Host Homes Program Director

Encouragement To Apply: Research indicates that women and people of color are often less likely to apply for positions unless they feel they meet all the qualifications. Our primary goal is to find the best candidate for the role, which may include individuals from non-traditional backgrounds. We encourage you to reflect on your unique experiences and qualifications, and to apply if you believe they align with the overall requirements of the position.

TARGET START DATE: February 16th, 2026

ROLE: The Host Homes Program Director leads the strategic and day-to-day operations of the Host Homes Program, overseeing staff, budgets, compliance, and partnerships to ensure effective, youth-led, trauma-informed services for unaccompanied youth and host families. This role is accountable for program quality, outcomes, and alignment with the Host Homes model, McKinney-Vento requirements, and organizational priorities.

HOURS: Regular work hours: 1.0 FTE, 40 hours per week. Occasionally scheduled, rotational evening and weekend hours may be required, as well as occasional out-of-town travel.

COMPENSATION:  Candidates hired for this position can expect a wage of $32.81-$35.00 per hour depending on qualifications and experience. Total salary range for this position is $32.81-$39.81 annually. Eligible for competitive benefits package including medical, vision, and dental benefits, IRA retirement plan, and generous paid leave.

LOCATION: Hybrid - TOGETHER! Headquarters Office, various Host Homes sites including but not limited to, secondary schools in North Thurston Public Schools, Tumwater School District, Olympia School District, Host Family residences, home/remote office, and various points of contact with stakeholders in or around Thurston County.

ACCOUNTABLE TO: Co-Executive Director of Programs

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Staff Supervision and Management:

1.  Lead and supervise the Host Homes program team, including Program Manager, Case Managers, Program Assistant, and additional support staff or volunteers, ensuring the delivery of ethical, trauma-informed, and high-quality services to youth, host families, and caregivers.

2. Recruit, onboard, train, and develop staff in alignment with program standards, agency values, and funder requirements, ensuring staff competency and compliance with all required systems, documentation, and reporting protocols, including HMIS, Apricot, and SharePoint.

3. Provide ongoing supervision and performance management, including regular check-ins, team meetings, coaching, and file or field reviews to support accountability, professional growth, and continuous quality improvement.

4. Conduct performance evaluations and manage corrective action and development, including setting measurable goals, providing timely feedback, addressing performance concerns, and facilitating training and professional development.

5. Ensure case management and documentation compliance through periodic review and oversight, maintaining adherence to agency policies, funder requirements, and applicable state and federal regulations.

6. Provide administrative and financial oversight of staff, including approval of timesheets, leave, schedules, and program-related expenditures, in accordance with People Operations procedures, approved budgets, and audit and internal control standards.

7.  Serve as the primary point of contact for staff on human resources–related matters, including benefits questions, leave processes, workplace concerns, and policy clarification, and coordinate with People Operations and Executive Leadership as appropriate.

Program Management and Operations:

1. Oversee Host Homes Program operations, policies, and procedures to ensure participant safety, risk management, and compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, funding requirements, and Host Homes model best practices.


2. Ensure consistent implementation of trauma-informed, youth-centered, and equity-driven practices across all program operations, policies, and service delivery.


3. Assess program performance, risks, and opportunities, and collaborate with Executive Leadership to develop data-informed strategies that strengthen program effectiveness, sustainability, and impact.


4. Lead program data systems and performance monitoring, including oversight of HMIS, Apricot, documentation standards, outcome tracking, and reporting processes to ensure data integrity, audit readiness, and timely, accurate reporting.


5. Prepare and present program reports and summaries for Executive Leadership, the Board of Directors, funders, school districts, and other key stakeholders, highlighting outcomes, trends, challenges, and accomplishments.


6. Collaborate with Finance and Development on program budgeting, grant compliance, funding sustainability, and resource development, including participation in annual budget development, grant writing, funder site visits, and donor engagement.


7. Oversee program communications and events, partnering with organizational communications staff to ensure accurate, timely, and mission-aligned representation of the Host Homes Program across platforms.

Community Engagement:

1. Lead community and school district partnerships for the Host Homes Program, centering youth and host voice in program planning, implementation, and continuous improvement.


2. Serve as the primary liaison to school districts, advisory councils, Host Homes partners, and the Washington State Host Homes Coalition, participating in shared training, onboarding, meetings, and strategic initiatives.


