Managing Director of Programs
Boston, MA; Philadelphia, PA; Chicago, IL | Full-Time |Partially - Remote
About the Job
The Managing Director of Programs (MDP) is a senior leadership role that oversees Compass’ direct service partnerships and coaching programs that bridge the gap between enterprise-level strategy, set by the Chief Program Officer, and functional execution, led by the Directors of Programs. The MDP provides the senior capacity to manage the complexity of high-impact, client-centered, and culturally proficient program delivery, ensuring that growth does not outpace operational excellence. The MDP plays a critical role in the implementation of Compass’ strategic plan, testing an opt-out model for FSS and increasing our reach in new geographies.
The MDP provides effective and inspiring leadership to the largest team in the organization and carries significant decision-making authority within the Programs Department, translating organizational priorities into actionable operational plans. This role oversees the entire direct service team, including program management and coaching, to ensure client-centered and culturally proficient service delivery
Reporting structure: This role reports to the Chief Program Officer.
Program Oversight and Leadership
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Lead and oversee Compass's direct service FSS program portfolio, including program planning, performance, staffing, reporting, and compliance across all current and future programs.
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Maintain deep expertise in FSS regulations and ensure program fidelity, including understanding HUD rules, funding notices, forthcoming changes, and ensuring all programs meet regulatory, contractual, and internal standards.
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Manage direct service partnerships and contracts, cultivating relationships with decision-makers at partner organizations and overseeing contract work, pricing/revenue strategy, and delivery of contractual obligations.
Leadership of Leaders & Team Performance
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Lead and mentor a high-performing team of Directors of Programs, focusing on their professional growth, accountability, and leadership development.
Operational Coordination & Collaboration
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Drive initiatives that require deep integration across departments (e.g., Marketing, HR, and Innovation), resolving bottlenecks, strengthening cross-departmental collaboration and driving innovative practices to achieve goals.
Strategic Partnerships & Innovation
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Lead implementation of opt-out FSS program model with mission-aligned housing partners, incorporating lean testing, innovation, and learning agendas to build toward a national demonstration project.
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Identify, develop, and champion innovative asset-building models within and beyond subsidized housing, collaborating with the CPO to cultivate and onboard new mission-aligned partners.
Qualifications and Skills
We seek a Managing Director of Programs with a senior “leader of leaders’” perspective and experience, a passion for coaching excellence, and the ability to bridge high-level strategy with programmatic execution. Competitive candidates will demonstrate a strong background in change management, scaling programs, and leading teams. We are most likely to be interested in your candidacy if you can demonstrate most of the qualifications and experiences listed below:
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People Leadership & Development: Exceptional capacity for managing and developing diverse teams of senior professionals, with focus on accountability, professional growth, and positioning staff to succeed.
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Subject Matter Knowledge: Candidates should have knowledge of affordable housing, community development, financial capability and/or asset building. Experience with operating or managing resident or supportive services in state or federal subsidized housing or programs supporting families with low incomes and/or prior experience with HUD’s Family Self-Sufficiency Program is a plus. Background in behavioral science or human-centered design preferred.
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Change Management & Growth: Demonstrated ability to lead teams through organizational transitions, rapid expansion, and implementation of new program models in fast-paced, entrepreneurial environments.
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Agility & Innovation: Capacity to lean-test new program designs, pivot quickly, navigate unexpected changes, and manage multiple priorities with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
This job description is not intended to provide a comprehensive listing of all duties or responsibilities. Job duties and responsibilities may change at any time based on the needs of the organization.
The salary range for this role is $120,000-145,000, commensurate with experience. We’ll promote your professional growth and development by providing access to a competitive salary and benefits package and additional employee benefits. that include but are not limited to:
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Paid time off: Employees receive up to 36 Wellness days and 8 holidays per calendar year, plus the final week of the calendar year, and Fridays in August off as organizational-wide holidays. All employees enjoy a two-hour early closure starting the Friday after Memorial Day through the week of Labor Day.
