Director of Programs

At Bearings Bike Works, the Director of Programs is responsible for translating the strategic vision of Bearings Bike Works into actionable, results-driven program implementation. The ideal candidate should be deeply passionate about seeing youth build skills and succeed. The Director of Programs will lead the execution of Bearings program initiatives, including Bearings’ earn-a-bike programs, cycling programs, and career accelerator program, ensuring that these efforts align with the organization’s long-term goals and community impact. The Director of Programs will drive day-to-day operations, manage program delivery, and ensure that all initiatives achieve measurable outcomes, empowering individuals and transforming the community in a sustainable way. Passion for seeing students move into the skilled trades and vocational education a plus.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Development & Execution:

• Lead the translation of Bearings' strategic vision into actionable plans, ensuring the effective implementation of core programs (earn-a-bike programs, cycling, and job training).
• Ensure all programs are executed with excellence, staying true to the nonprofit’s mission of empowering individuals and communities toward self-sufficiency.
• Oversee the operational aspects of all programs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, effective delivery, and quality outcomes.

Innovative Student & Community Engagement:

• Collaborate with the Program Team to implement creative engagement strategies that increase student participation and ensure program success.
• Develop and execute engagement plans that foster long-term impact and personal growth for participants.

Staff Leadership & Execution:

• Lead and support program coordinators and volunteers, ensuring they are equipped and empowered to execute their responsibilities effectively.
• Provide continuous coaching, training, and performance feedback, creating a results-oriented culture within the team.

Monitoring & Evaluation:

• Oversee tracking of key performance indicators to measure student success and drive continuous improvement.
• Ensure programs are meeting strategic goals and outcomes the organization desires to see in students.

Partnerships & Community Relations:

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with community partners, local schools, and stakeholders, facilitating the implementation of program initiatives and collaboration for shared impact.
• Seek out and implement new partnership opportunities that support program expansion and effectiveness.

Budget & Resource Management:

• Oversee the implementation of program budgets, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to achieve program goals while staying within financial constraints.
• Monitor program expenses and adjust as needed to stay within budget while ensuring program quality.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, youth development, nonprofit management, youth ministry or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in program management, with at least 3 years in a leadership or director role.
• Proven ability to execute after-school, youth engagement, and/or workforce development programs from start to finish.
• Strong understanding of operational execution, program design, and resource allocation to achieve organizational outcomes. Understanding of the EOS Visionary/Implementer leadership model is helpful for this role. Bearings is led by a visionary leader so a successful candidate for this position is naturally drawn to the “Implementer” role in abilities and personality.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams in a results-driven, accountability-focused environment.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Alignment with Bearings’ commitment to self-sufficiency and dignity-based community transformation.

About Bearings Bike Works:

Bearings Bike Works is dedicated to creating sustainable, dignity-preserving solutions that empower individuals and communities to move beyond dependency. Our programs foster long-term self-sufficiency, helping people break free from cycles of poverty and reach their full potential. As part of a growing coalition of organizations, we believe in transforming lives through empowerment rather than traditional charity. For more about our approach, visit both Bearingsbikeworks.org and truecharity.us.