Program Manager - Full-Time

PILLARS INC•Appleton, WI

3d•Onsite

About The Position

From homelessness to coming home, Pillars provides shelter, support, and solutions to address the housing needs in our community. Reporting to the Client Services Director, the Program Manager serves as a key member of the Pillars Extended Leadership Team and provides strategic and operational leadership for supportive housing and homelessness prevention programs. This position is responsible for program operations, team leadership, grant and budget stewardship, regulatory compliance, and community partnerships to ensure high-quality service delivery for individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The Program Manager oversees programs funded through multiple grants, ensuring full compliance with contractual, regulatory, and reporting standards. This position provides direct leadership and supervision to program staff, monitors performance outcomes, and maintains accountability for fiscal management. Maintaining an active, visible, and supportive presence within program operations is essential to building team culture, strengthening employee engagement, ensuring service quality, and driving positive participant outcomes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required
Prior experience supervising, coaching, and developing staff required.
Possess and maintain a valid Wisconsin driver’s license
Ability to travel locally, with access to a reliable vehicle and personal auto insurance which meets Pillars minimum requirements for liability (100/300/100)
This position is expected to work inclusively and respectfully within a diverse community and practice civility in the workplace.
This position requires strong oral, written, interpersonal, and organizational skills, demonstrated integrity, and the willingness to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
This position requires knowledge of Microsoft Office suite and related technologies.
The Program Manager must act in accordance with Pillars’ policies and procedures, complete all required compliance training/continuing education within specified timeframe, and maintain a thorough knowledge of all internal operating procedures, as well as applicable laws and regulations.

Nice To Haves

Three to five years of human services experience preferred, including experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, housing instability, mental health, substance use, or related challenges.
Experience managing programs, budgets, or grant-funded services preferred.

Responsibilities

Has passion for the mission of Pillars and displays agency values: Respect, Collaboration, Empowerment and Grit.
Active member of the Extended Leadership Team (ELT), partnering with peers to cultivate a strong organizational culture and build strategic relationships with the community, local government, and partner organizations.
Collaborates closely with ELT Directors on human resources, community engagement, and operations.
Collaborates within the Client Services Leadership Team under the leadership of the Client Services Director.
Partners directly with peer Crisis Housing Managers, as well as support staff (Volunteer Manager & Inventory Specialist and Grant & Data Specialist), to ensure consistency where appropriate and drive program success.
Leads department meetings and represents the program at agency-wide staff and board meetings as requested.
Provides leadership, supervision, coaching, and accountability for Case Managers and designated program staff.
Responsible for recruitment, hiring, onboarding, performance management, employee engagement and professional development.
Fosters a work environment that reflects high ethical and service standards, professional competence, trauma-informed care, and cultural sensitivity to individuals experiencing homelessness.
In partnership with the Client Services Director, coordinates the development, application, and renewal processes for grants to secure and sustain program funding.
Leads compliance and performance management for all programs, overseeing monitoring, case file reviews, required reporting, and staff training to meet regulatory standards.
Participates in ongoing training and professional development to stay current on funding requirements, best practices, and compliance expectations in housing services.
Oversees program budgets and grant expenditures, monitoring spending trends, forecasting utilization, and implementing corrective actions to ensure responsible fiscal management.
Directs program evaluation and performance measurement, leveraging data trends to support strategic initiatives and drive continuous improvement.
Develops and maintains relationships with funders, community agencies, local government, landlords, and regional networks.
Represents Pillars through active participation in Wisconsin Balance of State Continuum of Care (WIBOSCOC) initiatives.
Attends committee meetings, understands expectations, opportunities, and implements what is required for compliance.
Drives landlord engagement strategies, collaborating with staff and community partners to expand affordable housing options, strengthen landlord relationships and increase the portfolio of landlords partnering with Pillars.
Other duties as assigned.