Area Development Manager

Job Summary

The Area Development Manager is a dynamic, community-based role focused on recruiting and developing foster homes and engaging community stakeholders to grow Pathways’ impact in Central Texas. The position combines strategic recruitment, home development, and community engagement responsibilities to ensure consistent growth in licensed foster and kinship homes. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who thrives on relationship-building, has strong organizational skills, and is motivated by meaningful metrics and outcomes.

Essential Duties:

Recruitment & Community Engagement

• Coordinate and participate in recruitment events, DFPS/SSCC outreach activities, and community fairs to raise awareness and bring in prospective foster families.
• Identify, engage, and maintain relationships with civic groups, churches, businesses, and other community stakeholders to support outreach, foster home development, and volunteer initiatives.
• Work closely with the Communications and Development teams to create marketing materials and organize open houses, info sessions, and appreciation events for foster parents and prospects.
• Represent Pathways in the community to strengthen brand awareness and develop partnerships that enhance recruitment and support operations across CPA and GRO programs.

Applicant Support & Home Development

• Respond to inquiries within 48 hours and maintain accurate records of applicants, including timely discharge of inactive inquiries.
• Provide ongoing support and guidance to prospective foster families from inquiry through home verification.
• Facilitate orientation and training using in-person, online, and virtual formats.
• Conduct initial and final home walkthroughs and assess readiness for the home study process.
• Track onboarding progress to ensure timeliness, compliance, and accuracy of required documentation.
• Coordinate with Home Study Writers and internal leadership to verify homes.
• Review and approve Home Studies and work closely with home study writers to ensure compliance and overall safety of the home.
• Recommend families for verification and document the process in Extended Reach and CLASS.
• Ensure all pre-verification and DFPS compliance requirements are met, including assessment of overall safety of the home.

Program Collaboration & Quality

• Maintain open communication with the Director of Family Development and Child Placing Agency Regional Director and other team members regarding trends, performance metrics, and applicant statuses.
• Participate in staff meetings, strategic planning, and ongoing quality assurance activities.
• Build and maintain working relationships with DFPS, SSCCs, and other relevant partners in the foster care ecosystem.
• Assist with resolving concerns or potential issues with applicants or support providers.

Supervisor: Director of Family Development.

Supervises: Home Developer.

Work Hours: Full-time, flexible schedule working a minimum of 40 hours per week (including late hours and/or weekends as needed).

Classification: Exempt.