Program Director

Program Director

Salary Range: $64,120 - $70,120

The Program Director provides overall leadership and oversight of the program, ensuring high-quality services, a safe and supportive environment, and compliance with agency and Department of Youth Services (DYS) requirements. This position leads an interdisciplinary team, oversees daily operations and staff performance, supports student treatment and services, and represents the program with internal and external stakeholders.

The Kennedy School is a secure facility in Middleton, MA offering assessment and treatment for adolescent males involved in the juvenile justice system. Serving youth ages 13 to 21, the program helps residents address behavioral issues that led to their offenses and develop healthier decision-making skills. Youth participate in school, counseling, and structured activities that promote accountability, responsibility, and self-reliance, along with recreational programs that encourage positive social interaction.

• Program Leadership: Oversee daily operations, staffing, service delivery, and compliance with agency policies, DYS requirements, contracts, and licensing standards.
• Staff Leadership & Development: Supervise the Assistant Program Director and program staff; support hiring, onboarding, training, coaching, performance management, professional development, and required certifications.
• Student Services & Treatment: Provide leadership in Trauma-Informed Care and cognitive-behavioral programming. Ensure student services are coordinated, documented, and responsive to individual needs.
• Safety & Crisis Management: Promote a safe environment and effective crisis response. Provide de-escalation support when needed, serve as restraint coordinator, and ensure all incident and post-restraint documentation is completed accurately and timely.
• Quality & Compliance: Monitor program quality through reviews, site visits, camera and record reviews, and regulatory oversight. Identify and implement opportunities for improvement.
• Collaboration: Build effective relationships with DYS, families, providers, funding sources, community partners, and other stakeholders. Represent the agency professionally in meetings and other external settings.
• Financial & Administrative Management: Manage the program budget, approve payroll, oversee petty cash and student allowances, and ensure administrative responsibilities are completed accurately and on time.
• Organizational Leadership: Support the agency's strategic plan and participate in staff, supervisory, clinical, team, and committee meetings

• Bachelor's degree required;
  Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of residential treatment experience.
• Minimum 1 year of supervisory experience.
• Experience working in a juvenile justice setting.
• Knowledge of the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services (DYS) system.
• Ability to complete and maintain all required agency and DYS training and certifications.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and crisis-management skills.

RFK Community Alliance provides high-quality care and support to people and families facing complicated challenges. As a multi-service agency, we offer a wide range of programs serving a variety of needs across all ages, from infants to seniors. We are team players when it comes to caring. We work with the people we serve, their families, schools, and other community partners to develop a network of support.

We provide opportunities to build skills and confidence. We nurture strength, determination, and resilience.

At RFK Community Alliance, we're dedicated to a culture where everyone can show up to work as their full authentic selves. Diversity and inclusion doesn't happen by accident, it's by design. Together we are the designers. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workplace makes our organization stronger. We care about including diverse perspectives and experiences throughout every level. Which is why we're committed to honoring, celebrating, and fostering diversity and inclusion on our team, in our…