The Director of Programs and Projects is a senior leadership position responsible for overseeing the successful planning, execution, and management of organizational programs and projects. The role involves leading a cross-functional team, ensuring that all programs and projects are delivered on time, within scope, and in alignment with the organization's mission, vision, and strategic goals. The Director will collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to drive innovation, operational efficiency, and impact across a diverse range of initiatives.
This role is ideal for an experienced project management professional with a proven track record of managing complex programs and projects, as well as a strong strategic mindset. The Director will play a critical role in shaping the future direction of the organization's initiatives, managing risks, and ensuring the organization’s programs meet the highest standards of quality and impact.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership & Management:
- Lead and manage the Programs and Projects Department, providing guidance, mentorship, and support to a team of program managers, project coordinators, and other key staff.
- Establish and monitor clear performance objectives for the department and ensure the team is aligned with the broader organizational goals.
- Manage department budgets, resources, and timelines to ensure that programs and projects are executed efficiently and effectively.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement within the department.
Program and Project Oversight:
- Oversee the planning, execution, and evaluation of all organizational programs and projects, ensuring that they meet defined objectives, stakeholder needs, and organizational priorities.
- Develop and implement best practices for project management, including project scoping, timelines, risk management, resource allocation, and performance monitoring.
- Ensure that all programs and projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
- Coordinate cross-functional teams and stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and alignment throughout the lifecycle of each program or project.
Strategic Planning & Execution:
- Work closely with senior leadership to develop and refine the organization’s strategic vision, ensuring that programs and projects align with long-term organizational goals.
- Lead the development of new programs and projects by identifying opportunities for growth, innovation, and community impact.
- Proactively manage risks and challenges across projects, implementing corrective actions as needed to maintain progress and mitigate potential issues.
- Continuously assess program effectiveness, proposing and implementing improvements or adjustments to enhance impact and efficiency.
Stakeholder & Client Engagement:
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders (e.g., senior leadership, department heads) and external partners (e.g., donors, community organizations, government agencies).
- Lead regular project and program reviews with stakeholders, ensuring transparency and communication on progress, issues, and next steps.
- Represent the organization at external meetings, conferences, and public engagements, acting as a spokesperson for key programs and projects.
Monitoring & Evaluation:
- Implement robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track the success and impact of programs and projects, ensuring that performance metrics are established and followed.
- Regularly report on program and project performance to the Board, senior leadership, and key stakeholders, providing clear updates on deliverables, outcomes, and ROI.
- Conduct post-implementation reviews to identify lessons learned and ensure continuous improvement for future initiatives.
Resource Development & Capacity Building:
- Support the development of funding proposals, grant applications, and business cases for programs and projects.
- Identify opportunities for resource optimization, including staffing, technology, and partnerships.
- Advocate for the necessary tools, technology, and training to ensure that project teams have the resources and skills to execute effectively.
Qualifications:
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Project Management, Nonprofit Management, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent is strongly preferred.
Experience:
- At least 8-10 years of experience in program and project management, with a proven track record of leading large-scale and complex initiatives.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in a leadership or senior management role, ideally overseeing a team of project managers or similar professionals.
- Experience working with cross-functional teams, stakeholders, and external partners to deliver impactful programs and projects.
- Experience with budget management, financial oversight, and resource allocation in a project-based environment.
- Experience in [specific industry, if applicable, e.g., healthcare, education, nonprofit, government] is preferred.
Skills:
- Strong leadership, coaching, and team-building skills, with the ability to manage, motivate, and guide diverse teams.
- Exceptional project management skills, including proficiency with project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Asana, Trello, Monday.com).
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively engage a wide range of stakeholders.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to navigate complex situations with creative and strategic solutions.
- Ability to balance multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure, ensuring that deadlines and milestones are met.
- Analytical mindset with the ability to develop and interpret program metrics and KPIs.
