Director of Programs

Position: Director of Programs

Position Type: Volunteer

Location: Remote (Northern Virginia area preferred)

Reports To: Executive Director

Time Commitment: 10-20 hours / week, 1 year commitment

About Safe Haven Space:

Be a part of a growing non-profit and help us empower refugee students!

Safe Haven Space is committed to offering mental health and well-being services to refugee students and their families. Mental health has a harmful stigma prevalent in many communities around the world, especially among the refugee population. After being forced out of their original communities, it becomes harder for refugee students to function in both school and life settings without healing from the trauma they encounter before, during, and after their transition to the United States of America. We want to help them succeed in American life and make their adjustment to cultural changes easier through school programs and community engagement. The concept behind this organization stems from personal experience. As a refugee herself, our Founder is no stranger to the stigmatization of mental health in the community. Learn more about Safe Haven Space through our website.

Position Overview:

The Director of Programs will lead and oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of all programmatic initiatives for refugee youth in schools and resettlement agencies we partner with. The Director will be responsible for ensuring that programs are delivered effectively, align with organizational goals, and meet the unique needs of the students and their families. This role requires a strategic, solutions-oriented leader who is passionate about empowering youth, building partnerships, and driving impact in the community.

Responsibilities:

• Design and implement culturally sensitive mental health programs that address refugee students' needs.
• Establish program goals, objectives, and outcome measures, ensuring alignment with SHS’s strategic plan.
• Oversee all aspects of program logistics, from initial planning to execution and evaluation.
• Supervise program committee and research Committee, mental health professionals, social workers, and facilitators.
• Provide guidance, training, and support to ensure program staff and volunteers are equipped to deliver effective programming.
• Work in collaboration with the Volunteer Manager to recruit and train volunteers for program support roles.
• Develop and implement systems to track program metrics, evaluating program success and areas for improvement.
• Build and maintain relationships with schools, community organizations, and mental health providers to support program delivery.
• Serve as a primary liaison with community stakeholders involved in program initiatives, including participants, parents, school administrators, and community partners.
• Collaborate with the Director of Community Outreach and Engagement to promote programs and secure community support.
• Develop and manage the programming budget, working closely with the Finance team to ensure financial oversight and efficiency.
• Assist with securing funding for programs through grant proposals and sponsorships, in collaboration with the Director of Development & Fundraising.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, public health, education, or related field preferred.
• Experience in program management, particularly with mental health, refugee services, or youth programs.
• Experience working with youth, especially refugee and immigrant youth, and a strong understanding of the challenges they face in educational environments.
• Proven success in building and maintaining partnerships with school districts, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed care and culturally responsive practices.
• Excellent organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with program evaluation and data-driven decision-making.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and be a strategic thinker who can take initiative.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, inspire, and support a diverse team of volunteers.
• Cultural sensitivity, empathy, and a commitment to SHS’s mission of supporting refugee youth.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should apply here.