Program DirectorNational Kidney Foundation

National Kidney Foundation

Job Posting Title

Program Director

WHO WE ARE

Fueled by passion and urgency, the National Kidney Foundation is a lifeline for all people affected by kidney disease. As pioneers of scientific research and innovation, NKF focuses on the whole patient through the lens of kidney health. Relentless in our work, we enhance lives through action, education, and accelerating change.

WHAT WE BELIEVE IN

NKF’s Mission is what we do, our Values are how we do it.

Accountability- Earn and Keep TrustCollaboration-Work as a teamCommunication- Empower with informationCommunity-Build stronger communityCompassion- Lead with care and respectImpact-Focus on the mission

Your Voice Matters: https://www.kidney.org/about/diversity-equity-inclusion

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of health programs and interventions that align with NKF’s mission and strategic goals.  Support implementation of health projects and programs in partnership with the Executive Director, ensuring staffing, budgeting, and technical needs are met.  Develop program plans, delivery and training materials, resources, and communication tools to support effective program execution.  Maintain close relationships with local practitioners and program participants to inform program design, learning, and continuous improvement.  Demonstrate strong project management skills, including developing and managing budgets, overseeing logistics, setting priorities, and meeting deadlines:

Build and maintain strategic partnerships with local and national health and community stakeholders, including healthcare systems, governments, NGOs, and universities

Identify and cultivate relationships with potential health program implementation partners to fill service or program gaps and bring interventions to scale

Manage the full partner engagement lifecycle, including agreement execution and partner performance management

Identify potential community organizations that should be part of NKF’s local network

Represent NKF at industry events, coalitions, and sector platforms to strengthen NKF’s visibility and influence in the community and public health space

Partner with the Executive Director, National Programs, and Development teams to grow and diversify financial resources for the local program portfolio

Lead prospecting and proposal development for new programs and initiatives

Identify potential industry and non-industry funding opportunities, including new and innovative funding models

Keep the Executive Director and Development team member informed on program priorities, progress, and funding needs

Proven ability in grant proposal writing and securing grant funding opportunities through new and existing grants

Strong public speaking and presentation skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex information to diverse audiences (e.g., stakeholders, patients, donors, community members).

Develop and execute an internal and external communications plan to highlight local program outcomes and impact

Collaborate with NKF’s Branding and Communications teams to ensure consistent messaging and visibility

Represent NKF as a subject matter expert and thought leader at conferences, community forums, and health sector meetings

WHAT YOU’LL POSSESS

Minimum 5 years of professional experience in health-related program delivery, public health initiatives, nonprofit or community engagement; or equivalent experience in the design, implementation, and evaluation of health programs; Master's degree preferred

Proven experience in partnership development and relationship management with healthcare or public health organizations

Demonstrated project management experience, including managing budgets, events, and deadlines independently and collaboratively

Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize effectively, and maintain attention to detail

Experience with volunteer recruitment and management, preferably with healthcare or community-based professionals to ensure focus on the groups at highest risk for kidney disease

Strong analytical skills; experience using data and basic statistical analysis to inform decision-making

Proficiency with multiple software platforms, including Microsoft Office Suite, Zoom, Salesforce, Canva and Smartsheet

Superior organizational, communication, time management, and interpersonal skills

Flexible, resourceful, and able to adapt when challenges arise

Deep understanding of U.S. health systems, nonprofit and community health ecosystems, and funding streams preferred

Experience working within or alongside mid-size to large nonprofit organizations or NGOs preferred

Experience developing strategic communications, advocacy, or thought leadership initiatives within the healthcare or public health sector

COMPETENCIES

Accountability: Takes ownership of actions, decisions and results, ensuring high standards of performance and transparencyCollaboration: Collaborates effectively with peers and stakeholders, contributing to shared team goals. Demonstrates openness to feedback and is willing to work across teams to achieve NKF’s missionCultural Humility: Fosters a team environment that values humility, continuous learning, and respect for diverse cultures. Ensures team members are equipped to interact with individuals from varie backgrounds with sensitivityData-Driven Decision Making & Results Orientation: Analyzes team and project data to drive performance and improve outcomes. Drives team performance, ensuring alignment with NKF’s strategic objectivesFinancial Acumen: Oversees budgets and identifies funding opportunities to align with revenue goalsOperational Excellence: Implements process improvements across teams, driving productivity gainsPatient and Community-Centered Focus: Leads teams and executes on implementation of programs and initiatives that address the needs of underserved populations. Ensures that patient, donor, and caregiver needs are central to all decision-making processes, while fostering team accountability for community-focused outcomesResource Stewardship: Manages resources responsibly, balancing cost, quality, and sustainability to maximize impactStakeholder Engagement: Supports NKF’s mission by coordinating the efforts of volunteers, partners, and stakeholders. Engages in project management activities to ensure smooth execution of initiatives and builds relationships that strengthen NKF’s impact in the community

WORKING CONDITIONS, EQUIPMENT USED AND SPECIAL INFORMATION

Ability to lift and transport equipment weighing up to 25 lbs. Flexible to work evenings and weekends as needed. Available for overnight business travel. Must have a valid driver’s license.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

At the National Kidney Foundation, diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity apply to both our workforce and the communities we serve as they relate to kidney health and kidney disease prevention. It is the policy of NKF to provide equality of employment opportunity regardless of race, creed, color, qualified handicap or disability, national origin, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, age, gender, political affiliation or veteran status, or any other factor or reason prohibited by relevant local, state, and federal fair employment laws.

The Equal Employment Opportunity policy will apply to all employment practices of NKF, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, promotion, training, compensation, benefits, layoffs, transfers, and discipline. Implementation of the Equal Employment Opportunity policy is the shared responsibility of the management of NKF.
 

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position.   They are not intended to be considered an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The National Kidney Foundation does not accept resumes from third-party recruitment/search firms. Please do not forward resumes to NKF employees, company locations, or email addresses. NKF is not responsible for any fees related to resumes not solicited by NKF Recruiting.

 

 

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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