Program Operations Director

Ascendigo•Carbondale, CO

1d•$90,000 - $100,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Destination Ascendigo: Ascendigo's mission is to elevate the spectrum by empowering individuals, inspiring lives, and shattering expectations. We apply this mission equally to those we serve including our participants and clients and those alongside whom we serve, including our colleagues and broader stakeholder community. Ascendigo is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of children and adults living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We deliver this commitment through therapeutic recreation, employment support, community integration, education, and a comprehensive suite of behavioral health services. Headquartered in Carbondale, CO, Ascendigo employs more than 40 full- and part-time year-round staff members, along with approximately 40 additional team members during our seasonal summer camp programming. The Ascendigo Promise to our employees is to provide meaningful, purpose-driven work within a culture rooted in R.E.S.P.E.C.T. We champion high performance through thoughtful onboarding, ongoing professional development, and an unwavering commitment to integrity. Role Summary: The Program Operations Director is responsible for the operational oversight and performance of Ascendigo’s year-round program lines at Ascendigo Autism Services. This includes leadership, coordination, and administration of day-to-day program operations, ensuring consistency, quality, and effectiveness across services. The role supports the planning, organizing, staffing, and ongoing management of programs while ensuring strong operational systems, program quality assurance, and compliance with applicable standards and requirements. This position works closely with program leaders to support staff supervision, strengthen team dynamics, and ensure programs are running effectively while keeping senior leadership informed on progress, operational needs, and performance. A successful Director brings a strong understanding of program operations, team leadership, and organizational systems. A practical, solutions-oriented mindset is essential, along with the ability to support team members, monitor program performance, and ensure programs are delivered effectively and sustainably. The goal of this role is to ensure programs operate with excellence, accountability, and alignment while contributing meaningful value to Ascendigo and the individuals and families it serves.

Requirements

Knowledge of performance evaluation techniques and key metrics.
Knowledge of data analysis, reporting and budgeting.
Excellent organizational, problem-solving and leadership skills and strategic ability.
Excellent and professional communication skills, with staff, clients, and families.
Knowledge of the field of autism as it pertains to adults.
Direct experience and a working knowledge of state regulations and other compliance issues.
Personal Characteristics: should be committed and passionate about the Ascendigo mission of a holistic, active, community-based, independent, and person-centered life. He/she should believe in the dignity and potential of our clients. We also have a commitment to a culture of R.E.S.P.E.C.T. which stands for: · R-Recognize the inherent worth of your coworkers · E- Eliminate derogatory words and phrases · S- Speak with people- not at them- or about them · P-Protect the culture of your organization- report and support! · E- Empathize- consider what it is like in others’ situations. · C-Consider your impact on others before speaking and apologize when you make a mistake. · T- Treat everyone with integrity, dignity, and respect

Responsibilities

Program Operations Leadership
Provide day-to-day operational oversight across Ascendigo program lines (excluding Adventures), ensuring programs run efficiently, consistently, and in alignment with organizational standards.
Translate strategic priorities into clear operational plans, workflows, and program execution.
Monitor program performance and service delivery to ensure high-quality, person-centered supports for participants and families.
Identify operational challenges and implement timely solutions that strengthen program delivery and team effectiveness.
Partner with program leaders & other team members to maintain consistent practices, expectations, and accountability across departments.
Program Quality Assurance & Compliance
Oversee organization-wide program quality assurance processes, ensuring services meet regulatory, licensing, and funding requirements.
Establish and monitor quality benchmarks, program standards, and documentation practices.
Conduct regular program reviews, audits, and operational check-ins to assess compliance and identify opportunities for improvement.
Partner with clinical and leadership teams to ensure alignment between operational execution and service quality standards.
Financial & Budgetary Oversight
Support development and management of program operating budgets in collaboration with executive leadership and finance.
Monitor program expenses, staffing models, and utilization to ensure fiscal responsibility and sustainability.
Analyze financial performance across programs and identify opportunities for operational efficiencies and cost management.
Contribute to forecasting and planning as programs grow, evolve, or scale.
Team Leadership & Program Management
Supervise and support team members across assigned program areas.
Foster strong team dynamics, collaboration, and communication across departments.
Provide coaching, structure, and operational clarity to staff.
Promote a culture of accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
Partner with HR and leadership to support hiring, onboarding, performance management, and staff development within programs.
Cross-Program Coordination
Ensure alignment, collaboration, and operational integration across program lines.
Lead regular operational meetings to review program performance, staffing needs, risks, and emerging priorities.
Improve internal systems, processes, and communication channels that support program effectiveness.
Serve as a key connector between programs, leadership, clinical teams, and administrative functions.
Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence
Use data, feedback, and operational insights to drive program improvements and innovation.
Strengthen systems for tracking program outcomes, operational metrics, and service quality.
Identify opportunities to streamline processes and improve scalability across programs.
Support implementation of new initiatives, program expansions, and organizational priorities.
Ensure operational practices reflect Ascendigo’s mission, values, and commitment to high-quality services.
Be at least 21 years of age, have a clean driving record in the last 5 years, and pass and maintain our background check requirements of our insurance company and state licensing entity