Director, Strategic Planning and Quality Assurance

THE SALVATION ARMY

NORTH & CENTRAL ILLINOIS DIVISION

Divisional Headquarters

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Director, Strategic Planning and Quality Assurance

LOCATION/DEPT: Social Services

REPORTS TO (TITLE): Divisional Social Service Director

FLSA CATEGORY: Exempt

STATUS TYPE: RFT

PAY GRADE: 210

PAY RANGE: $84,898-$104,000

At The Salvation Army, we are dedicated to Doing the Most Good. We are made up of thousands of officers, soldiers, staff, volunteers, donors, and partners working together to holistically meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of our most vulnerable neighbors.

This position serves to support the Program Directors, Corps Officers and Divisional Social Service Department by ensuring that all programs within the division operate effectively, are aligned with the mission of The Salvation Army, adhere to the best practices in service delivery, and in compliance with government contracting agencies and private funding sources. The Director, Strategic Planning and Quality Assurance assists with coordination and development of internal program policies and quality improvement programs to assure excellence in the provision of services including compliance with certification and accreditation standards.

This position provides oversight and guidance in assessing field operations, improving internal monitoring systems, and supporting divisional programs to maximize their impact on communities served. The role integrates programmatic compliance with strategic development, fostering healthy teams, systems, and partnerships.

The Director, Strategic Planning and Quality Assurance will monitor and support Salvation Army relationships with government agencies and other entities who fund or regulate Salvation Army Programs. The position will assist programs to comply with Salvation Army policies and standards and external licensing and accreditation criteria. This position will work closely with appropriate resources at Divisional Headquarters including Finance and Social Service departments to provide necessary information to programs in the Division.

The position will maintain a repository of all funding, regulatory and accreditation applications, awards and mandated performance criteria. This position also ensures that Salvation Army programs follow all grant and contractual performance and reporting requirements.

• Assess and enhance the effectiveness of divisional social service programs and contracts.
• Establish, manage, and improve internal systems for monitoring and supporting programs.
• Support program compliance and capacity‑building for grant‑funded programs and personnel.
• Facilitate strategic coordination through the Divisional Mission and Program Council (DMPC).
• Develop and implement best‑practice processes for program assessments and audits.
• Review current program policies and procedures to ensure that programs are meeting the quality assurance standards of The Salvation Army, accrediting agency and the compliance requirements outlined in government agency, foundation grant and independent contracts.

• Manage the integration of government contract related responsibilities with all applicable program and DHQ staff.
• Assist program staff as requested in cultivating or developing relationships with funding agencies key staff and the identification of new grant opportunities.

• Facilitate programmatic reviews and audits, including:
  • Territorial, Divisional & POH SS Reviews
  • POH Reviews
  • State Audits (financial and programmatic)
  • CARF Accreditation
  • DCFS Accreditation
  • Other Accrediting Bodies
• Develop a network of peer reviewers for program evaluations (i.e., Divisional Basic Social Services Evaluations in each location, every two years).
• Assist corps and programs to prepare for program evaluations upon
• Utilize findings from audits and reviews to drive improvements through internal systems (DMPC, DFB, POH Steering Committee, etc.).
• Provide ongoing consultation and training to corps and program directors in program quality assurance (coaches, supports and audits the quality of program services).
• Implement action steps…