Program Director Autism Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The College Internship Program (CIP) is a national transition program supporting young adults ages 18–26 with autism, ADHD, and other learning differences. For over 40 years, CIP has provided comprehensive programs focused on independent living, college success, career development, executive functioning, and social growth.

CIP’s integrated approach combines individualized support, experiential learning, community-based instruction, supported apartment living, and specialized coaching to help our young adult students develop the skills necessary to live happy, productive, and self-directed adult lives.

The CIP Program is individualized, highly structured, and student-centered. CIP hires dedicated professionals who are passionate about neurodiversity, growth, and helping young adults navigate the transition to adulthood.

Why Join CIP?

• Generous Paid Time Off and Holiday Schedule

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Flexible Spending Accounts

• 401(k) with Employer Match

• Tuition & Continuing Education Reimbursement

• Wellness Reimbursement

• Employee Assistance Program

• Ongoing Professional Development & Leadership Training

• Collaborative and Mission-Driven Culture

• Opportunity to Make Meaningful Impact in Students’ Lives

Benefits may change based on business needs or regulatory requirements.

The Program Director is responsible for ensuring strong student outcomes, a high-quality student and family experience, operational excellence, healthy team culture, and achievement of enrollment and retention goals. This position oversees implementation of programs, staffing, scheduling, student support systems, residential services and operations, risk management, administrative functions, and collaboration with admissions and outreach efforts.

This role requires a balance of strategic leadership, operational management, emotional intelligence, accountability, and strong people leadership. Successful Program Directors are highly organized, mission-driven leaders who can effectively manage complex systems while fostering a supportive and growth-oriented environment for students and staff.

The Program Director partners closely with National Leadership to implement organizational initiatives, maintain program quality standards, and support continuous improvement efforts across the organization.

This is a full-time exempt on-site leadership position based in Berkeley, California. Evening and occasional weekend responsibilities may be required based on program operations and student support needs.

Reports to: National Leadership

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, supervise, coach, and develop Center leadership and staff teams.

• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and student-centered culture aligned with CIP’s mission and values.

• Support hiring, onboarding, staff development, coaching, and performance management processes.

• Facilitate team communication, operational meetings, and leadership rhythms.

• Promote professionalism, accountability, consistency, and strong follow-through across the Center team.

Student Experience & Program Quality

• Ensure consistent delivery of CIP’s program model, curriculum, and support services.

• Oversee student support systems including advising processes, team reviews, student progress monitoring, and crisis response.

• Support positive student development in executive functioning, independent living, social communication, emotional regulation, and self-advocacy.

• Maintain high standards for student safety, professionalism, and quality of care.

• Partner with families to support student success and maintain strong communication and trust.

Residential & Community-Based Operations

• Support oversight of student residential and community-based programming environments.

• Ensure students are appropriately supported in independent living, safety, wellness, and community integration.

• Collaborate with staff to maintain structured and supportive living environments that align with CIP expectations and student growth goals.

Operations & Administration

• Oversee daily Center operations including scheduling, staffing coordination, facilities oversight, and administrative systems.

• Monitor operational effectiveness, labor utilization, and budget adherence.

• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, risk management practices, and applicable regulations.

• Maintain organized systems, documentation, reporting processes, and operational accountability measures.

Enrollment & External Relations

• Partner with admissions and marketing teams to support enrollment growth and student retention.

• Build and maintain relationships with educational consultants, clinicians, school personnel, property management, and other community partners.

• Participate in outreach, tours, admissions activities, and community engagement efforts as needed.

Strategic Planning & Accountability

• Execute organizational initiatives and strategic priorities at the Center level.

• Monitor and report on key performance indicators related to enrollment, retention, staffing, student outcomes, and program quality.

• Identify operational challenges and implement continuous improvement strategies.

• Contribute to organizational planning, collaboration, and leadership initiatives.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred in education, psychology, counseling, leadership, special education, social work, or a related field.

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive leadership or management experience in education, student services, residential programs, behavioral health, disability support, transition services, or related environments.

• Strong experience working with autistic individuals, ADHD, learning differences, and/or neurodiverse populations is highly preferred.

• Experience within residential, community-based, transition, therapeutic, independent living, or young adult support environments is strongly preferred.

• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage operations, and support staff performance in fast-paced service environments.

• Strong organizational, communication, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to balance empathy, structure, accountability, and professionalism in complex student-centered environments.

• Experience managing multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail and operational consistency.

• Comfort operating within structured systems, schedules, accountability measures, and performance expectations.

• Experience with budgeting, reporting, scheduling systems, or operational oversight preferred.

• Proficiency with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and database/CRM systems preferred.

• Some travel both in and out of state may be required.

• An active driver’s license is required.

• Build strong, engaged, and accountable teams

• Foster a positive, growth-oriented student culture

• Balance support, empathy, and accountability effectively

• Maintain organized systems and operational consistency

• Communicate effectively with students, families, and staff

• Lead calmly and effectively through challenges and changing priorities

• Drive strong student retention, engagement, and program quality

• Support continuous improvement while maintaining alignment with CIP’s mission and standards

Competency-Based Hiring Philosophy

CIP utilizes a competency-based hiring and development process designed to evaluate candidates based on demonstrated skills, experience, leadership capability, and alignment with the responsibilities of the role. Compensation placement within the salary range is determined based on factors including relevant experience, demonstrated competencies, leadership background, industry expertise, and familiarity with CIP’s service model and student population. Candidates with direct experience supporting neurodiverse young adults, transition-age programming, residential environments, and multidisciplinary educational or support teams may be better positioned for advanced placement within the range.

CIP values professional growth and is committed to developing leaders over time through training, mentorship, and ongoing professional development opportunities.

Physical & Work Environment

This position operates within a highly interactive educational and student-services environment. Responsibilities may include prolonged periods of standing, walking between program locations, lifting up to 25 pounds, and responding to student or operational needs in real time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

College Internship Program (CIP) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruiting, hiring, compensation, promotion, training, and termination.

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the responsibilities and qualifications associated with this position and is not intended to represent a complete list of all duties and responsibilities.