Program Director, Carolina East Chapter

Blue Star Families is a growing non-profit (Military Service Organization) delivering innovative solutions to bridge the civilian-military divide. We focus on data-driven insights and spirited storytelling to transform the military experience for families in a highly flexible, virtual environment with great benefits. Our diverse and inclusive culture fosters belonging, innovation, and creative decision-making.

About the role

Reporting to the Chapter Executive Director with a dotted-line relationship to the Senior Director of Chapter Relations, the Program Director serves as a key member of the Blue Star Families Chapter Impact Team. This role is dedicated to fostering exceptional membership stewardship and customer service, ensuring every interaction strengthens a sense of belonging among military families. The Program Director executes programs, supports fundraising efforts, and operates with a strong degree of autonomy in day-to-day chapter work while collaborating on key strategic initiatives.

The role is remote but requires periodic out-of-town, overnight travel (up to 25%) for offsites, planning sessions, and company-wide gatherings. In-person participation is essential for collaboration, team alignment, and maintaining a shared sense of purpose. The Program Director must reside in the local community the Chapter serves.

Responsibilities

• Manage programs and events for the local chapter, ensuring alignment with funding opportunities to maximize impact and sustainability.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director to develop and support local fundraising efforts, including identifying opportunities, developing proposals, leading peer-to-peer campaigns, and stewarding relationships.
• Maximize local collaborations by identifying key private, public, and philanthropic organizations interested in supporting active duty and veteran military families.
• Support the Executive Director on local advocacy efforts and other initiatives critical to the Chapter’s success.
• Build and steward relationships with local partners to support program delivery and fundraising.
• Educate community leaders using Blue Star Families’ Annual Military Family Lifestyle Survey.
• Connect military families with resources and programs offered by community organizations and partners.
• Develop a volunteer management program for the chapter in collaboration with the Volunteer department.
• Execute marketing and communications strategies, including social media management, to elevate the Chapter’s presence and attract membership growth.
• Implement a strategic calendar to support Blue Star Families' presence in community events.
• Utilize and manage project management technologies (e.g., HIVE, Hive Brite, Salesforce, Google Workspace Suite, Zoom) to administer projects effectively.
• Engage volunteers, fellows, and interns to maximize the impact of chapter initiatives and programs.
• Support the Senior Director of Chapter Relations on key national initiatives to ensure clear and achievable project objectives.
• Prioritize membership engagement to foster a welcoming environment and strengthen community belonging.
• Track metrics and evaluate all Chapter programs and activities.
• Implement national policies effectively at the community level, specifically for programs and events.
• Foster an organizational culture that prioritizes strategic thinking, collaboration, and continuous professional growth.

Requirements

• Minimum 4-5 years of relevant experience.
• Independent self-starter with exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• Knowledge of the military family experience.
• Ability to lift and carry supplies and equipment up to 30 lbs.
• Entrepreneurial spirit to engage with potential partners and build community-based solutions.
• Initiative to engage with leaders in the community and on installations.
• Volunteer recruitment and management experience.
• Business development and fundraising experience.
• Public speaking experience.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Ability to facilitate meetings and drive decision-making.
• Project management experience.
• Proficiency with technology.
• Travel requirements up to 25% or less, depending on business needs.
• Regular evening and weekend work, with occasional holiday hours required to support programs and events.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems; familiarity with Salesforce a plus.
• Familiarity with membership-driven organizations.

Benefits

• 403(b) with matching.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• Life Insurance.
• Short-Term Disability.
• Communications Allowance.
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Leave for Active Duty Military Spouses.
• On-the-job professional development training.
• Workplace flexibility.

Pay

Anticipated pay range at commencement of employment: $69,000 - $88,000 per year.