Program Director

Fostering Hope seeks an intellectually curious Program Director to take its innovative model of supporting foster families and emancipating youth to its next level of development. The person chosen for this role will build upon a 15-year track record of radically improving the foster care experience and related outcomes. We utilize volunteers from the community to restore family and community, and all that goes with it.

We seek a candidate who is tired of trauma-informed care being just a buzzword. This will be someone who is most likely frustrated by the limitations of clinical therapy and professional services to drive transformative outcomes. Most of all, they are eager to put their experience and academic credentials to work in creating the kind of paradigm shift the science demands and our participants deserve.

Who we are

Based in Colorado Springs, Fostering Hope is a nonprofit that utilizes teams of volunteers to serve as ‘aunts and uncles’ to create the kind of family-like support that the child welfare system cannot provide. Unbound by professional boundaries and time limits, we believe that foster parents and community members hold the key to transformational healing from childhood and secondary trauma. With the support of our coordinators, they can create trauma responsive home and community environments that  deliver what kids need. So far, our outcomes are proving this to be true.  The rates of disruptions, adoptions, graduation, employment, incarceration, and homelessness are significantly improved against comparative norms.

We serve both foster families as well as their teens and young adults after aging out. For foster families, our goal is to reduce foster parent burnout and placement disruptions by enhancing stability, enrichment, and relational wealth. As the youth prepare to age out, our program adapts to help the youth navigate the challenges and joys of early adulthood by continuing to provide a network of voluntary and practical support.

This year we will undergo an external program evaluation as we prepare to replicate nationally.

What the job entails

The Program Director will be responsible for:

  • Providing leadership and reflective supervision of the program and its staff
  • Monitoring and analyzing data to make program-related decisions. Working closely with outside evaluators when appropriate.
  • Cultivating and/or strengthening relationships with our child welfare partners, faith communities, businesses, and other social agencies.
  • Working closely with the Local Director in administrative, fund development and governance needs of the organization.

This is a unique opportunity to help execute our vision to change foster care in America. The Program Director will take over the daily programmatic leadership of the organization that has, until now, been managed by Fostering Hope’s co-founders. Founder and President Nick Colarelli, PhD, is a clinical and organizational psychologist, and Co-Founder and Executive Director Angela Carron, MD, is a child abuse pediatrician. They developed the model and will be available for support and consultation as part of a smooth succession plan as they turn their attention to the work of expanding nationally.

Who we are looking for

Our ideal candidate will have these characteristics:

  • You relish the idea of applying your knowledge and experience in new and unconventional ways, especially in supporting lay volunteers in providing trauma-informed care.
  • Naturally inquisitive and disciplined as you search for internal and external information, patterns, and lessons learned to apply for the good of those we serve and the organization.
  • You desire room for personal and professional growth and creativity but also value sustainability and demonstrated effectiveness.
  • You are equally comfortable supervising staff and developing people and relationships as you are with evaluating data and conducting research.
  • You can flexibly wear an assortment of hats and lead confidently in a fluid, familial environment.
  • You appreciate the role that the volunteers’ faith perspective has in creating meaning and persistence in their service to the children and families.

Requirements

  • A doctoral degree and/or strong professional credentials in psychology, neuropsychology, or social work.
  • At least 3 years of experience in working with youth/young adults who have experienced early trauma
  • A deep understanding and internalization of trauma-informed care as critical to success in working with this population
  • The ability to support staff and utilize reflective supervision to process their experience and support them in being effective
  • Experience in applied research
  • Experience in program management is preferred

What we offer

Fostering Hope provides a rare opportunity to enjoy the personal stability of an established, reputable nonprofit with proven outcomes, but without giving up opportunities for personal and professional growth and contribution. The innovative mindset is alive and well, and Fostering Hope is faithfully executing on an exciting vision for future growth.

The person selected for this role joins a familial, supportive culture that is as affirming and supportive of one another as we are of those we serve. Salary range $80,000-90,000 annually. Benefits include health and dental insurance, generous paid time off, flexible schedule and workplace (remote during COVID), parental leave, parking, and on-site workout room.

We welcome your cover letter and curriculum vita/resume at angela@fostering-hope-test-update.local. No phone calls please.