Programs Director

Whatcom Center for Early Learning•Bellingham, WA

14h•Onsite

About The Position

The Programs Director provides strategic leadership, oversight, and support for WCEL's clinically-aligned services and its program managers. This role supervises Program Managers and ensures that programs are high-quality, compliant, and aligned with organizational priorities, grant requirements, and community needs. The Programs Director drives consistency in program execution, strengthens accountability structures, and advances systems for planning, tracking, and reporting across all program areas. The Programs Director partners closely with Finance, Development, and Culture & People to ensure program sustainability, regulatory compliance, and staff support-while enabling Program Managers to focus on service delivery, outcomes, and family impact. Location: Primarily works from our Cordata location.

Requirements

Demonstrated ability to lead through others, including supervising and developing Program Managers with clear expectations, accountability, and coaching
Strong understanding of regulatory and compliance environments (e.g., IDEA Part C/ESIT, Medicaid, licensing, and grant requirements) and ability to translate requirements into program operations
Ability to think strategically while ensuring strong execution, connecting organizational priorities to program-level implementation
Experience building and standardizing systems, including program tracking, reporting, and SOP development across multiple program areas
Strong data literacy, including the ability to interpret dashboards, analyze trends, and use data to guide decision-making and continuous improvement
Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple programs, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously
Effective cross-functional collaboration skills, with experience partnering across different departments and functions
Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate with staff, leadership, and external partners
Strong problem-solving and conflict management skills, with the ability to navigate complex program and personnel challenges
Commitment to equity, inclusion, and family-centered practices in program design, service delivery, and outcomes
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., early childhood education, social services, public health, nonprofit management) or equivalent combination of education and experience
Experience scaling programs
Experience directly supervising staff or managers
Demonstrated experience managing or overseeing regulated programs (e.g., early intervention, healthcare, education, or similar)
Strong knowledge of program compliance, documentation standards, and accountability structures
Experience with program planning, performance measurement, and reporting
Proficiency with Microsoft 365 tools and data/reporting systems
Vehicle in working condition, driver's license, and auto insurance

Nice To Haves

Experience with health equity initiatives
Direct experience with Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT) / IDEA Part C systems and requirements
Experience overseeing multiple programs or service lines within a nonprofit, healthcare, or early learning environment
Experience with grant-funded programs, including compliance and reporting requirements
Training or experience in reflective supervision and staff development
Background in early childhood, mental health, or family-centered service delivery
Experience building or improving program systems, SOPs, and cross-program workflows
Multilingual skills or lived experience reflective of the communities served

Responsibilities

Provide direct supervision, coaching, and support to Program Managers across ESIT and Mental Health
Establish clear expectations, goals, and accountability structures for program performance and outcomes
Ensure alignment of program operations with WCEL's strategic priorities, mission, and equity commitments
Support service delivery and program metrics across programs at a strategic level, working towards long-term improvements and sustainability of service delivery
Serve as a senior leader in cross-program coordination and organizational planning
Utilize the expertise of each program manager to support ensuring all programs operate in compliance with applicable regulations
Oversee program adherence to allowable costs, service delivery requirements, documentation standards, and reporting timelines
Ensure audit readiness across programs, including documentation systems, file integrity, and reporting accuracy
Partner with Finance and Development to ensure alignment between program operations and funding requirements
Oversee development and implementation of program plans, including goals, outputs, outcomes, and evaluation metrics
Ensure consistent systems for tracking program performance, deliverables, and key indicators across all program areas
Review and approve program reports, dashboards, and funder applications for accuracy, clarity, and compliance
Support Program Managers in using data to inform decision-making, continuous improvement, and strategy
Partner with Finance to monitor program budgets, ensuring compliance with funding requirements and fiscal accountability
Oversee alignment between program activities and grant or contract deliverables
Support forecasting, resource planning, and sustainability efforts across programs
Collaborate with Development on grant strategy, reporting, and funding alignment
Establish and standardize program management systems, tools, and documentation practices across all program areas
Oversee development and maintenance of SOPs related to program operations, compliance, and reporting workflows
Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, clarity, accountability, and cross-program consistency
Ensure Program Managers are equipped with tools, templates, and systems needed for effective program execution
Collaborate with DCPE on staffing, performance management, and team development within programs
Partner with Administrative and IT functions to ensure strong data systems and reporting infrastructure
Serve as a liaison between programs and executive leadership, elevating risks, needs, and strategic opportunities
Contribute to organizational decision-making as a member of the leadership team