Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) envisions a world where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are vibrant. LSF is seeking a talented Executive Program Director (Operations and Policy) who wants to make an impact in the lives of others. Purpose and Impact: The Executive Program Director (Operations and Policy) provides strategic leadership for the organization’s government relations, public policy initiatives, and works alongside leadership at Family Focus programs in the North Central Florida. This position is responsible for advancing the organization’s legislative and policy priorities while ensuring the effective management and operation of assigned programs serving children and families. This position works closely with executive leadership to cultivate partnerships with policymakers, regulatory agencies, funders and community stakeholders. This role also ensures programs meet all contractual, licensing and quality standards while maintaining strong fiscal oversight, operational effectiveness and continuous quality improvement. Additionally, this position plays a key leadership role in mentoring emerging leaders within the organization, strengthening internal capacity for advocacy, policy engagement and high-quality service delivery. Essential Functions: Government Affairs, Policy and Advocacy Develops and executes a comprehensive government affairs and public policy strategy aligned with the Family Focus’ mission and strategic priorities. Supports program leadership within Family Focus in coordinating meetings and appointments with legislators, government officials and regulatory agencies to advance organizational priorities and strengthen relationships. Builds internal capacity for policy engagement by equipping staff with the knowledge, confidence and resources needed to represent the organization effectively with government officials and community partners. Builds and maintains strong bipartisan relationships with the Florida Legislature, Governor’s Office, and relevant state and local agencies including DCF, AHCA, DOH and DOE. Program Leadership and Operational Oversight Partners with leadership to manage day-to-day operations of designated Family Focus programs to ensure the safety, well-being and permanency of children and families served. Provides supportive supervision to Program Directors and program management staff and maintains responsibility for effective supervision of program personnel. Ensures assigned programs meet or exceed all licensing, quality assurance and contract performance standards required by external regulatory entities and are accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA). Coordinates program budgets, contracts and fiscal management to ensure programs operate within allocated resources. Develops policies and procedures within programs to align with contractual standards and regulatory requirements. Leadership Development and Organizational Capacity Identifies, mentors and supports emerging internal leaders interested in policy, advocacy and systems change. Provides coaching, job-shadowing opportunities and training to enhance staff understanding of the policymaking process. Facilitates cross-departmental collaboration on policy issues and programmatic impacts. Leads internal policy workgroups and provides guidance on legislative impacts to programs and services. Prepares and delivers training on advocacy, government affairs and communication with public officials. Other Functions: Performs other duties as assigned by the Chief Executive Officer or Executive Vice President of Family Focus. Physical Requirements: Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while performing administrative and leadership duties. Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate computers, telephones, and other office equipment. Occasional lifting and carrying of materials or equipment weighing up to 20 pounds. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with staff, partners, funders, and community stakeholders. Sufficient mobility to travel independently to various program sites, community meetings, and events within the service area. Visual and auditory acuity to read documents, observe program activities, and engage in meetings or presentations. Capacity to work in a standard office environment as well as off-site settings such as community centers or partner agencies, occasionally requiring walking, standing, or outdoor activity. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Education: Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Public Administration, Human Services or a related field required. A Master’s degree in a Human Services field is preferred. Experience: Minimum of 7–10 years of experience in government relations, legislative affairs, public policy or human services leadership. Demonstrated experience working with the Florida Legislature and state or local government agencies. Minimum of five years of supervisory experience managing staff and programs. Experience overseeing program operations, contracts, budgets and compliance requirements. Experience working within child welfare, dependency or related human services systems strongly preferred. Experience with state data systems such as FSFN preferred. Skills: Must be well organized, able to work effectively with others, good communicator and loyal team player. Must have the ability to utilize state data systems (i.e. FSFN). Ability to interpret legislation and translate policy implications for programs and services. Dependability, discretion, good judgment and decision making are a must. Ability to work non-traditional work hours. Must have valid driver’s license and insurance. Principle Accountabilities: Reports to Executive Program Director-HOME Ensures programs meet all licensing, accreditation and contractual performance standards. Provides effective leadership and supervision of program staff and management teams. Maintains strong working relationships with government officials, funders and community stakeholders. Ensures accurate, complete and timely submission of required reports and documentation. Maintains compliance with all organizational policies and procedures. Advances the organization’s legislative priorities and strengthens its presence in policy discussions affecting children and families. Why work for LSF? LSF offers 60 programs across the state of Florida serving a wide range of populations in need. Mission Driven staff members become part of the LSF community while transforming the lives of those in need. Our staff additionally find growth opportunities as they explore areas of interest within the organization. Amazing benefits package including: Medical, Dental and Vision Telehealth (24/7 online access to Doctors) Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Employer paid life insurance (1X salary) 13 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday Generous PTO policy (starting at 16 working days a year) Note: Head Start employees paid time off and holiday schedule may differ 403(b) Retirement plan with 3% discretionary employer match OR 3% student loan repayment reimbursement Tuition reimbursement LSF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Lutheran Services Florida is mandated to perform background screenings for employment in accordance with the Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse as outlined in Section 435.12, Florida Statutes. Additionally, pursuant to House Bill 531 (2025), Lutheran Services Florida must ensure that all job vacancy postings and advertisements include a clear and conspicuous link to the AHCA Clearinghouse website and its requirements. For more information on background screening requirements please visit: Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.