Program Director

Our work is supported primarily through individual donations and is supplemented by hospital contracts, grants, and sponsorships. The 2026 budget is close to $1.9 million. Our work is powered by 11 dedicated, compassionate staff members. In addition, we contract with over 80 individuals to provide services to our participants. Cancer Lifeline is governed by a board of 20 and is augmented by an Advisory Council with 26 members, many of whom are former board members and who help tremendously with fundraising.

The program director has five staff members who report to them. In addition, the program director serves as a member of the leadership team. The person in this position reports to the executive director.

Program Director Job Description Summary

The Program Director stewards the heart of Cancer Lifeline’s work. This role exists to ensure that every program reflects our deepest commitments: compassion, dignity, inclusion, and presence. The Program Director leads with emotional intelligence, clarity, and care—supporting both the people we serve and the staff and facilitators who make our mission a living reality.

As a member of the Leadership Team, the Program Director helps guide organizational strategy and daily decisions, translating vision into programs that are grounded, responsive, and deeply human.

This is a role for a gifted team-builder, someone who listens first, leads with integrity, and understands that healing communities require both structure and soul.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead and steward a healthy internal workplace culture

• Hire, train, mentor, and provide ongoing feedback to staff and contracted facilitators.
• Build a resilient, connected program team through open communication and shared decision-making.
• Meet semi-monthly with each member of the program team to support growth, alignment, and wellbeing.
• Meet monthly with facilitators to nurture connection, clarity, and shared purpose.
• Lead group conversations with empathy and steadiness to address questions, concerns, and feedback.
• Create and sustain healthy internal communication across the organization.

Set Program Strategy and Direction:

Set program goals aligned with Cancer Lifeline’s strategic direction, and implement programs from concept through completion, establishing timelines, milestones, and workflows.

• Develop and manage program operations and budgets.
• Design and apply evaluation strategies to assess impact, identify needs, and guide continuous improvement.

Develop and Strengthen Partnerships

• Cultivate new relationships and steward existing partnerships with hospitals and community providers.
• Collaborate with the Communications Director to ensure partners have clear, accessible materials and a strong understanding of Cancer Lifeline’s offerings.

Other Duties as Required, including:

· Step in to facilitate support groups when needed.

· Represent Cancer Lifeline with warmth and integrity at community events.

· Participate fully in staff and leadership meetings.

· Support fundraising efforts when requested.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in psychology, social work, health, mental health, nursing, or related field
• At least three years’ experience leading and supporting a team.
• Training and experience in communication skills, especially active listening.
• Experience in group facilitation
• Emotionally intelligent, relationally grounded, and deeply human in approach.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Able to prioritize, organize, and carry out complex responsibilities with clarity.
• Demonstrated personal maturity and steadiness in supporting people affected by cancer.
• Flexible, collaborative team player.
• Proficient with common office software (Outlook, Word, Excel).
• Experience working with underserved populations preferred.

Compensation and Benefits:

This is a 32 hour per week position based in Seattle. WA with flexible work arrangements available. This role requires a willingness to work occasionally on evenings and weekends.

Salary: competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. Anticipated range of $80,169 - $88,000, depending on background and experience.

Benefits: Cancer Lifeline offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, an employer-matched retirement savings plan, and paid time off.

How to Apply:

Submit your cover letter and resume to Rebecca@cancerlifeline.org with the subject line: Program Director Search

In your cover letter, please describe your interest and connection to CL’s mission and how your experience relates to this job description

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; early applications are strongly encouraged.

Ideally, the candidate will be available to start work by April.

Cancer Lifeline is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, political ideology, age, veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. We actively encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented communities and backgrounds.