Job Description

Director of Programs – IDD Services

Location: Marlton, NJ

Schedule: Full-Time - Monday - Friday 8a-4p with on-call responsibilities

Salary: $72,000 + Benefits

Advance Your Leadership Career in Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (IDD)
Are you an experienced leader in human services looking to grow your career with a mission-driven organization? At Merakey, we are committed to delivering high-quality care and empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Join a collaborative leadership team where your impact directly improves lives.

The Director of Programs is responsible for the oversight, management, and quality assurance of assigned I/DD residential and/or community-based programs across New Jersey. Reporting to the Executive or Senior Director, this role ensures compliance with NJ state regulations, organizational standards, and best practices while driving program performance, staff development, and financial sustainability.

This position directly supervises Program Managers, Supervisors, and/or Team Leads and may maintain a limited caseload as needed.

Key Responsibilities

Program Operations & Regulatory Compliance

• Oversee daily operations of assigned programs to ensure efficient service delivery and compliance with NJ DDD, DHS, and licensing regulations
• Ensure adherence to state, federal, and accreditation standards, including Medicaid waiver requirements and incident reporting protocols
• Implement policies and procedures aligned with Merakey standards and New Jersey regulatory requirements
• Monitor program performance, quality metrics, and outcomes to ensure person-centered care and continuous improvement
• Support audits, inspections, and corrective action plans as required

Leadership & Staff Development

• Supervise, coach, and develop program leadership staff, fostering a high-performing and engaged team culture
• Lead performance management processes, including evaluations, goal setting, and disciplinary actions in compliance with employment laws
• Partner with Talent Acquisition to support recruitment, hiring, and onboarding of qualified staff
• Ensure proper staffing coverage, scheduling, and timekeeping accuracy

Financial & Operational Management

• Manage program budgets and maintain accountability for profit and loss (P&L) performance
• Monitor financial trends, control expenses, and implement strategies to ensure fiscal responsibility and sustainability
• Contribute to annual budgeting and strategic planning efforts

Community Engagement & Program Growth

• Build relationships with state agencies, families, referral sources, and community partners
• Support marketing and outreach initiatives to promote program services and expand community awareness
• Collaborate with internal teams to highlight program outcomes and success stories

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human services, Social Work, Psychology, or related field (Master’s preferred)
• 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in IDD, behavioral health, or human services
• Strong knowledge of New Jersey DDD, DHS, Medicaid waiver programs, and licensing standards
• Demonstrated experience managing multi-site residential or community-based programs
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage budgets, and ensure regulatory compliance
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel locally as needed

Why Join Merakey?

• Competitive salary + comprehensive benefits package
• Opportunities for career growth and advancement within a large, mission-driven organization
• Supportive leadership and collaborative team environment
• Meaningful work that makes a difference in the lives of individuals and families

Apply Today

If you are a passionate leader committed to quality care, compliance excellence, and team development, we encourage you to apply.

Benefits

Merakey offers generous benefits that promote well-being, financial security, and work-life balance, including:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus access to healthcare advocacy support.
• Retirement plan -- both pre-tax and Roth (after-tax) options available for employee contributions.
• DailyPay -- access your pay when you need it!
• On the Goga well-being platform, featuring self-care tools and resources.
• Access Care.com for backup childcare, elder care, and household services.
• Confidential counseling, legal, and financial services through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Tuition reimbursement and educational partnerships.
• Employee discounts and savings programs on entertainment, travel, and lifestyle.
• Access to Pryor Online Learning for free online personal development classes.

Learn more about our full benefits package - https://www.merakey.org/careers/benefits

About Merakey

Merakey is a non-profit provider of developmental, behavioral health, and education services. More than 8,000 employees provide support to nearly 40,000 individuals and families throughout 12 states across the country each year. Click here to watch a video about Merakey.

Merakey strictly follows a zero-tolerance policy for abuse.

Merakey is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer! We deeply value diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, ethnic background, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or disability status. Moreover, we are committed to creating teams that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and encourage applicants from underrepresented backgrounds to apply.

Merakey welcomes all Veterans to apply!

Qualifications