[Hiring] Program Director @Blue Star Families

Role Description

Reporting to the Chapter Executive Director, with a dotted-line relationship to the Senior Director of Chapter Relations, the Program Director serves as a key member of the Blue Star Families Chapter Impact Team. This integral role is dedicated to fostering exceptional membership stewardship and customer service, ensuring that every interaction strengthens a sense of belonging among military families. The Program Director plays a central role in executing programs and supporting fundraising efforts.

The Program Director will manage multiple programs for the local Chapter, including, but not limited to, projects currently within Blue Star Families’ portfolio. In addition to driving membership and volunteer growth and engagement, the Program Director will support the Executive Director on high-impact initiatives on local advocacy, fundraising, and essential operational tasks critical to the Chapter’s success.

• The Program Director must reside in the local community the Chapter serves.

Key Job Functions

• Manage programs and events for Blue Star Families’ local chapter, ensuring program design and execution align with current and prospective funding opportunities to maximize impact and sustainability.
• In collaboration with the Executive Director, develop and support local fundraising efforts including identifying opportunities, developing proposals, stewarding relationships, and contributing to achieving chapter revenue goals.
• Work with the Executive Director to maximize local collaborations by identifying key local private, public, and philanthropic organizations interested in supporting active duty and veteran military families.
• Support the Executive Director on local advocacy efforts, as well as other initiatives essential to the Chapter’s success.
• Build and steward relationships with local partners to support both program delivery and fundraising opportunities.
• Educate key community leaders using Blue Star Families’ Annual Military Family Lifestyle Survey.
• Seek opportunities to connect military families with the resources and programs offered by community organizations and partners.
• In collaboration with the Volunteer department, develop a volunteer management program for the chapter.
• Execute marketing and communications strategies, including social media management, to elevate the Chapter’s presence and attract membership growth.
• Implement a strategic calendar that supports Blue Star Families' presence in community events.
• Utilize and manage project management technologies and tools to administer projects actively and effectively (including, but not limited to, HIVE, Hive Brite, Salesforce, Google Workspace Suite, Zoom, etc).
• Engage volunteers, fellows, and interns to maximize the impact of chapter initiatives and programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

National Chapter Impact

• Support the Senior Director of Chapter Relations on key initiatives to ensure clear and achievable project objectives.
• Ensure that membership engagement remains a top priority across all interactions at the Chapter, fostering a welcoming environment that strengthens the sense of belonging within the community.
• Responsible for tracking metrics and evaluation on all programs and activities of the Chapter.
• Ensure that national policies are implemented effectively at the community level, specifically on programs and events.
• Foster an organizational culture that prioritizes strategic thinking, thoughtful planning, and collaboration both within the mission and across Blue Star Families, while reinforcing trust, commitment to the mission, and continuous professional and organizational growth.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4-5 years of relevant experience.
• Independent self-starter with exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• Knowledge of the military family experience.
• Ability to lift and carry supplies and equipment up to 30 lbs.
• An entrepreneurial spirit eager to engage with potential partners to build community-based solutions.
• Initiative to engage with leaders in the community and on the installation(s).
• Volunteer recruitment and management experience.
• Business development and fundraising experience.
• Experienced in public speaking.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Ability to facilitate meetings and drive towards decision-making.
• Project management experience.
• Proficient with technology.
• Travel requirements outside of your home office will be up to 25% or less depending on business needs.
• May be required to work nights, weekends, and holidays as necessary to carry out key job functions.

Desired Experience, Skills & Background

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems; familiarity with Salesforce a plus.
• Familiarity with membership-driven organizations.

Benefits

• Virtual/remote nonprofit organization that moves with you (position specific).
• Career growth opportunities.
• Excellent benefits (403(b) with matching, Flexible Spending, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Communications Allowance, and more).
• On-the-job professional development training.
• Front-line opportunity to positively impact the military experience.
• Competitive salaries.
• Workplace flexibility.

EEO Policy

Blue Star Families is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.