Program Director

The Program Director leads Endeavors’ Austin Refugee Program that supports refugees, asylees, SIVs, parolees, and other eligible newcomers through reception, placement, and long-term integration. The Director is accountable for day-to-day operations, staff leadership, compliance, quality assurance, fiscal stewardship, and community partnerships. This role ensures delivery of core services and outcomes under federal, state, local, and philanthropic awards, and coordinates closely with HIAS and state partners to advance client self-sufficiency and community belonging.
 

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Leadership and Strategy

• Align annual work plans for the Austin Refugee Program that reflect contract requirements and local needs.
• Lead a multidisciplinary team that provides case management, employment services, health and benefits navigation, education and youth services, housing navigation, volunteer and community engagement, and data/reporting.
• Maintain a client-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive practice that upholds client choice, informed consent, and language access.

Service Delivery and Compliance

• Ensure timely and complete delivery of core services for arriving cases, including pre-arrival planning, airport reception, safe housing setup, food and basic needs, cultural orientation, enrollment in benefits and documentation, and warm handoffs to ongoing programs.
• Oversee Matching Grant, PIR, PC, and related programs, ensuring eligibility determinations, service plans, case notes, follow-up, and timely exits meet funder definitions of self-sufficiency and retention.
• Establish workflows for rapid Social Security, EAD, school enrollment, primary care linkage, immunizations, mental health referrals, and public benefits applications.
• Ensure appropriate use of interpreters, ADA accommodations, confidentiality, safeguarding, and duty-to-report requirements.

Community Integration and Partnerships

• Build and steward partnerships with HIAS, local school districts, health systems and FQHCs, mental health providers, Workforce Solutions, adult education and ESL providers, legal services, faith communities, mutual aid groups, and ethnic community-based organizations.
• Lead landlord and housing partnerships to expand safe, affordable options, negotiate leases, and manage risk mitigation supports.
• Represent Endeavors in coalitions and public forums in the Austin area. Develop MOUs and referral pathways with clear roles and warm handoffs.

Quality Assurance, Data, and Reporting

• Ensure complete, accurate, and timely data entry in required systems.
• Lead regular file reviews, data validation, outcome tracking, incident reviews, and corrective action plans.
• Submit accurate invoices, reimbursement requests, and program reports by deadline.
• Use dashboards to monitor arrivals, caseloads, service timeliness, self-sufficiency outcomes, housing stability, employment retention, and client satisfaction.

Finance and Grants Management

• Manage program budgets, purchasing, and client assistance in compliance with allowability, documentation, and audit standards.
• Forecast staffing and operating needs, track burn rate, and escalate risks early.
• Support proposal development, renewals, and site visits or monitoring.

Volunteer and Community Engagement

• Oversee a structured volunteer program, including co-sponsorship groups, mentors, tutors, drivers, and donation management with appropriate screening, training, and supervision.

Risk Management and Safeguarding

• Maintain policies and training on child safety, vulnerable adult protections, emergency procedures, transportation safety, and incident reporting.
• Ensure staff complete required onboarding and annual training, including cultural humility, trauma-informed care, safety, and data privacy.

People Leadership

• Hire, onboard, and supervise staff. Provide coaching, performance evaluations, and professional development.
• Maintain equitable workloads, coverage plans, and clear escalation pathways.
• Foster a respectful, learning-oriented team culture.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

• Must have at least four years of experience working with refugee or migrant populations and understand resettlement best practices, or quality assurance or compliance.
• Understanding of fundamental client management techniques including determining eligibility, assessing needs, identifying resources, making referrals, and conducting follow-ups.
• English fluency required. Fluency in one of the following languages is preferred: Dari, Pashto, Spanish, Swahili, or French.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including good communication skills, listening skills, and attitude.
• Ability to work independently and exercise a high level of confidentiality.

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in social work or an equivalent degree in education, psychology, sociology, or other relevant behavioral science; Plus four or more years of progressive leadership experience in refugee resettlement, immigrant integration, human services, or community-based programs with multifunder compliance; or four years of progressive project management experience on projects demonstrating advanced level of financial and managerial responsibilities.

LICENSES: Driver’s License with clear record required.

VEHICLE: Must have daily use of a vehicle without prior notice.

OTHER: Must be available and willing to travel to various locations (30-40%) and with such frequency as the business need dictates. Must be available and willing to work nights, weekends and holidays as required to meet business needs. Willingness to perform other duties as required. Must not pose a direct threat or significant risk of substantial harm to the safety or health of himself/herself or others.

EXCEPTIONS TO THESE CRITERIA MUST BE APPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT HEAD.