Director of Programs

Job Title: Director of Programs

Reports To: Executive Director

FLSA Status: Exempt

• All applications to be submitted by Tuesday, August 5th, 5pm EST*

About NAMI Wake County

NAMI Wake County (NWC) is an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) nationwide network, including NAMI North Carolina and NAMI National. NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots, volunteer supported mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NWC’s vision is a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where mental health is valued, and individuals affected by mental health challenges have access to quality resources to live healthy, fulfilling lives. We have been in operation for over 38 years in Wake County.

NWC is in a period of significant growth, expanding our programming and community outreach to meet the increasing demand for mental health education, support, and advocacy services throughout Wake County. Our comprehensive approach includes evidence-based support groups, educational programs for families and individuals, community presentations, and advocacy initiatives that work to reduce stigma and improve mental health resources. As we continue to evolve and expand our impact, we are seeking a dynamic Director of Programs to lead our mission-driven work and help shape the future of mental health support in our community.

Position Overview

The Director of Programs serves as a key member of NAMI Wake County's leadership team, working in close partnership with the Executive Director to drive program strategy, implementation, and effectiveness across all organizational initiatives. This role is responsible for overseeing the development, execution, and continuous improvement of NWC's comprehensive portfolio of mental health programs, including support groups, educational offerings, community outreach, and advocacy initiatives. The Director of Programs will lead program staff and volunteers, manage program operations, and ensure alignment with organizational goals while advancing our mission to build better lives for individuals and families affected by mental illness. This position requires a strategic thinker who can translate vision into action, foster collaborative relationships, and drive measurable impact in program delivery and community engagement.

Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Develop and execute comprehensive program strategy in partnership with the Executive Director, driving organizational growth through program innovation and expansion
• Lead strategic planning initiatives and design scalable systems and processes to enhance operational efficiency during organizational growth
• Develop and champion change management initiatives that support the organization and stakeholders through periods of transformation and expansion

Program Innovation & Implementation

• Lead implementation of new and existing programs and services, including project planning, staff training, resource coordination, and launch timelines
• Direct development, delivery, and continuous improvement of comprehensive program portfolio including support groups, educational classes, presentations, and youth initiatives
• Drive program expansion through data-driven decision making and strategic resource allocation to maximize community reach and participant engagement
• Ensure program quality and fidelity through regular assessment and implementation of evidence-based practices

Performance Management & Evaluation

• Establish and monitor key performance indicators, regularly evaluating program effectiveness and implementing improvement strategies
• Develop analytical reports that translate program data into strategic insights and recommendations for Executive Director and Board
• Present program updates and outcomes to Board of Directors, funders, and other key stakeholders

Partnership Development & Community Engagement

• Cultivate strategic partnerships with community organizations, healthcare systems, and educational institutions to expand program reach
• Serve as one of the primary organizational spokespersons, delivering presentations and representing NAMI Wake County at community events and public forums
• Lead outreach initiatives to strengthen existing relationships and develop new collaborative opportunities

Team Leadership & Volunteer Empowerment

• Provide strategic leadership to program staff and volunteer leaders, fostering professional development and organizational capacity building
• Design comprehensive volunteer engagement strategies encompassing recruitment, training, retention, and recognition programs
• Serve as primary support for volunteers, addressing concerns and providing guidance on program delivery and organizational initiatives

Resource Development & Stewardship

• Collaborate with leadership team to secure program funding through grants and partnerships while managing budgets to maximize community impact
• Support fundraising efforts by providing program data and participating in donor cultivation activities
• Ensure fiscal responsibility and resource optimization across all program initiatives

Competencies

• Strategic Planning & Program Management - Develops comprehensive strategic plans with clear sequencing of initiatives and resource allocation. Anticipates market trends, organizational risks, and community needs while demonstrating deep knowledge of mental health programming, non-profit operations, and evidence-based practices.
• Executive Communication & Public Speaking - Communicates with executive presence across multiple channels and audiences, from vulnerable populations to C-suite leaders and board members. Delivers compelling presentations, actively listens to stakeholders, and effectively influences and inspires diverse groups toward shared goals.
• Change Management & Adaptive Leadership - Manages competing priorities and complex initiatives while leading organizational change. Demonstrates agility in rapidly evolving environments, anticipates stakeholder needs, and guides teams through transitions with strategic focus.
• Technology Integration & Data Management - Proficiently utilizes advanced software systems including Bloomerang and other nonprofit volunteer and donor tracking systems, data analytics tools, and Microsoft 365 suite. Quickly adapts to new technologies and leverages data systems for strategic decision-making and performance measurement.
• Entrepreneurial Collaboration - Balances independent strategic thinking with collaborative leadership, identifying innovative opportunities while building consensus. Self-directed in problem-solving and skilled at fostering cross-functional partnerships both internally and externally.
• Culturally Responsive Leadership - Demonstrates cultural competency and trauma-informed approaches when working with vulnerable populations and their families. Provides mentorship and support to staff and volunteers while creating inclusive environments that honor diverse perspectives and experiences.

Experience and Qualifications

• Education & Experience - Bachelor's degree in related field (social work, public health, nonprofit management, psychology, or similar) or equivalent combination of education and experience; 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in program management, nonprofit operations, or community mental health services
• Strategic Leadership Experience - Proven ability to manage multiple programs simultaneously while developing and implementing strategic initiatives; demonstrated experience in program implementation and overseeing execution from concept to delivery
• Stakeholder Engagement - Demonstrated experience working effectively with diverse stakeholder groups including boards, staff, volunteers, community partners, and vulnerable populations
• Mental Health & Mission Alignment - Demonstrated passion for mental health advocacy and commitment to NAMI Wake County's mission, vision, and values; familiarity with NAMI programs and structure at affiliate, state, or national level strongly preferred; understanding of mental health advocacy, support services, and evidence-based programming
• Leadership Values - Strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility principles with experience implementing these values in organizational settings
• Resource Development - Grant writing and fundraising experience required; ability to secure and manage program funding through diverse revenue streams
• Professional Requirements - Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends for community events and presentations; valid driver's license and reliable transportation; ability to pass criminal background check
• Effective Communication & Engagement - Public speaking experience; demonstrated ability to work effectively with vulnerable populations; volunteer management and mentorship experience
• Preferred Qualifications - Lived experience with mental health challenges (personally or through family/friends); nonprofit sector experience

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the individual must be able to remain in a stationary position for 90 percent of the time while performing office work. The individual needs to occasionally move about inside the office. They constantly operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a computer printer. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 15 pounds, occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

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To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability, and physical demands required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefits & Compensation

The expected hiring range for this full-time (40 hours/week) position is $65,000-$71,000 commensurate with experience and qualifications. This is a full-time exempt position with the expectation that the Director of Programs will work evenings and weekends from time to time to represent the organization at public events and attend Board Meetings.

Benefits include: Generous employer sponsored health benefit, dental, vision, short and long term disability, and life insurance. 18 days Paid Time Off (vacation & sick), 10 paid holidays, up to 10 team-wide/organization-wide wellness days as approved by the board, a mission-driven and purposeful workplace culture, and more.

Hybrid Workplace: At least 3 days per week in-office required (additional days as needed, or if desired by employee). Subject to change if role requirements are not being met remotely.

NWC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances.

TO APPLY: Email a resume and cover letter to careers@nami-wake.org with the subject line “NAMI Wake Director of Programs Application”.