Program Director

Role overview

The Director of Programs is responsible for guiding assigned programs and services with clear direction, strong oversight, and a focus on long-term effectiveness. This role ensures participants receive high-quality support, programs stay aligned with organizational goals, teams are developed and supported, and all regulatory, licensing, accreditation, and contract obligations are met.

The position partners closely with organizational leadership to keep programs running efficiently, strengthen outcomes, and reinforce a culture built on accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and participant-focused care.

Program leadership and operations

• Lead and oversee the day-to-day and strategic functioning of assigned programs and services.
• Make sure operations remain compliant with all relevant federal, state, local, licensing, accreditation, and contractual standards.
• Create, implement, and track policies, procedures, and operating practices that improve service quality.
• Review program performance to spot opportunities for better efficiency and stronger participant results.
• Ensure the organization’s service philosophy, standards, and best practices are consistently applied.
• Promote trauma-informed care, participant-centered services, recovery-oriented support, and evidence-based approaches across programs.
• Work with leadership to shape and roll out strategic initiatives and service improvements.
• Stay current on industry developments, regulatory updates, and emerging best practices relevant to the programs.
• Contribute to organizational planning, new program development, and growth efforts.

Quality assurance and compliance

• Examine program outcomes and performance trends to identify improvement opportunities and new ideas.
• Build and carry out action plans aimed at improving participant outcomes and operational performance.
• Perform quality assurance checks and audits to confirm alignment with regulatory, contractual, and internal standards.
• Use data and key performance indicators to guide decisions and ongoing quality improvement.
• Ensure assigned programs meet grant deliverables, contractual obligations, and performance targets.
• Partner with Development, Finance, and Quality teams on grant reporting, site monitoring, and compliance reviews.
• Prepare and review program reports on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.

Staff leadership and development

• Support recruiting, hiring, onboarding, supervision, coaching, and evaluation of program staff.
• Create a positive, team-oriented, and high-performance work environment.
• Provide ongoing guidance, support, and development opportunities for employees.
• Identify training needs and coordinate learning opportunities to improve team capability.
• Ensure staff understand and follow organizational policies, procedures, and expectations.
• Encourage employee engagement, accountability, and retention.
• Address performance issues in line with organizational policy.

Financial and administrative management

• Develop, track, and manage program budgets to use resources effectively and meet program goals.
• Monitor spending and ensure responsible use of organizational funds.
• Support compliance with grant and contract requirements, including reporting and outcome measurement.
• Collaborate with Finance, Development, Compliance, and Operations teams to support overall organizational effectiveness.

Leadership responsibilities

• Serve as part of the leadership team and contribute to planning and decision-making.
• Encourage collaboration and communication across departments and program areas.
• Lead change management efforts and support restructuring, growth, and strategic initiatives.
• Help drive continuous improvement efforts and broader organizational initiatives.
• Carry out other duties as assigned.

Certificates and licenses

A current Texas Department of State Health Services license is required, with accepted credentials including LCDC, LMSW, or LPC. The role also requires five years of experience in behavioral health.

If driving on SMH business, the employee must hold a valid Texas driver’s license and provide proof of current insurance.

Education and experience

A bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work, counseling, addiction counseling, or another related field from a four-year college or university is required. Candidates should have five years of experience in substance use disorder and/or behavioral health treatment in a leadership or supervisory capacity. The role also calls for knowledge of co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders, the ability to manage a diverse team of human services professionals, familiarity with DSHS regulations and licensure standards, and hands-on experience applying evidence-based practices and trauma-informed care, including the ability to teach these approaches to others.

Equal opportunity statement

The employer is committed to equal employment opportunity and does not permit discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.