Program Design DirectorAt Xiente, we believe every family deserves a real pathway to prosperity. For more than 45 years, Xiente has partnered with children, youth, and families across Philadelphia to break cycles of poverty and create opportunities for long-term economic mobility through education, housing, workforce development, and community-centered support services. Today, Xiente serves thousands of residents annually through early childhood education, after-school programming, youth development, housing initiatives, financial coaching, and innovative community programs designed to create lasting impact.We are seeking a passionate and experienced Program Design Director to help lead and strengthen our education-focused programming and continue advancing our mission of economic mobility and community transformation.Position OverviewThe Program Design Director will play a critical leadership role in overseeing the design, implementation, compliance, and operational excellence of Xiente's education and youth-focused programs.
This individual will partner closely with executive leadership to ensure programs are high-quality, compliant, culturally responsive, and aligned with the evolving needs of the communities we serve. The ideal candidate is both strategic and hands-on — someone who can build systems, support teams, strengthen program outcomes, and help create transformative experiences for children and families. This role requires a leader who understands the complexity of nonprofit program operations and is deeply committed to educational equity, community empowerment, and mission-driven work.Key ResponsibilitiesLead the implementation, management, and continuous improvement of education-focused programs across the organizationOversee programs serving infants, toddlers, preschool-aged children, and school-age youthSupport development and launch of new grant-funded initiatives and community programsEnsure programs align with organizational goals, funding requirements, and community needsCreate systems and operational structures that support program quality, sustainability, and growthEnsure compliance with licensing requirements, grant guidelines, audits, and nonprofit regulationsOversee program documentation, reporting, and quality assurance processesMonitor program performance metrics and implement improvement strategiesSupport readiness for site visits, audits, and funder reporting requirementsProvide leadership, mentorship, and operational support to program staff and site leadersFoster a collaborative, mission-driven, and culturally responsive team environmentPartner cross-functionally with executive leadership and internal departments to strengthen program deliveryAssist with staffing strategy, onboarding, and operational planningBuild and maintain strong relationships with community stakeholders, funders, and partnersRepresent Xiente with professionalism, compassion, and cultural humilitySupport initiatives that strengthen educational access, family stability, and long-term economic mobilityQualificationsMinimum 5 years of experience in nonprofit program management or program leadershipExperience in Headstart or Early Headstart programsStrong background in early childhood education, preschool, infant/toddler, and/or after-school programmingExperience overseeing grant-funded nonprofit programsStrong understanding of licensing, audits, compliance, and nonprofit operational standardsDemonstrated ability to manage multiple programs and priorities simultaneouslyExperience designing or scaling community-based education programsStrong operational and organizational leadership skillsAbility to navigate fast-paced and evolving environmentsExcellent communication and relationship-building skillsBilingual English/Spanish strongly preferredIdeal CandidatePassionate about educational equity and community impactDeeply aligned with Xiente's mission and valuesCollaborative, adaptable, and solutions-orientedComfortable balancing strategic leadership with day-to-day operational executionExperienced working within nonprofit and community-centered environmentsSkilled at building trust with families, staff, and community stakeholdersCompensation & BenefitsSalary: Approximately $120,000Competitive nonprofit benefits packageOpportunity to grow within a mission-driven and community-centered organizationLocation: Philadelphia, PA Fully onsite, Monday–FridayWhy Join Xiente?At Xiente, our work is rooted in the belief that lasting change happens when communities are empowered with access, opportunity, and support.
This is an opportunity to join a deeply mission-driven organization that is redefining what economic mobility can look like for children and families across Philadelphia. As Program Design Director, you will help shape programs that directly impact lives, strengthen communities, and create pathways to prosperity for future generations.