Director, Programs Support (Per Diem, As Needed)

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director, Programs Support provides ad-hoc, as-needed, director-level assistance during program leadership vacancies, staffing transitions, onboarding, and other defined operational needs. Reporting to the Chief Operations Officer or designee, this position completes focused assignments that help maintain service continuity and address priority needs across designated programs and neighborhood-based centers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Duties below describe potential assignments; the COO or designee selects priorities and establishes any delegated authority.

Interim Leadership and Operational Support

• Provide targeted operational assistance or limited interim oversight for specifically assigned responsibilities during vacancies, absences, leadership transitions, or specific initiatives.
• Establish assignment priorities, scope, expected results, timelines, and escalation procedures with the COO or designee.
• Assess immediate staffing, service, contractual, and operational needs; recommend practical actions within available resources.
• Assist directors and managers with selected operational barriers, pending decisions, and coordination needs within the agreed assignment.
• Track assigned actions and communicate progress, risks, and decisions requiring leadership attention. Refer matters outside the assignment to designated leaders and exercise authority only as expressly delegated.

Onboarding and Leadership Transitions

• Support incoming leaders and staff through program orientation, introductions, and review of operational responsibilities.
• Organize essential information on staffing, budgets, grants and contracts, reporting deadlines, partnerships, and pending decisions.
• Develop transition plans, reference materials, and handoff summaries that preserve institutional knowledge and clarify next steps.
• Provide time-limited coaching in coordination with the employee’s supervisor; coordinate onboarding and access needs with Human Resources, Finance, technology staff, and other departments.

Program and Neighborhood-Based Center Support

• Support assigned Community Centers, Family Resource Centers, and other programs while maintaining their distinct service commitments and funding requirements.
• Help teams align staffing coverage, programming, and service priorities with community needs and available capacity.
• Strengthen coordination across agency services, including service guidance, referrals, and follow-up consistent with Footsteps.
• Maintain communication with designated site hosts, schools, parishes, funders, and community partners during transitions.
• Identify participant access barriers and operational concerns and coordinate responses with responsible leaders.

Financial Management and Contract Coordination

• Review assigned budgets, spending, forecasts, staffing allocations, and contract utilization with Finance and program leaders.
• Track deliverables, reporting deadlines, renewals, and pending budget or contract modifications; identify risks and recommend corrective action.
• Assist with budget development, reforecasting, grant proposals, and funder communications as assigned. Document decisions and obtain required approvals.

Staff Support and Cross-Department Collaboration

• Provide coaching, guidance, and supervision to designated staff when assigned; clarify responsibilities and support teams through changes in leadership or operations.
• Coordinate staffing and performance matters with Human Resources, maintaining confidentiality and appropriate role boundaries.
• Facilitate collaboration among program and administrative teams. Model transparent communication, cultural humility, respectful problem-solving, and accountability.

Program Design for Funding Opportunities

• Identify funding opportunities aligned with the organization’s mission and community needs.
• Develop program concepts, goals, activities, and measurable outcomes to support funding proposals.
• Coordinate with staff and community partners to gather input and ensure programs are feasible.
• Prepare program descriptions, budgets, and supporting materials for grant applications.
• Monitor funded programs and recommend improvements based on outcomes and community feedback.

Quality Documentation and Continuous Improvement

• Review assigned workflows, documentation, and reporting processes and implement practical improvements with responsible teams.
• Partner with Compliance and Quality Assurance and Evaluation and Learning staff on program requirements and performance concerns.
• Maintain records of assignments, decisions, unresolved issues, and completed actions; escalate significant safety, personnel, financial, contractual, or compliance concerns.
• Complete handoffs that identify responsible staff and support continuity after the assignment concludes.

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, social work, education, business administration, community development, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. Master’s degree preferred.
• At least five years of progressively responsible management or leadership experience in nonprofit, community-based, public-sector, or related human services.
• Demonstrated experience managing program operations, budgets, grants or contracts, and staff.
• Experience supporting transitions, onboarding, or cross-department initiatives is a plus.
• Experience with family support, neighborhood-based services, or multi-site operations preferred.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to assess operational needs quickly, prioritize work, and provide practical support with limited orientation.
• Ability to work independently within an agreed scope and recognize decisions requiring additional approval.
• Strong financial, organizational, communication, documentation, and collaboration skills.
• Proficiency with productivity tools, spreadsheets, and program documentation systems.
• Sound judgment, discretion, adaptability, and knowledge of culturally responsive, strengths-based, and trauma-informed services.
• Commitment to CCSCC’s mission and values and service to people of all cultures and beliefs.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills relevant to the communities served preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Ability to use a computer and participate in meetings and site visits, with or without reasonable accommodation. Work occurs in office and community settings and requires travel to assigned agency and community locations within Santa Clara County.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

• Successful completion of required background screening, agency onboarding, and applicable program clearances.
• Access to reliable transportation; a valid driver’s license and insurance when driving is required for an assignment.

HOURS AND OTHER CONDITIONS:

• Standard business hours are Monday - Friday from 8:00a.m. to 5:00p.m.
• Assignments and schedules are based on agency needs, approved priorities, and confirmed availability. Work may vary between assignments and may include site visits or occasional evening and weekend hours. The COO or designee establishes the scope, expected duration, reporting relationship, and any delegated authority for each assignment. Deliverables and timelines will be matched to approved hours, with work prioritized or reassigned as needs change.
• Compensation is calculated on a prorated basis due to per diem employment status. Salary range between $110,000-130,000/year ($52.88-$62.50/hour).

This description outlines the general nature of the role. Specific duties may vary according to assigned programs and agency operational needs.

Catholic Charities is a nonprofit, nondiscriminatory service organization and employer committed to equal employment opportunity, a workplace free from harassment and retaliation, and reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.