Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. The HomeMore Project is seeking a Program Director to lead its Makeshift Traveler backpack program from funding through delivery. The role manages grants, community partnerships, manufacturing, inventory, logistics, and distributions, with targeted support for the organization’s Housing and Education programs.
Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain the Makeshift Traveler work plan, distribution calendar, and program budget
- Coordinate the full program cycle, connecting fundraising commitments with production, inventory, and distribution capacity
- Track spending, monitor costs, and identify funding or operational issues early
- Recommend improvements based on recipient feedback, partner experience, and program results
- Provide regular progress updates to the Executive Director and prepare summaries for board review
- Research grant opportunities and maintain a calendar of applications, deadlines, and reporting requirements
- Lead preparation of program proposals, budgets, supporting materials, and grant reports
- Coordinate with the Executive Director and grant-writing support to develop requests and manage submissions
- Maintain relationships with funders and pursue sponsorships, institutional purchases, and other program funding opportunities
- Track grant commitments and ensure distributions and spending align with funding requirements
- Serve as the primary operational contact for manufacturers, suppliers, shipping providers, and storage partners
- Coordinate production schedules, purchasing, freight, deliveries, and backpack assembly or preparation
- Maintain accurate inventory records and anticipate replenishment needs
- Organize shipments to distribution partners and resolve delivery or product issues
- Gather feedback on backpack quality, contents, and usability to inform future product improvements
- Build and maintain relationships with nonprofits, local governments, outreach teams, and other community partners
- Assess distribution requests and coordinate plans based on community needs, available funding, and inventory
- Plan and lead backpack distributions, including travel, supplies, volunteers, and partner coordination
- Participate in direct outreach with local partners and engage respectfully with people experiencing homelessness
- Maintain consistent partner communication before and after distributions
- Track backpacks distributed, communities reached, funding sources, partner participation, and program costs
- Collect recipient and partner feedback with appropriate consent and respect for privacy
- Maintain organized records that support grant reporting and program evaluation
- Coordinate with the Director of Marketing & Communications to share accurate program updates and stories
- Assist with Housing Program partner coordination, site visits, project tracking, and administrative needs
- Support Education Program outreach, book distribution, and community events
- Coordinate additional assignments with the Executive Director while maintaining agreed Makeshift Traveler priorities
Skills
- Ultimately, a go-getter interested in working in a dynamic role with a passion for helping people
- Relevant experience in nonprofit program management, community outreach, logistics, fundraising, or a related field
- Equivalent experience is welcome
- Experience writing grant proposals, preparing funder reports, or managing grant-funded activities
- Demonstrated ability to manage projects independently, track deadlines, and follow through on commitments
- Strong writing, budgeting, record-keeping, and relationship-building skills
- Comfort working directly with people experiencing homelessness and approaching each interaction with dignity and respect
- Ability to work effectively on a small team where responsibilities require both planning and hands-on execution
- Proficiency with spreadsheets, shared documents, and project management tools
- A specific college degree is not required
- We welcome applicants whose professional, community, or lived experience prepares them to succeed in this role
- Approximately three or more years
- Working with homelessness service providers or local government agencies
- Managing inventory, purchasing, freight, or product distribution
- Coordinating volunteers or community events
- Working in rural California communities
- Communicating in Spanish or another language used by the communities we serve
Benefits
- Remote, with regular in-person outreach, distributions, and partner meetings
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