Director of Programs

Position Description

Position Title: Director of Programs

Reports To: Chief Operating Officer

FLSA: FT/Exempt

About the Food Bank of Delaware

The mission of the Food Bank of Delaware is to provide nutritious foods to Delawareans in need and facilitate long-term solutions to the problems of hunger and poverty through community education and advocacy.

The Food Bank’s team is dedicated to building community awareness and creating an efficient food distribution network to eliminate hunger in Delaware. Staff and volunteers are committed to embodying the Food Bank’s values in all activities. Relationships are based upon collaboration and respect and resources are leveraged in a manner that is strategic and cost-effective in order to achieve the Food Bank’s mission and goals.

Over the last 40 years, the Food Bank has expanded its scope of services building on partnerships with hunger-relief organizations while at the same time bringing new programs and services to alleviate hunger and provide education and training. With locations in both Newark and Milford, the Food Bank, a member of Feeding America, will continue to expand and extend its programs and services to communities in its quest to create a community free of hunger.

Position Summary

The Director of Programs at the Food Bank of Delaware is responsible for overseeing and driving the strategic direction of all food distribution programs. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and collaborating closely with the leadership team, this role requires a visionary leader capable of optimizing program delivery, fostering interdepartmental collaboration, and enhancing partnerships to ensure effective and efficient distribution of resources.

Major Responsibilities and Essential Functions

• Provide visionary leadership, developing and executing strategic plans for all food distribution programs in alignment with organizational goals.
• Collaborate with the COO and Leadership Team to ensure cost-effective program delivery without compromising quality or impact.
• Directly oversee and manage a team of program managers and coordinators responsible for various initiatives (Mobile Pantry, CSFP, Backpack Program, Home Delivery, etc.).
• Establish annual work plans, set objectives, define performance metrics, and monitor progress to support organizational objectives.
• Work closely with other organizational Directors (e.g., Nutrition, Food Acquisition) to ensure culturally appropriate and healthy foods are distributed strategically to areas in need.
• Collaborate with the Transportation Logistics Director to provide necessary information for efficient program deliveries and distributions.
• Lead initiatives for process improvements within food distribution programs and foster strong relationships with partners to enhance collaboration.
• Support a state-wide network of partners and programs (food pantries, mobile pantry sites, CSFP sites, backpack sites, etc.) by providing guidance and assistance.
• Oversee budget development and ensure adherence to budgetary constraints within program areas.
• Ensure compliance with grant and contract requirements, maintaining meticulous program records.
• Provide regular opportunities for team development and skill enhancement, fostering a high-performing and motivated team environment.
• Strategically plan distribution points to address underserved areas, proposing new programs or revisions to existing programs to enhance reach and impact.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, etc.)
• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in program management, preferably within a nonprofit or community-focused organization.
• Demonstrated success in leading and managing teams, driving strategic initiatives, and fostering cross-departmental collaboration.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience in budget development, adherence, and grant/contract compliance.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills to liaise effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Competencies

• Works directly with the general public in an effort to achieve the Food Bank's mission
• Comfortable interfacing with all levels of staff
• Knowledge of community resources and industry standards
• Deep understanding of social service and anti-hunger program

Physical Requirements

• Comfortable working in a warehouse environment
• Comfortable working in extreme hot or cold temperatures
• Must be able to lift and move 50 lbs.
• Must be comfortable working with large groups of people

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Parental leave

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Ability to Relocate:

• Newark, DE: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person