Program Director

ABOUT LIFEMOVES

LifeMoves is the largest and most effective provider of interim housing and services for homelessness in Silicon Valley since 1987. Our Mission is to end homelessness by providing interim housing, supportive services, and building collaborative partnerships. With over two dozen interim supportive housing communities and more on the way, LifeMoves gives our neighbors experiencing homelessness a temporary place to call home while providing intensive, customized case management through site-based programs and community outreach.

POSITION PURPOSE

Reporting to the Director of Interim Supportive Housing, the Program Director leads the launch and ongoing operations of LifeMoves Palo Alto, a new interim supportive housing site with 24 family units and 64 individual units. Staffed 24/7, the site provides neighbors with accommodations, meals, laundry, case management, therapy, and access to specialized resources as they work toward employment, benefits, and permanent housing stability.

The Program Director oversees all aspects of program management, including staff hiring and training, facility coordination, partnership development, budget oversight, safety, and compliance. Partnering closely with agency leadership, this role builds a healthy, high-performing team culture through trauma-informed supervision and coaching; maintains strong relationships with funders, community organizations, and local partners; and leads continuous improvement efforts that deliver safe, welcoming, client-centered services and measurable client outcomes.

The ideal candidate is a steady, people-centered leader with strong judgment and a continuous-improvement mindset. They bring a trauma-informed approach to supervision, client services, and partnership building, and remain calm and effective in a crisis.

This is a full-time, on-site position based at LifeMoves Palo Alto. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required based on program needs.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the opening of the Palo Alto site, including facility setup, policy and procedure development, staff recruitment and onboarding, stakeholder engagement, and community partnership building.
• Oversee daily program operations to ensure services are safe, welcoming, trauma-informed, and effective, and that the site is clean and well maintained for clients, staff, and visitors.
• Manage program administration, budgeting, scheduling, and resources to meet program goals.
• Supervise, coach, and mentor staff using trauma-informed, strengths-based practices; lead hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluation.
• Foster a positive, supportive team culture through regular staff meetings, team check-ins, and one-on-one meetings.
• Oversee case management services, client groups, and workshops, and ensure accurate, up-to-date client documentation.
• Provide direct client support as needed, including referrals, crisis intervention, and a small caseload when necessary.
• Identify and address safety, training, and data needs in collaboration with staff and leadership, and ensure safety protocols are followed.
• Build and maintain relationships with service providers, businesses, government agencies, funders, and community groups to expand client resources, and represent LifeMoves professionally in the community.
• Support contract management and ensure compliance with funding, regulatory, and agency requirements, including HUD and Fair Housing guidelines.
• Gather, review, and report program data monthly, quarterly, and annually; assist with audits, certifications, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
• Provide timely verbal and written updates to leadership; attend team, partner, and board meetings and fundraising events as needed.
• Complete all required trainings, including CPR, Mental Health First Aid, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, and HMIS.
• Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in human or social services, community outreach, or a related field; equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• At least three years of direct service experience and two years of supervisory experience in a human or social services setting supporting vulnerable populations.
• Experience opening a new program or site preferred.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, harm reduction, crisis intervention, and Mental Health First Aid (or equivalent training).
• Working knowledge of budgeting, contract management, and program operations; familiarity with HUD, Fair Housing, and HMIS requirements preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with thorough and accurate documentation practices.
• Highly organized with strong time-management skills; able to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, 24/7 residential environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, databases, and case management or reporting systems.
• Valid California driver’s license, reliable transportation, and vehicle insurance as required by law and agency policy.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) and the use of a trauma-informed, people-centered approach when supporting clients, staff, and partners.

COMPETENCIES

Trauma-Informed Leadership and Staff Development: Supervises, coaches, and develops staff using trauma-informed, strengths-based approaches. Delegates effectively, promotes accountability, and models professional boundaries and self-care.

Program Operations and Start-Up: Plans and manages program launch and daily operations, including budgets, schedules, facilities, and resources, to deliver safe, consistent, high-quality services.

Crisis Response and Safety: Maintains professionalism and emotional regulation under pressure. Responds calmly and effectively to crises using de-escalation and safety strategies that protect clients and staff.

Client Advocacy and Service Excellence: Advocates for clients and connects them with housing, employment, health, and community resources. Facilitates groups and workshops that support learning and empowerment.

Community Partnership Building: Builds and maintains strong partnerships with community organizations, service providers, funders, and government agencies, and represents LifeMoves with professionalism and credibility.

Compliance and Continuous Improvement: Ensures accurate data, documentation, and reporting; upholds funder and regulatory requirements; and applies best practices and innovation to improve program outcomes.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Contingent Upon:

• Satisfactory results of a background check
• Satisfactory results of a DMV Motor Vehicle Record Check
• Valid California driver's license, reliable transportation, and current vehicle insurance
• Proof of clear TB test dated within 60 days of hire

On-site, in-person working requirements: Onsite

Supervisory Responsibilities: Supervises Case Managers and Specialists (as applicable, including housing, employment, benefits, and children’s services coordinators, and licensed vocational nurses), as well as Residential Service Coordinators, Resident Managers, and Program Aides (as applicable).

Travel: Regular travel around the San Francisco Bay Area to our Administrative office, Housing sites, community partner locations, and off-site events or meetings as needed. Mileage reimbursement is provided in accordance with agency policy.

Physical Demands: Duties may require sitting, standing, walking, climbing stairs, reaching, reading, using computers or other equipment, communicating and exchanging information with others, and lifting or moving up to 25 lbs. LifeMoves provides reasonable accommodations to support performance of essential job functions, as required by law.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Protected Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities: LifeMoves is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates from all backgrounds, including bilingual, bi-cultural, BIPOC, Native and/or Indigenous, LGBTQIA+, and disabled applicants are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation is available for qualified individuals with disabilities during the application process.

This job description may be updated at any time to reflect changing organizational needs.