Director of Programs & Operations
Trenton, NJ
Full Time
Senior Manager/Supervisor
Position Summary: NJAC is seeking a qualified Director to perform and oversee a wide range of duties involving the administration and supervision of the agency’s programming and services including planning, organizing, staffing, and leading. The Director shall ensure operational compliance and excellence in specific service delivery areas throughout programs. Including program effectiveness, financial sustainability, and alignment with the agency mission.
Key Responsibilities:
Program Oversight & Strategic Leadership
- Lead the development, and evaluation of residential and community-based re-entry programs.
- Ensure alignment with Department of Corrections (DOC) standards and evidence-based practices.
- Collaborate with executive leadership to shape strategic goals and program expansion.
- Integrate data tracking systems to monitor program outcomes and inform strategic decisions.
- Oversee day-to-day operations across multiple program sites, ensuring quality and consistency.
- Develop and enforce policies and procedures that meet regulatory, contractual, and ethical standards.
- Monitor compliance with DOC, state, and federal guidelines; prepare for audits and inspections.
- Manage and maintain data tracking systems to ensure accurate reporting and operational transparency.
- Supervise program managers and operational staff; provide coaching, training, and performance evaluations.
- Promote a trauma-informed, culturally competent, and inclusive workplace culture.
- Lead recruitment and onboarding for key program roles.
- Manage program budgets, monitor expenditures, and ensure fiscal accountability.
- Oversee grant applications, reporting, and compliance with funder requirements.
- Work with finance and development teams to identify funding opportunities and maintain financial health.
- Utilize data tracking systems to support grant reporting and financial analysis.
- Develop and revise internal policies to reflect best practices and evolving legal standards.
- Represent the organization in coalitions, task forces, and advocacy efforts related to re-entry and criminal justice reform.
- Build partnerships with DOC officials, parole officers, community organizations, and funders.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, Public Administration, Social Work, or related field (Master’s preferred)
Experience
- Minimum 5–7 years of leadership experience in nonprofit re-entry, corrections, or residential program management
- Strong understanding of DOC systems, compliance standards, and nonprofit operations
- Proven experience in grant writing, reporting, and budget management
- Successfully pass criminal education and driver background checks as required.
- Maintain background free of infractions which may result in the termination of employment.
- Daily access to an insured, registered vehicle
- Possess a valid Driver’s License
- Knowledge of contract compliance, maintenance troubleshooting, vehicle, program management
- Knowledge of client groups and/or issues related to the program area.
- Word processing, Simple accounting, Databases, Spreadsheets, E-mail, Internet, Client Tracking Software (SecurManage, empowOr)
Should demonstrate competence in all of the following:
- Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills
- Ethical Behavior
- Build Relationships
- Creativity/Innovation
- Foster Teamwork
- Make Decisions
- Solve Problems
- Commitment to equity, restorative justice, and community empowerment
- Typically, an office and residential program environment but the mission of the organization may sometimes take them to nonstandard workplaces.
- A standard work week but it may be required to work some evenings and weekends to monitor program activities.
- Be on-call for any after-hours emergencies.
- Salary range $82,000 - $87,000
- Comprehensive health insurance
- Paid time off and holidays
- Retirement plan with employer match
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