Director, Programs and Services

💚 About The WOW Center   

At The WOW Center, we believe that every person deserves the opportunity to grow, connect, and thrive. Our culture is rooted in compassion, inclusion, and genuine joy in what we do. We don’t just teach — we empower adults with developmental disabilities to live more confidently, independently, and meaningfully within their communities. 

We are guided by our core values of Empathy, Excellence, Passion, Serving, Teamwork, and Continuous Improvement — principles that shape how we support the individuals we serve, collaborate with one another, and grow as an organization every day. 

If you’re someone who loves uplifting others, celebrates wins big and small, and thrives in a collaborative environment, you’ll feel right at home here. 

🙌 About the Role 

The Director of Programs and Services provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of all educational programs and related services at The WOW Center. This role ensures high‑quality, person‑centered, and compliant programming that supports the independence, dignity, and meaningful community inclusion of adults with developmental disabilities. 

The Director of Programs and Services collaborates closely with leadership, staff, families, and community partners to advance program excellence, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement. 

📝 Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Educational Leadership, Human Services, or related field required; Master’s preferred
• 10+ years of progressive experience in educational program management or student/support services
• Experience supervising staff, managing budgets, and leading complex, multi-component programs
• Strong leadership, organizational, and strategic planning skills
• Knowledge of curriculum development, instructional practices, and individualized support systems
• Ability to analyze data and use findings to improve programs and outcomes
• Spanish fluency required

🌱 What You’ll Do

🏋️ Program & Services Leadership

• Lead educational programs and support services aligned with the organization’s mission and strategic plan
• Ensure programs are evidence-based, outcomes-driven, and responsive to participant and community needs
• Monitor program performance through data and evaluations; implement improvements as needed
• Oversee individual-focused services including education, enrichment, workforce development, and community-based supports
• Collaborate with educators, service providers, families, and support coordinators to meet diverse needs

🎓 Program & Curriculum Design

• Design and lead a multi-track Independent Studies program aligned to participant goals in workforce readiness, independent living, community access, wellbeing, and self-advocacy
• Develop accessible, outcome-driven certificate-style learning pathways inspired by inclusive postsecondary models
• Create modular course structures that support varied pacing, including foundational or probationary coursework
• Translate individualized goals into learning objectives, competency benchmarks, and completion criteria

✅ Compliance Oversight

• Establish program policies, procedures, and operational standards
• Oversee compliance across programs and administrative functions including APD, iBudget, iConnect, county/state contracts, HIPAA, and licensing
• Identify risks and opportunities to protect organizational interests
• Build systems and tools that support department compliance requirements
• Partner cross-functionally to embed compliance as a shared organizational responsibility

🗣 Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Partner with leadership and internal teams to advance organizational goals
• Represent The WOW Center in partnerships, meetings, and community initiatives
• Support grant development, reporting, and long-term program sustainability

🤝 Strategic Leadership & Organizational Alignment

• Advise the Executive Director on compliance, staffing structure, and program alignment
• Strengthen collaboration and communication across departments
• Lead cross-departmental reviews to assess progress, identify gaps, and drive solutions

👥 People Management

🏫 Professional Development

• Lead staff development and foster a culture of continuous learning
• Provide coaching, mentorship, and leadership development opportunities

📋 Performance Management

• Deliver coaching, feedback, recognition, and formal evaluations
• Address performance concerns in partnership with Human Resources

👥 Culture & Values

• Promote a positive, inclusive, solution-oriented culture
• Model The WOW Center’s values and recognize staff who embody them

✅ Staff Oversight

• Approve timesheets, manage schedules, and ensure program coverage
• Support hiring, interviews, recommendations, and onboarding

📢 Emergency Protocol

• Participate in emergency response procedures including drills, evacuations, and crisis communication
• Ensure staff and participant safety through preparedness, compliance, and clear communication