Director

Position: Director of Programs

About Dutchess Outreach: Founded in 1974, Dutchess Outreach’s programs consist of emergency relief services, including The Lunch Box, which serves over 600 meals a day, and The Beverly Closs Memorial Food Pantry which serves nearly 1,800 families per month. Dutchess Outreach is a cornerstone of food security and community support in the Hudson Valley. We provide food access, resources, and advocacy for those in need, guided by the belief that everyone deserves nourishment and dignity. As we continue to grow and expand our impact, we seek a mission-driven leader to strengthen our existing programs while developing innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of our community.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: Dutchess Outreach is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship.

About the Position

The Director of Programs plays a key leadership role at Dutchess Outreach, overseeing all aspects of our food programs to ensure quality, effectiveness, and sustainability. This position requires a balance of operational excellence and forward-thinking innovation. The successful candidate will be both a systems thinker and a hands-on leader who ensures our current programs operate at the highest standard while also identifying and pursuing new opportunities to expand our reach and deepen our impact. This is an in-person position that works closely with staff, volunteers, partners, and community members to deliver on our mission.

Key Responsibilities

Program Oversight & Operations

• Manage all food programs, ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality services aligned with organizational goals and community needs.
• Lead food procurement efforts, coordinating with local farmers, ordering from vendors, and securing best value and pricing.
• Oversee all program environments, ensuring safety, cleanliness, and aesthetic quality across facilities.
• Ensure vehicle and equipment maintenance, repairs, and inspections are completed on schedule.
• Manage inventory systems and data tracking to ensure efficiency and accuracy.
• Maintain compliance with all grant deliverables and reporting requirements.

Quality & Innovation

• Lead quality assurance processes for both food and services.
• Assess and improve program systems, policies, and workflows for greater efficiency and impact.
• Identify emerging community needs and design new or enhanced programs to address them.
• Utilize data and community feedback to inform program development and strategic decision-making.

Collaboration & Community Engagement

• Build and sustain strong relationships with vendors, farmers, and community partners.
• Participate in local coalitions and community initiatives to strengthen regional food security efforts.
• Collaborate across departments to align programming with Dutchess Outreach’s strategic goals and values.

Leadership & Management

• Provide leadership, guidance, and professional development to program staff.
• Manage program budgets effectively, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources.
• Foster a collaborative, mission-focused team culture rooted in compassion, equity, and accountability.

Skills & Qualifications

• Independent, proactive, and detail-oriented leader with strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent collaboration, communication, and relationship-building abilities.
• Proven experience improving systems and processes for greater efficiency and impact.
• Demonstrated success managing a budget and aligning resources with strategic priorities.
• Experience in project management and change management, particularly in nonprofit or food security contexts.
• Commitment to the mission, vision, and values of Dutchess Outreach and to equity in food access.

Compensation and Benefits

Dutchess Outreach offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, along with benefits that support the well-being and professional growth of our team. Full-time exempt 35 hours per week, $55,000 - 65,000 per year.

To Apply: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and vision for this role to [email protected]

*Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of the qualifications described.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $55,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person