Performance & Outcomes Establish meaningful KPIs and dashboards to evaluate participant outcomes, employment placement and retention, referrals, satisfaction, quality indicators, program efficiency, and financial performance. Use data to identify opportunities, address performance gaps, and drive continuous improvement. Financial Stewardship Develop and manage program budgets, monitor revenue and expenses, evaluate program sustainability, and ensure responsible use of organizational resources. Collaborate with Finance on billing, reimbursement, contracts, grants, and long-term financial planning. Leadership & Talent Development Lead, coach, and develop Program Managers, Supervisors, and emerging leaders. Build a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, employee engagement, and continuous learning while developing the leadership capacity needed for future organizational growth. Community & Partner Relations Represent AccessAbility with government agencies, employers, community organizations, funders, educational institutions, workforce partners, and other stakeholders. Build partnerships that increase employment opportunities, community inclusion, referrals, resources, and organizational impact. The Leader We're Looking For Our ideal candidate is an experienced human services leader who understands that strong compliance and strong programs go hand in hand . You are comfortable moving between strategy and operations—from developing a new service model or reviewing organizational performance with executive leadership to helping a program leader solve a complex operational challenge.You bring:
- Significant leadership experience in disability services, employment services, human services, workforce development, or a related field
- Demonstrated experience leading programs, teams, budgets, and organizational performance
- Strong knowledge of regulatory compliance and quality assurance
- Knowledge of Minnesota DHS 245D and related disability/employment service requirements strongly preferred
- Experience with CARF accreditation preferred
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
- Experience developing leaders and building high-performing teams
- Ability to build productive relationships with government agencies, community partners, employers, and funders
- A commitment to person-centered services, community inclusion, meaningful employment, and participant choice
- A collaborative leadership style and demonstrated ability to lead organizational change
- Valid driver's license and driving record that meets agency requirements Why AccessAbility?