Early Steps Clinical Program Director

Your future role at a glance 

Location:  Pensacola, FL

Facility: Ascension Sacred Heart

Specialty:  Early Steps Program

Schedule:  Days | Full-time

Eligible for an annual bonus incentive

Life at Ascension: Where purpose meets opportunity

Ascension is a leading nonprofit Catholic health system with a culture and associate experience grounded in service, growth, care and connection. We empower our 97,000+ associates to bring their skills and expertise every day to reimagining healthcare, together. Recognized as one of the Best 150+ Places to Work in Healthcare and a Military-Friendly Gold Employer, you’ll find an inclusive and supportive environment where your contributions truly matter.

Benefits that help you thrive

• Comprehensive health coverage: medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage and HSA/FSA options
• Financial security & retirement: employer-matched 403(b), planning and hardship resources, disability and life insurance
• Time to recharge: pro-rated paid time off (PTO) and holidays
• Career growth: Ascension-paid tuition (Vocare), reimbursement, ongoing professional development and online learning
• Emotional well-being: Employee Assistance Program, counseling and peer support, spiritual care and stress management resources
• Family support: parental leave, adoption assistance and family benefits
• Other benefits: optional legal and pet insurance, transportation savings and more

How you’ll make an impact in this role

• Direct the overall operations and long-term strategy for the Early Steps program, ensuring alignment with Ascension’s mission, Florida’s system of care, and established performance metrics. 
• Manage government grant funding, financial reporting, and budget compliance.
• Guarantee adherence to IDEA Part C regulations and the delivery of evidence-based, family-centered care.
• Build and mentor a high-performing, multidisciplinary team while fostering a mission-driven culture.
• Serve as the primary liaison to healthcare providers, government agencies, and community partners to expand program impact.

What minimum requirements you’ll need

Education:

• High School diploma equivalency with 5 years of applicable cumulative job specific experience
  required, with 2 of those years being in leadership/management OR Associate's degree/Bachelor's degree with 3 years of applicable cumulative job specific experience required, with 2 of those years being in leadership/management.

What additional preferences we're seeking

• Proven ability to manage large-scale government grants, including complex budget forecasting and audit readiness.
• Demonstrated success leading and mentoring remote, multidisciplinary teams in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.
• Exceptional organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively across all levels of the organization and with external partners.

Equal employment opportunity employer

Ascension provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all associates and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, lactation, breastfeeding, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, all as defined by applicable law, and any other legally protected status or characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. For further information, view the EEO Know Your Rights (English) poster or EEO Know Your Rights (Spanish) poster.

Fraud prevention notice

Prospective applicants should be vigilant against fraudulent job offers and interview requests. Scammers may use sophisticated tactics to impersonate Ascension employees. To ensure your safety, please remember: Ascension will never ask for payment or to provide banking or financial information as part of the job application or hiring process. Our legitimate email communications will always come from an @ascension.org email address; do not trust other domains, and an official offer will only be extended to candidates who have completed a job application through our authorized applicant tracking system.

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