3. Develop, strengthen, and steward community partnerships, responding to partnership inquiries, facilitating new collaborations, and brokering alliances with public agencies and nonprofit partners aligned with youth-driven goals.


4. Engage in public-facing presentations and speaking representing programmatic and organizational interests as needed.


5. Collaborate with agency leadership to expand, improve, and sustain school-based Host Homes services, including partnerships with North Thurston Public Schools, Tumwater School District, and Olympia School District.


6. Oversee program-related communications and engagement, coordinating with organizational communications staff to ensure consistent, accurate, and mission-aligned public-facing content and outreach.

Administrative Duties:

1. Serve as a member of the organization’s leadership team, partnering with Executive Leadership to identify and address organizational challenges, leverage opportunities, and contribute to agency-wide strategy, planning, and decision-making in alignment with TOGETHER!’s mission and vision.


2. Act as an ambassador for TOGETHER!, representing the organization’s mission, values, and programs in internal and external settings with professionalism and integrity.


3. Ensure implementation and adherence to policies and directives adopted by the Board of Directors, supporting organizational governance and accountability.


4. Perform related administrative duties as required, including completion of assigned administrative tasks necessary to support program operations and organizational effectiveness.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:

Educational and Professional Experience:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Community Health, Social Work, Psychology, Social Sciences, Education, or a closely related field. This requirement may be waived for individuals with demonstrated evidence of direct related professional experience to the job duties and requirements, including a minimum of four years of direct staff supervision and management.

2. Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in case management, public health, social services, youth development, education, or a closely related field.

3. Demonstrated direct staff supervision and management experience, including coaching, performance management, and accountability.

4. Experience with program or project management, including youth program development, implementation, and evaluation.

Licensure & Required Certifications

1. Valid Washington State driver’s license, reliable personal vehicle, and current auto liability insurance with a fully insurable driving record.

2. Ability to obtain and maintain CPR/First Aid certification and a current Washington State Food Worker Card.

Leadership, Operations and Professional Competencies:

1. Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.

2. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and effectively with staff, partners, and stakeholders.

3. Basic knowledge of human resources and people operations practices, including non-discrimination laws, equitable workplace practices, and appropriate handling of personnel-related matters.

4. Demonstrated proficiency in professional conflict resolution and mediation, particularly in complex or high-stress situations.

5. High level of independence and self-direction, with strong follow-through and accountability, while also contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment.

6.Excellent Proficiency in Microsoft Office and general computer applications, with the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new systems and technologies.

7. Demonstrated understanding of systemic oppression and structural inequities, with a clear commitment to equity, inclusion, and systems change.

8.Experience building and sustaining partnerships with community-based organizations, public agencies, and coalitions working toward shared outcomes.

9. Working knowledge of adolescent development and trauma-informed practices, with the ability to apply evidence-based approaches in practice and supervision.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:

1. Graduate degree, certification or coursework in Public Health, Social Work, Organizational Leadership, Public Administration, Social Work/Sciences, Education, or a closely related field.

2. Bilingual in English and Spanish verbal, written and reading fluency.

3. Bicultural life experience, LGBTQ+ life experience, or other intersectional life experience are considered assets to this

4. Lived experience and cultural competency in Latinx communities and/or immigration system navigations.

TOGETHER! STAFF COMPETENCIES:

1. Commitment to TOGETHER!’s values of equity, systems change and


2. Commitment to youth development, family support, and community partnership philosophies of TOGETHER!.


3. Demonstrated commitment to inclusion, social & racial


4. Commitment and ability to work with children, youth, and adults with a variety of needs and from socially, racially, culturally, and economically diverse


5. Commitment and ability to support and mentor youth in a positive


6. Serve as a steward of the TOGETHER! brand and understand your role in protecting and growing the reputation and results of the organization and greater


7. Contribute to shared and measurable goals for the common


8. Ensure sound health and safety measures are


9. Proactively contribute to agency-wide goals, projects and


10. Maintain open and effective communication with agency staff, partners, community members and program


11. Actively foster and maintain a creative, collaborative, healthy, engaged, and supportive workplace

Application Period: January 12th – January 19th, 2026 Target start date: February 16th, 2026.

TOGETHER! is committed to hiring a culturally diverse candidate and strongly encourages applications from individuals who identify as LGBTQI+, females and people of color.

As an Equal opportunity Employer/AA employer, TOGETHER! will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identification, veteran, or disability status.