Program Director

Job Title: Program Director
Organization: Pacific Pride Foundation
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Reports to: Executive Director
Salary Range: $80,000 – $90,000 annually with a $5,000 pay differential for bilingual Spanish-English candidates

Type of employment: Exempt, full-time, in-person with occasional remote and regular travel

Benefits: Health, vision and dental benefits, 12 days paid vacation, 10 paid holidays per year.

Position Summary:
Pacific Pride Foundation is seeking an experienced and compassionate Program Director to join its executive team. The Program Director will play a pivotal role in advancing our commitment to health equity, particularly in the areas of HIV prevention, mental health counseling, and harm reduction for the LGBTQ+ community, with a deep focus on the needs of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) individuals to include youth and older adult programming. This role requires a visionary leader who understands the intersectionality of race, gender, and health disparities, and is dedicated to creating programs that are accessible, inclusive, and culturally relevant.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Equitable Program Leadership & Strategy
   • Lead and oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of all counseling, and harm reduction programs, ensuring they are designed to meet the unique needs of LGBTQ+ people, especially those from marginalized BIPOC communities.
   • Work closely with the Executive Director and leadership team to ensure that programs are aligned with the foundation’s mission of fostering inclusion, justice, and health equity.
   • Use data and community feedback to inform and shape programs, ensuring they reflect the lived experiences and challenges faced by BIPOC LGBTQ+ individuals.
   • Embed trauma-informed, culturally competent, and anti-oppressive frameworks into all programmatic activities.
2. Harm Reduction with a Racial Justice Lens
   • Lead harm reduction programs, including naloxone distribution, syringe exchange, and overdose prevention, ensuring that services reach and center the needs of BIPOC LGBTQ+ people who are often underserved by traditional health systems.
   • Foster partnerships with BIPOC-led organizations and advocates for harm reduction that addresses the disproportionate impact of the war on drugs and other systemic inequities.
   • Actively engage in advocacy for harm reduction policies that reflect racial justice and health equity principles.
3. Inclusive Team Management & Professional Development
   • Provide leadership and mentorship to program staff, ensuring that they are trained in culturally competent, anti-racist, and LGBTQ+-inclusive practices.
   • Prioritize the recruitment, retention, and professional development of BIPOC staff, creating pathways for leadership within the organization.
   • Promote an internal culture of equity, inclusion, and belonging, where all team members, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, feel valued and supported.
4. Community Engagement & Racial Equity Advocacy
   • Serve as a public advocate for health equity, racial justice, and LGBTQ+ rights, representing Pacific Pride Foundation in community forums, advocacy events, and policy discussions.
   • Build relationships with community leaders, particularly those from BIPOC and underserved groups, to strengthen programs and ensure they reflect the community’s voice.
   • Partner with local and national organizations to elevate the visibility of issues impacting LGBTQ+ BIPOC individuals, particularly in healthcare access, mental health, and harm reduction.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in program management within the nonprofit sector, healthcare, or LGBTQ+ advocacy, with a strong commitment to racial and health equity.
• Expertise in HIV prevention, mental health counseling, and harm reduction, particularly as they relate to BIPOC LGBTQ+ communities a plus.
• Demonstrated success in building inclusive, culturally responsive programs and a deep understanding of the systemic barriers faced by people of color in accessing services.
• Proven track record in staff management, grant writing, and program evaluation, with a focus on equity and justice outcomes.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and collaboration across diverse communities.

Pacific Pride Foundation is deeply committed to building an organization that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with lived experience in the issues addressed by our work.

The applicant must also be able to:

• Complete and pass a background check, including ability to work with youth.
• Drive own vehicle and operate company vehicles with valid driver’s license and pass a motor vehicle record report
• Lift 25+ pounds and work in outdoor and indoor spaces
• Work evenings weekly and weekends as needed
• Be able to show proof of current Covid-19 vaccinations or valid legal reason for exemption.

HOW TO APPLY

Qualified candidates can apply by submitting a resume and cover letter to careers@pacificpridefoundation.org.

Pacific Pride Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, political affiliation, marital or family status, age, military service, or other non-merit factor.