Program Director Jobs in San Diego, CA

Position Overview

Talent Connect is partnering with a confidential organization to recruit a Program Director – CalWORKs Employment Services to provide strategic and operational leadership for a government-funded workforce and employment services program.

This senior leadership role will be responsible for overseeing program operations, service delivery, staff performance, contract compliance, and participant outcomes. The Program Director will ensure services are delivered effectively, contractual requirements are achieved, and program teams remain focused on helping participants successfully move toward employment and greater economic self-sufficiency.

The ideal candidate brings significant leadership experience within CalWORKs, TANF, Welfare-to-Work, workforce development, or government-funded human services programs and has successfully managed complex programs, teams, performance goals, and government contracts.

Please note: This position is contingent upon contract award, with an anticipated start following contract award and program implementation. The selected candidate may be asked to provide a resume and contingent letter of commitment for inclusion as proposed key personnel.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and direction for CalWORKs employment services program operations .
• Oversee program managers, supervisors, and frontline teams responsible for participant services and employment outcomes.
• Ensure program operations comply with contractual requirements, policies, procedures, and applicable government regulations.
• Establish and monitor program goals, performance measures, service standards, and participant outcomes.
• Analyze performance data and implement strategies to address gaps and improve program results.
• Maintain accountability for program quality, compliance, productivity, and contractual deliverables.
• Develop and implement operational strategies that strengthen service delivery and participant engagement.
• Ensure appropriate case management, documentation, and quality assurance practices are maintained across the program.
• Maintain ongoing audit readiness and collaborate with quality and compliance teams to address identified issues.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, community organizations, employers, and other program stakeholders.
• Lead workforce planning, staff development, performance management, and leadership development initiatives.
• Partner with executive leadership on program implementation, strategic planning, continuous improvement, and organizational priorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Significant management and leadership experience within CalWORKs, TANF, Welfare-to-Work, workforce development, employment services, or government-funded human services programs .
• Demonstrated experience overseeing large or complex programs, operational teams, and performance-based contracts.
• Strong understanding of government contract compliance, participant service delivery, case management, and performance requirements .
• Proven experience leading and developing managers, supervisors, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience managing program performance metrics and using data to drive operational improvements.
• Strong knowledge of quality assurance, compliance, audit readiness, and continuous improvement practices.
• Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and stakeholder-management skills.
• San Diego County CalWORKs or comparable county workforce program experience is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead effectively in a fast-paced, performance-driven, and highly accountable environment.

Location

San Diego County, California
This is an in-person position .

Confidential Search

Talent Connect Executive Search & HR Solutions is managing this confidential search on behalf of our client. Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply for confidential consideration.