Job Description
Job Description
Description : Job Summary
The Director of Programs provides leadership and operational oversight for MICC’s instructional and programmatic services, including the College Program, vocational training, and employment services. This role ensures high-quality program delivery, strong outcomes, and alignment with MICC’s mission by fostering a collaborative team culture, driving continuous improvement, and effectively managing resources. The Director of Programs plays a key role in preparing participants for greater independence by ensuring high-quality instruction, workforce readiness, meaningful employment opportunities, and strong community partnerships.
Essential Functions
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Strategic Leadership and Program Oversight
- Provide strategic planning, leadership, and operational management for all program areas to implement the vision set by the Executive Leadership Team
- Develop and implement program strategies, that align with MICC’s mission and enhance participant outcomes, family engagement, and program satisfaction
- Partner with the Director of Services and other leaders to ensure integrated, high-quality program delivery across all departments
- Monitor labor market trends and ensure vocational programming and curriculum align with workforce needs and MICC competencies
- Continuously evaluate program effectiveness by monitoring trends and outcomes data; implement improvements to strengthen participant success, family engagement, and community partnerships
- Develop and implement annual operating plans and budgets to achieve service outcomes and metrics in areas of service delivery, employment, and retention
Team Management & Development
Recruit, hire, and onboard qualified staff; provide clear direction, coaching, and performance feedbackFoster a collaborative, accountable, and growth-oriented team culture through supervision, training, and professional development opportunitiesGuide instructional and vocational staff in experiential, competency-based teaching and person-centered practicesOversee the teaching and coaching of independent living, wellness and vocational curriculum; ensure participants achieve assigned competencies through regular evaluation and progress trackingInstructional & Vocational Oversight
Responsible for the delivery of high-quality, competency-based curriculum, classroom management, and participant support systemsMaintain curriculum standards required for Century College continuing education endorsementOversee the Careers Certificate Program, ensuring skill-specific classes, trainings, and community-based experiences prepare participants for employmentCollaborate with job developers to create individualized employment plans, meet placement needs, and provide on-the-job supports, including job coaching, evaluations, and new hire preparationCommunity & Family Engagement
Build and maintain strong relationships with families, community partners, and professional networks to expand opportunities for participantsEstablish and nurture partnerships with local businesses to develop employment, internship, and volunteer opportunitiesMaintain consistent, professional communication with partner businesses to ensure positive internship and employment experiencesCreate opportunities for informational interviews, job shadowing, and tryouts to complement work-readiness courseworkRepresent MICC at outreach events, conferences, and presentations to strengthen partnerships and raise visibilityCollaboration & Organizational Leadership
Serve on the Leadership Team, contributing to strategic planning, organizational initiatives, and program growthPartner with Admissions, Evaluation, and Program teams to ensure smooth participant onboarding, transitions, and outcome trackingEnsure all program activities meet organizational policies, professional standards, and applicable regulationsTrack, analyze, and report program and employment data for leadership, evaluation, and continuous improvement purposesChampion MICC’s mission, values, and cultural principles across all service operationsRequirements :
Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Special Education, or related field preferred10 years’ progressive experience in program management, preferably in human services, disability services, and / or educationProven leadership / management experience in program or instructional management, preferably in education, vocational training, or related fieldsSkills & Abilities
Strong leadership, staff development, and team-building abilitiesExcellent communication and family engagement skillsKnowledge of autism, learning disabilities, mental health, and behavioral supportsStrategic thinker with strong organizational and problem-solving skillsAbility to work flexible hours and respond to crisis situations as neededKnowledge of labor market trends and best practices in workforce readiness and community employment servicesBenefits
MICC offers a competitive salary and an incredible benefits package, including, but not limited to :
Medical and Dental InsuranceHealth Savings Account (HSA) & Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)Basic Life Insurance & Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) InsuranceShort-Term Disability (STD) Insurance & Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance403(b) Retirement PlansVoluntary plans including Vision, additional Life & AD&D Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident Insurance, and Hospital InsuranceMICC pays a significant percentage of the costMICC pays the premiums for both STD and LTD100% immediate vesting with 4% Safe Harbor Match (if the employee contributes 5%)Paid Time Off (PTO)
MICC offers a generous amount of Paid Time Off (PTO) :
176 hours / 22 days (prorated upon start date) of paid vacation time80 hours / 10 days (accrued at 3.33 hours per pay period) of paid sick time80 hours / 10 days (holiday schedule available upon request) of paid holidays8 hours / 1 day for floating holidayHow to Apply
If you're ready to embark on a rewarding career, please submit your application. We appreciate all applications, but only qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview. Minnesota Independence College and Community (MICC) is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
This external job description is not designed to cover or comprehensively list the required activities, duties, or responsibilities. Additionally, duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time as determined by the needs of MICC.
MICC is an equal opportunity employer, a drug-free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable. All applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military / veteran status, genetic information, marital status, ethnicity, alienage, or any other protected classification, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.By completing this application, you are seeking to join a team of hardworking professionals dedicated to consistently delivering outstanding service to our customers and contributing to the financial success of the organization, its participants, clients, and its employees. Equal access to programs, services, and employment is available to all qualified persons. Those applicants requiring accommodations to complete the application and / or interview process should contact a management representative.
