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Program Director

Build Hope Inc
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Build Hope Inc. (BHI) is a nonprofit organization affiliated with the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA). BHI is dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents of public housing and Section 8 housing through innovative programs, resource distribution, and strategic partnerships that promote education, workforce development, and community well-being.

BHI serves individuals and families living in public housing, Section 8 and other residential housing units owned or operated by HACLA and is dedicated to improving life outcomes and addressing intergenerational poverty.

While BHI is affiliated with HACLA, it operates as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and functions autonomously. 

For more information about Build Hope, Inc. please visit www.buildhopeinc.org.

 

OPPORTUNITY

BHI seeks a dynamic and entrepreneurial Founding Program Director to shape, launch, and implement BHI’s three key strategic program priorities, with an immediate focus on: advancing education, guaranteeing resource resiliency, and fostering service-enriched communities. This is a unique opportunity to build BHI’s programmatic infrastructure from inception, deepen community partnerships, and ensure that all initiatives are driven by data, evidence-based strategies, and measurable outcomes. Reporting to the BHI Executive Director, the Founding Program Director will collaborate closely with the Executive Director/CEO, BHI’s Board of Directors, HACLA leadership, and a wide array of community partners to ensure BHI’s programs align with both organizational and community needs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Key Responsibilities of the Program Director include:

Strategic Leadership & Program Design

  • Translate BHI’s strategic plan into cohesive, actionable program plans, milestones, and performance metrics.
  • Develop work plans for immediate program priorities (Scholarship Program, Digital equity programming, resource distribution initiatives) and lay the groundwork for future initiatives (e.g., the Build Hope Ambassador program).
  • Drive continuous improvement by assessing and refining program strategies in response to data, resident feedback, and emerging community needs.

Program Management & Execution

  • Oversee day-to-day program operations, ensuring that scholarships, adult education, digital inclusion, and resource resiliency initiatives meet established goals.
  • Implement systems for tracking and managing partner services, resource allocation, and program outcomes.
  • Collaborate with the Executive Director and Director of Finance & Administration on budget development, ensuring financial sustainability and compliance.

Community Engagement & Partnership Development

  • Cultivate and maintain strategic relationships with community partners and key stakeholders to leverage resources and close opportunity gaps.
  • Serve as a public ambassador for BHI, representing the organization at community meetings, conferences, and other forums to build visibility and deepen local engagement.
  • Coordinate annual partner convenings to strengthen collaboration, share best practices, and build cross-sector solutions.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting

  • Establish data collection and evaluation frameworks to measure progress toward program goals.
  • Produce clear, concise reports and presentations for the Board of Directors, funders, strategic partners, and external stakeholders to communicate milestones and impact.
  • Use feedback loops to refine and improve program delivery.

Team Building, Management & Culture

  • Directly supervise a team of 3 full-time staff members, providing coaching, mentorship, and performance management.
  • Indirectly manage and guide a broader team of 10+ full time and part time staff to ensure consistency, quality, and alignment with BHI’s mission and strategic priorities.
  • Hire, onboard, and manage program staff, interns, and volunteers as BHI’s program portfolio grows.
  • Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and outcomes-driven organizational culture that reflects BHI’s values of equity, empowerment, and innovation.

QUALIFICATIONS

In order to fulfill these responsibilities, the ideal Program Director candidate will have/be:

  • Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in Education, Public Policy, Social Work, Nonprofit Management, or a related field preferred.
  • Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in nonprofit program leadership, social services, community development, or a related field. Experience in a start-up or early-stage organization strongly preferred.
  • Demonstrated success in designing and managing programs aimed at educational access, resource distribution, digital literacy, or similar social impact initiatives.
  • Proficient in using data and evaluation strategies to inform program design, monitor effectiveness, and drive continuous improvement.
  • Track record of building and maintaining high-impact collaborations with community-based organizations, educational institutions, and philanthropic entities.
  • Exceptional leadership and team-building skills, with the ability to inspire and mentor staff, volunteers, and community partners.
  • Excellent communication skills with demonstrable ability to write effectively, speak persuasively, and listen attentively. Can distill complex concepts into digestible elements.
  • Familiarity with the Los Angeles context, particularly issues affecting public housing and low-income communities, is highly desired.
  • Deep commitment to social justice, equity, and inclusivity, with an ability to work effectively in multicultural settings.
  • Must possess a valid California Class "C" Driver's License.

Key Competencies

  • Entrepreneurial Mindset – Comfortable leading in a start-up environment, identifying opportunities, and pivoting strategies as needed.
  • Relationship-Building – Skilled at forging trust with diverse stakeholders, from residents to institutional funders.
  • Strategic & Analytical Thinking – Ability to see the big picture while managing detailed program objectives and metrics.
  • Project Management – Organized, self-directed, and deadline-oriented, able to juggle multiple priorities effectively.
  • Adaptability & Resilience – Flexible and solutions-focused, ready to tackle new challenges in a rapidly evolving environment.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This is an exempt full-time position. The Program Director is expected to be based in the Greater Los Angeles region and work in a hybrid environment. BHI is located within HACLA’s offices at 2600 Wilshire Blvd. in Los Angeles. Salary range is $90,000 - $115,000 (dependent on experience) and includes a comprehensive benefits package, including healthcare, dental, vision, PTO, and retirement.