Job Title: Director of Programs

Department: Programs

Primary Location: Brooklyn Park,MN and Minneapolis,MN (all Avenues programs and shelter oversight)

Reports To: Associate Director

Employment Status: Full Time, Exempt

Salary Range: $85,000 – $93,500 annually

Work Schedule: Standard business hours, Monday–Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm. This role is primarily onsite, with limited opportunities to work from home based on operational needs.

ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION

Avenues for Youth provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, rapid re-housing, collective housing, and host homes housing for youth and young families experiencing housing instability and homelessness. We strive to do this in a safe and nurturing environment through a social justice lens. Avenues seeks to partner with youth and young families while they define their experiences, life dreams, and future. Our work takes into account historical trauma, systems of oppression, and intersectionality while being grounded in the power of resiliency, healing, and community.

BENEFITS AT AVENUES

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance (employee-paid)

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

403(b) retirement plan

Paid time off (PTO)

Opportunity to work from Avenues for Youth’s brand-new headquarters opening Summer 2026

PROGRAM INFORMATION

The Director of Programs oversees all Avenues programs, including emergency shelter, transitional housing, rapid rehousing, host homes, and collective housing, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of youth and families. This role supervises Program Managers, supports direct service staff, and serves as a key member of the leadership team, shaping program vision and strategy.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties are representative of this position and are not intended to be all-inclusive.

Overview

The Director of Programs provides strategic and operational leadership across all Avenues programs, ensuring high-quality, youth-centered services. This role is responsible for coaching and holding Program Managers accountable, fostering a culture of accountability, equity, and learning, and ensuring programs align with organizational values and goals. The Director balances hands-on management with big-picture leadership, focusing on outcomes, staff development, and continuous improvement.

Leadership & Vision

• Set and communicate a clear vision for program quality, growth, and alignment with Avenues’ mission and values.
• Model and promote the 9 Guiding Principles across all programs, integrating them into daily practice and decision-making.
• Lead strategic planning and program development, identifying opportunities for new services and program enhancements.
• Serve as a visible and positive representative of Avenues in the community and with partners.

Staff Development, Supervision & Accountability

• Directly supervise Program Managers, providing ongoing coaching, feedback, and performance evaluations.
• Hold Program Managers accountable for staff supervision, documentation compliance, and program outcomes.
• Foster a culture of accountability, curiosity, and continuous improvement, addressing performance concerns through coaching and support.
• Ensure strong onboarding and ongoing training for program staff in collaboration with the Assistant Executive Director and training committee.
• Oversee hiring processes for program staff, ensuring equity, inclusion, and diversity in recruitment and selection.
• Support Program Managers in building strong, empowered teams that collaborate effectively and problem-solve efficiently.

Program Operations & Compliance

• Ensure all programs operate in compliance with agency policies, regulatory requirements, licensing standards, and funder expectations.
• Oversee program budgets in collaboration with Finance and Operations to ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Monitor and report on program outcomes, using data to inform decision-making and drive improvements.
• Ensure programs are fully staffed and scheduling supports 24-hour coverage where required.
• Lead or support implementation of new initiatives, including system improvements and new program models.

Youth Engagement & Outcomes

• Ensure youth voice is central to program planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Oversee youth leadership opportunities, independent living skills development, and social enrichment activities.
• Monitor progress toward key youth outcomes, including stable housing exits and employment.

Collaboration & Communication

• Build and maintain strong partnerships with community agencies, funders, and stakeholders.
• Ensure effective communication and collaboration across programs and within the leadership team.
• Keep leadership informed of significant program developments, challenges, and successes.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in human services, management/leadership, or a related field required.
• Minimum of five years of successful experience managing programs serving youth facing systemic barriers and trauma.
• Demonstrated experience supervising staff, developing teams, managing budgets, and holding others accountable.
• Lived experience and cross-transferable skills will be considered.

Skills & Attributes

• Leadership & Accountability
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, coach, and hold others accountable.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with operational execution.
• Comfort addressing performance issues with curiosity, empathy, and follow-through.

Communication & Collaboration

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build trust and positive working relationships with staff, youth, and partners.
• Skilled in facilitating meetings, trainings, and difficult conversations.

Program Management

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience with data-informed decision-making and program evaluation.
• Proficiency with technology, including Microsoft Office and standard workplace systems.

Commitment to Equity

• Deep commitment to social justice, equity, and inclusion.
• Ability to foster an inclusive and supportive environment for staff and youth from diverse backgrounds.
• PHYSICAL DEMANDS
• This role requires the ability to sit, stand, bend, twist, kneel, and communicate regularly. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

Avenues for Youth is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We embrace diversity, foster inclusion, and approach our work through an equitable lens. Individuals from historically marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities, and both prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss accommodation needs.

JOB CODE: 1000083