The Managing Director of Programs (MDP) is a senior leadership role that oversees Compass direct service partnerships and coaching programs that bridge the gap between enterprise-level strategy, set by the Chief Program Officer, and functional execution, led by the Directors of Programs. The MDP provides the senior capacity to manage the complexity of high-impact, client-centered, and culturally proficient program delivery, ensuring that growth does not outpace operational excellence. The MDP plays a critical role in the implementation of Compass strategic plan, testing an opt-out model for FSS and increasing our reach in new geographies.

The MDP provides effective and inspiring leadership to the largest team in the organization and carries significant decision-making authority within the Programs Department, translating organizational priorities into actionable operational plans. This role oversees the entire direct service team, including program management and coaching, to ensure client-centered and culturally proficient service delivery

Reporting structure: This role reports to the Chief Program Officer.

Primary Responsibilities

Program Oversight and Leadership

• Lead and oversee Compass’s direct service FSS program portfolio, including program planning, performance, staffing, reporting, and compliance across all current and future programs.
• Maintain deep expertise in FSS regulations and ensure program fidelity, including understanding HUD rules, funding notices, forthcoming changes, and ensuring all programs meet regulatory, contractual, and internal standards.
• Manage direct service partnerships and contracts, cultivating relationships with decision-makers at partner organizations and overseeing contract work, pricing/revenue strategy, and delivery of contractual obligations.
• Translate organizational strategy into operational execution, converting enterprise-wide strategic goals into domain-specific operational plans for direct service coaching and program functions.
• Drive scale and transformation initiatives, leading the programs team through expansion periods and implementing new models (such as opt-out FSS) while maintaining alignment with Compass’s mission and values.
• Partner cross-functionally to optimize program performance, collaborating with Managing Directors of Impact & Innovation and Managing Director of Program Operations (MDPO) to monitor and improve program impact and operations using systems and dashboards.

Leadership of Leaders & Team Performance

• Lead and mentor a high-performing team of Directors of Programs, focusing on their professional growth, accountability, and leadership development.
• Partner with HR to strengthen talent development and succession throughout the department.
• Articulate and be accountable for the departments performance against Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) across teams to ensure strategic plan targets are met. Report performance against KPIs on a regular basis and strategize and implement pivots required to address any underperformance against targets.
• Ensure consistent and high-quality client experience across all program types and partnerships, including development and implementation of financial coaching tools.
• Strengthen a diverse, inclusive, and high-performing organizational culture within the programs department that is both trauma-informed and responsive.

Operational Coordination & Collaboration

• Work in lockstep with the MDPO to ensure that service delivery across all programs is supported by robust infrastructure, compliance, and quality assurance systems.
• Drive initiatives that require deep integration across departments (e.g., Marketing, HR, and Innovation), resolving bottlenecks, strengthening cross-departmental collaboration and driving inn…