Program Director

Program Director

The Program Director provides strategic leadership, integration, and oversight across Appetite For Change’s core programs, including the Youth Training & Opportunity Program (YTOP), Urban Agriculture, and Community Cooks & Meal Boxes. This role is responsible for ensuring that AFC’s programs are mission-aligned, high-quality, sustainable, and well-coordinated, while supporting staff to deliver impactful work in a lean organizational environment. The Program Director focuses on strategy, systems, staff leadership, and continuous improvement rather than day-to-day program delivery.

The Program Director plays a key role in evolving AFC’s youth and community programming, strengthening leadership pathways, and ensuring that programs work together as a cohesive ecosystem.

This is a full-time position, primarily working Monday through Friday, with some weekends based on need. This person works an average of 40 hours per week. The work is in-person and takes place during the day, with both early morning and evening hours, as well as occasional weekends. Some traveling throughout the metro area is required for food shopping and event attendance.

FLSA Status: Exempt

Reports To: President

Supervises: Program Managers (Youth Training & Opportunity Program, Urban Agriculture, Community Cooks & Meal Boxes), Program Facilitators (indirect supervision through Program Managers)

• Program Strategy & Integration
• Provide strategic leadership across AFC’s program portfolio
• Ensure alignment between YTOP, Urban Agriculture, and Community Cooks & Meal Boxes
• Translate AFC’s mission and organizational priorities into clear program strategies
• Identify opportunities for program improvement, alignment, and growth
• Guide the evolution of YTOP and other programs based on learning and capacity

• Staff Leadership & Management
• Supervise and support Program Managers
• Set clear expectations, priorities, and decision-making boundaries for managers
• Coach managers to own outcomes while avoiding burnout in a lean environment
• Support healthy team culture, communication, and accountability
• Partner with managers on staffing plans, role clarity, and professional development

• Planning, Budget & Resource Oversight
• Partner with senior leadership on program budgets and resource allocation
• Ensure programs operate within approved budgets
• Identify capacity constraints and make recommendations for prioritization
• Support grant reporting and program-related funder communications as needed

• Cross-Program Coordination & Systems
• Facilitate regular coordination among Program Managers
• Resolve cross-program challenges related to scheduling, staffing, or shared resources
• Ensure clear handoffs between training, work centers, and leadership pathways
• Strengthen internal systems that support efficient program operations

• External Alignment & Representation
• Represent AFC programs internally and externally, as appropriate
• Support Program Managers in managing key partnerships and stakeholders
• Ensure youth-facing partnerships align with AFC values and standards
• Collaborate with development and communications staff to share program impact

• Support organizational planning and strategy development
• Contribute to leadership team decision-making
• Support crisis management and incident response related to programs
• Participate in hiring and onboarding of program staff

Desired Education and Experience

• 5+ years experience leading complex community-based or youth-serving programs
• 5+ years demonstrated success managing and supporting program managers or equivalent roles
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365, Google Workspace
• Experience with CRM platforms (Salesforce, Bonterra, or similar)
• Experience related to AFC’s program activities (farming, cooking, etc.) preferred

Knowledge,

Skills and Abilities

• Strong systems thinking and strategic planning skills
• Experience balancing mission-driven work with operational realities
• Strong communication, coaching, and decision-making skills
• Able to balance multiple programs, projects, and priorities simultaneously
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with staff and willingness to take on any task at any time
• Commitmen…