Position Profile

Program Vision and Strategy
Develop and implement strategic plans that align with the mission and growth trajectory of Star Gospel Mission. Lead the design and expansion of the four key programs below—ensuring they reflect best practices, community needs, and Gospel-centered values. Evaluate program effectiveness regularly and use data to guide innovation and continuous improvement.

Four Key Programs:

• Pathways (Men’s Transitional Housing)
• Morning Light (Women & Children’s Transitional Housing – NEW)
• GraceWorks (Emergency Assistance & Outreach)
• RISA (Recovery & Intervention from Substance Abuse – in development)

Program Development and Evaluation
Build new programs from the ground up, including staffing plans, service models, intake processes, and outcome tracking systems. Strengthen existing programs by formalizing workflows, standardizing documentation, and embedding clear progress metrics. Lead efforts to launch a centralized system for evaluating service impact across the organization.

Team Leadership
Provide day-to-day oversight of all program operations while supervising and mentoring a growing team of coordinators and frontline staff. Cultivate a collaborative, high-accountability culture that is rooted in dignity, healing, and transformation. Serve as a key member of the leadership team, contributing to strategic decisions that shape the Mission’s future.

Community Engagement and Partnerships
Represent Star Gospel Mission at public events, housing coalitions, and faith-based collaborations. Build trust-based relationships with referral agencies, local nonprofits, educational institutions, and healthcare partners. Serve as a public ambassador for the Mission’s work and deepen its presence in the Charleston community.

Communication and Collaboration
Foster clear, consistent communication within and across program teams. Lead internal meetings, facilitate collaborative planning, and ensure staff are well-informed and aligned. Contribute to storytelling efforts by sharing outcomes and successes that highlight program impact and align with the Mission’s vision.

• Education – Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Nonprofit Management, Human Services, or a related field required. A Master’s in Social Work is preferred. Ministry credentials are desirable but not a necessity.
• Critical Experience – Minimum of 5 years in a leadership role within a nonprofit, social services, housing, or recovery-focused organization. Experience developing and managing programs serving vulnerable populations—especially those experiencing homelessness, addiction, or family instability—is highly valued. 
• Relevant Experiences – having previously served in a Faith-based environment is ideal. A proven track record of managing different programs and comfortably being on the front lines. Experience having worked with policies that protect children.
• Program Development & Strategy – Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and scale effective social service programs. Skilled in using data and outcomes to evaluate success and improve services. Experience managing multiple programs or service lines simultaneously is a plus.
• Communication – Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to cast vision, align teams, and share stories of impact clearly and compelling.

Shared Mission & Humility: A focus on Jesus-centered, authentic relationships, where a common mission drives each team member to bring their best for the guests, and for one another.

A Commitment to Excellence & Dignity: Star Gospel Mission has a strong commitment to excellence in every nook and cranny of the organization. They operate in a spirit-led way that treats each person with deep respect. 

Collaborative & Joyful: Rituals such as monthly early-morning prayers, weekly team lunch meetings, one on ones and casual gatherings help maintain a tight-knit, joyful community. The work is hard, but the laughter is big.

Challenges

• Star Gospel Mission is experiencing rapid growth. This requires strong systems thinking to structure evolving programs while preserving their relational, faith-rooted culture.
• Multiple programs are developing simultaneously—including Morning Light and RISA. This demands skills in prioritizing, delegating, and leading through complexity.
• As the team grows, roles continue to evolve. The Program Officer will need to create alignment while supporting/hiring new staff in a high-accountability, high-compassion environment.
• Strong partnerships exist, but new opportunities are emerging across sectors. Navigating diverse expectations among faith-based, civic, and nonprofit partners requires humility, clear communication, and relational wisdom.

Opportunity

• This is a chance to lead during a season of tremendous impact and momentum. Star Gospel Mission’s expanded vision is backed by strong donor support, community trust, and a $20 million capital campaign.
• The Program Officer will shape four key initiatives, building new models of transitional housing, recovery support, and emergency services that combine best practices with Gospel values.
• The Mission offers a rich legacy—over 100 years of Christ-centered service—and deep roots in Charleston. The incoming leader will build on this foundation while bringing fresh strengths to their next growth phase.
• A strong, growing team is already in place. With effective leadership, this role will equip, unify, and inspire staff while fostering a culture of excellence and transformation.

• Shape What’s Next
  You’ll Guide the launch of the Morning Light Program, establishing a safe and structured space for women and children transitioning out of homelessness. From hiring the team to onboarding the first families, you’ll help build this initiative from the ground up.
• Reinforce What’s Working
  You’ll lead a refresh of the Pathways Program by revisiting guest expectations, updating the handbook and curriculum, and building a consistent measurement tool to track participant growth and outcomes.
• Bring Structure to a Season of Growth
  As Star Gospel Mission continues to expand, you’ll help create clarity across programs—introducing new systems for program evaluation, team collaboration, and case documentation that ensure we grow with focus and accountability.
• Grow the Team, Grow the Mission
  You’ll recruit and support new staff across multiple programs, helping to cultivate a team that’s grounded in the Mission’s values. Through regular team check-ins and monthly development sessions, you’ll foster alignment and momentum.
• Make Christ Known
  You’ll help expand the visibility of Star Gospel Mission and the work God is doing by building relationships with key community partners and representing the Mission at local tables. Your efforts will lay the groundwork for deeper collaboration, stronger referral networks, and shared impact.