How to apply for Director of Programs & Impact

About National Foster Youth Institute

The National Foster Youth Institute (NFYI) is a unique advocacy organization founded by then-Congressmember Karen Bass in 2012, dedicated to ensuring current and former foster youth have a seat at the table in policymaking. Unlike traditional nonprofits, NFYI creates leadership pipelines that connect foster youth directly with legislators and decision-makers to transform the child welfare system. Working here means being part of a movement that values lived experience and systemic change.

About the role

As Director of Programs & Impact, you will lead the design, delivery, and evaluation of NFYI's programs, bringing structure and rigor to a historically piecemeal program portfolio. You'll ensure every initiative aligns with NFYI's strategic goals and demonstrates measurable impact on both systems and individuals. This role is pivotal in elevating the organization's programs and coaching a team to achieve excellence.

A typical day

A typical day might involve meeting with program managers to review progress on initiatives, analyzing evaluation data to inform improvements, and collaborating with the COO on strategic planning. You might also coach team members, engage with foster youth leaders, or prepare reports for stakeholders. Expect a mix of virtual meetings, independent work, and strategic thinking.

Who National Foster Youth Institute is looking for

• Proven experience in program design, implementation, and evaluation, preferably in child welfare, youth development, or advocacy settings.
• Strong leadership and coaching skills, with the ability to mentor a team and foster collaboration.
• Deep commitment to empowering foster youth and incorporating lived experience into programmatic work.
• Analytical mindset with experience using data to drive continuous improvement and demonstrate impact.

Tips for this application

• Highlight any direct experience with foster care or child welfare systems, whether professional or personal, as NFYI values lived experience.
• Showcase your ability to bring structure and evaluative discipline to programs—use concrete examples of how you've improved program outcomes.
• Emphasize your experience working remotely and leading teams in a virtual environment, as this is a fully remote role.
• Demonstrate familiarity with NFYI's mission and advocacy approach; mention specific NFYI initiatives or policy wins in your application.
• Tailor your resume to include keywords from the job description, such as 'program strategy,' 'continuous evaluation,' and 'strategic direction.'

What to cover in your cover letter

["Your passion for NFYI's mission and how your personal or professional background aligns with empowering foster youth.", "Specific examples of how you've designed and evaluated programs that led to measurable impact, especially in advocacy or youth-focused contexts.", "Your leadership philosophy and how you've coached teams to elevate their work and achieve strategic goals.", 'Your understanding of the unique challenges in foster care reform and how you would approach program development at NFYI.']

Research before applying

• Explore NFYI's website, especially their programs, impact reports, and strategic plan, to understand their current initiatives and goals.
• Research the history of NFYI, including its founding by Karen Bass and key policy achievements, to speak knowledgeably about the organization.
• Look into recent child welfare reform legislation and how NFYI has influenced it, to connect your work to broader advocacy efforts.
• Find and follow NFYI on social media to get a sense of their voice, community, and latest updates.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you ensure that NFYI's programs are directly tied to the organization's strategic goals and objectives?
• Describe a time you brought structure and rigor to a program that lacked consistency. What was the outcome?
• How do you incorporate the voices of foster youth into program design and evaluation?
• What metrics or evaluation methods have you used to demonstrate both individual and systemic impact?
• How would you lead and coach a remote team to deliver high-quality programs across the US?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Avoid generic language about 'helping youth' without tying it to NFYI's specific mission of systemic reform and leadership pipelines.
• Do not overlook the importance of evaluation and data—this role requires a strong focus on impact measurement, so failing to address it is a red flag.
• Avoid appearing unfamiliar with the foster care system or NFYI's unique model; candidates should demonstrate a clear understanding of the organization's approach.