Program Director, Advocate Department

CRISIS SERVICES•Buffalo, NY

6h•$70,000 - $70,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Are you a mission‑driven leader ready to create lasting impact for survivors across Erie County? Crisis Services—the region’s designated Rape Crisis Center and a NYS‑approved Domestic Violence Service Provider—is seeking a dynamic Advocate Department Program Director to guide our 24/7 services, champion trauma‑informed care, and strengthen a vital safety net for our community. Who We Are: Crisis Services is a 24-hour comprehensive crisis center and community resource whose first responders save lives by restoring safety, promoting emotional strength, and reducing the impact of trauma through intervention, education, prevention, and community collaboration. About This Opportunity: As the Advocate Department Program Director, you will lead a multidisciplinary team delivering high‑quality, survivor‑centered services including case management, prevention education, hospital response, and the Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) Program across Erie and Niagara Counties. You will shape strategy, strengthen partnerships, oversee grants and budgets, and ensure our programs remain innovative, effective, and accessible for all who need them. This is a highly visible leadership role with the opportunity to influence systems, deepen community connections, and uplift survivors’ voices. Who You Are: You’re a compassionate leader with the ability to stay calm under pressure, collaborate across systems, and motivate teams doing emotionally demanding work. You thrive in fast‑paced environments, believe deeply in social justice, and understand the power of prevention, education, and crisis response in improving community health.

Requirements

Master’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, public health, community nursing, or related field OR a comparable combination of education and experience.
Minimum 4 years of professional experience, including at least 2 years of direct service experience in social work, public health, sexual violence prevention, or related fields.
At least 2 years of supervisory experience leading teams.
Demonstrated success navigating complex budgets and managing grants.
Strong communication, public speaking, problem‑solving, and organizational skills.
Deep commitment to trauma‑informed care and survivor-centered leadership.
A valid NYS driver’s license and access to a usable vehicle.

Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and support the Advocate Department’s management team, staff, and volunteers.
Oversee operations of all department service areas including Case Management, Prevention Education, 24/7 Hospital Response, and the SAFE Program.
Manage grants from application to reporting, ensuring compliance and maximizing funding opportunities.
Partner with Fiscal to develop, monitor, and steward departmental budgets.
Build and sustain collaborative relationships with hospitals, law enforcement, schools, and community partners.
Chair the Erie County Rape Crisis Advisory Committee and engage in community‑wide advocacy efforts.
Represent Crisis Services through media interviews, trainings, and educational events.
Champion trauma‑informed, survivor‑centered practices and maintain strong quality assurance standards.
Participate actively in Crisis Services’ Leadership Team and provide 24-hour consultation support to on‑call managers.

Benefits

Competitive pay with regular annual increases
Paid training and professional development opportunities
Generous paid time off and paid meal breaks
Employee self-care and wellness supports including Calm app subscription for all employees and their family members
Quiet Room, Exercise Room and Lactation Room onsite
Great health insurance coverage w/generous employer premium contribution
$300/year Flexible Spending Account provided by agency
Access to dental, vision and other ancillary insurance coverage options
403(b) plan w/employer contribution after 1 year of service
Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program