Lactation Program Director Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the healthcare sector, the role of Lactation Program Directors is increasingly important.

As public awareness and understanding of breastfeeding’s benefits grow, so does the demand for highly skilled professionals who can design, implement, and manage effective lactation programs.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Lactation Program Director?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager aiming to outline the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the complexities of lactation program management,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Lactation Program Director job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Lactation Program Director Duties and Responsibilities

Lactation Program Directors are primarily responsible for managing and directing lactation programs aimed at promoting breastfeeding and providing lactation support to mothers.

This role involves a blend of administrative and clinical tasks, including education, counseling, and program development.

Here are some of the duties and responsibilities for this role:

• Develop, implement, and oversee lactation programs within a healthcare facility or community
• Coordinate with healthcare providers, nurses, and other staff to provide lactation support and education to mothers
• Assess the needs of mothers and develop individualized lactation care plans
• Provide counseling and practical support to mothers having difficulties with breastfeeding
• Educate healthcare staff on the importance of breastfeeding and lactation support
• Develop and implement policies and procedures related to breastfeeding and lactation support
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of lactation programs and make improvements as necessary
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of lactation practices and standards
• Lead lactation support groups and educational sessions for mothers and families
• Ensure adherence to all healthcare regulations and standards related to lactation support

 

Lactation Program Director Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Lactation Program Director to lead and coordinate our comprehensive breastfeeding and lactation support program.

Your primary responsibilities will include designing, managing, and evaluating our lactation program, training and supervising lactation consultants, and working closely with healthcare teams to provide exceptional lactation support services.

Our ideal candidate is a Certified Lactation Consultant with a passion for maternal and child health and demonstrated leadership experience.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive lactation program that addresses the needs of the community
• Supervise and train lactation consultants and other staff involved in the program
• Coordinate with healthcare teams to integrate lactation support into overall maternity care
• Evaluate program effectiveness and make necessary improvements
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of lactation research and best practices
• Promote the program through community outreach and education
• Respond to queries and complaints regarding the program

 

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Lactation Consultant or in a related role
• Current certification as a Lactation Consultant
• Experience in program development and management
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations related to lactation support services
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• A degree in nursing, nutrition, health education, or a related field preferred

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid maternity and paternity leave
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Lactation Program Director
• Work Environment: Hospital or clinic setting. Some local travel may be required for community outreach and education.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Maternal and Child Health.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $70,000 minimum to $110,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Lactation Program Director Do?

A Lactation Program Director is a specialized healthcare professional who typically works in hospitals, clinics, or public health settings.

Their primary focus is on promoting and supporting breastfeeding to mothers and families.

They are responsible for developing, implementing, and managing comprehensive breastfeeding programs.

This includes creating educational materials, conducting workshops and training sessions for both healthcare providers and parents, and overseeing lactation support services.

Lactation Program Directors work closely with a team of lactation consultants and other healthcare professionals to provide breastfeeding support and counseling to mothers.

They also collaborate with community partners to advocate for breastfeeding-friendly environments and policies.

Their job often involves assessing the needs of the community or patient population and developing strategies to address those needs.

They may also conduct research to stay updated on the latest breastfeeding trends, techniques, and guidelines.

In addition, Lactation Program Directors are responsible for ensuring that their program complies with local, state, and national regulations and standards.

They also play a key role in quality improvement efforts, evaluating program effectiveness and making necessary adjustments to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction.

 

Lactation Program Director Qualifications and Skills

The role of a Lactation Program Director requires a unique set of skills and qualifications to effectively lead the program and provide supportive services, including:

• Specialized knowledge and understanding of breastfeeding and lactation to provide expertise and guidance in the lactation program.
• Leadership abilities to manage and direct the lactation program, including the ability to inspire, motivate and direct a team of lactation consultants and related staff.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to connect with a diverse group of clients, team members, and other healthcare professionals.
• Strong communication skills to effectively express concepts, plans, and proposals to stakeholders as well as to listen and understand the needs and concerns of clients.
• Problem-solving skills to address challenges or issues that may arise within the program or with individual clients.
• Organizational skills for managing schedules, maintaining records, and ensuring that all aspects of the program run smoothly and effectively.
• Experience or certification in lactation consultation or a related field to provide the most accurate and effective support to new and expecting mothers.
• Empathy and understanding to support new mothers who may be experiencing difficulties, stress, or anxiety around breastfeeding.

 

Lactation Program Director Experience Requirements

Entry-level candidates for a Lactation Program Director role are typically expected to have at least 2-3 years of experience in breastfeeding education and support, often gained through a role as a lactation consultant, nurse, or a midwife.

They should have a solid understanding of breastfeeding and infant nutrition, gained through formal education, such as a degree in nursing or nutrition, and hands-on experience.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience in lactation support may be better prepared to handle the responsibilities of a Lactation Program Director.

These professionals often have a deep understanding of health protocols, family education programs, and breastfeeding promotion strategies.

They may have also led lactation programs or teams in hospitals, birthing centers, or community health settings.

Those with over 8-10 years of experience in the field may be ideal for this role.

These candidates are often International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) and have held leadership roles in healthcare organizations.

They should have a proven track record of developing and implementing comprehensive lactation programs and demonstrating a commitment to improving breastfeeding outcomes.

They should also have experience in staff management, budgeting, and strategic planning.

In addition to these experience requirements, a Lactation Program Director should have excellent communication skills, the ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team, and a passion for supporting and empowering breastfeeding mothers.

 

Lactation Program Director Education and Training Requirements

A Lactation Program Director typically requires a bachelor’s degree in nursing, health sciences, or a related field.

The individual must also be a certified lactation consultant, with a certification from an internationally recognized lactation consultant program such as the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE).

This certification requires completion of specific health science courses, clinical hours in providing lactation and breastfeeding care, and passing an examination.

Moreover, several years of experience in lactation consulting or a similar role is often required.

This includes experience in program development and leadership, as well as direct lactation care and counseling.

In addition to these requirements, some employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree in public health, nursing, or a related field.

Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills are also crucial for this role.

Continuous education and training in lactation and breastfeeding best practices, counseling techniques, and program management are beneficial for staying current in the field.

Lastly, the Lactation Program Director must also adhere to all the necessary legal and ethical considerations in healthcare, including patient privacy and rights.

 

Lactation Program Director Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Lactation Program Director is approximately $90,793 (USD) per year.

However, the exact salary can differ greatly based on factors such as experience, educational background, location, and the organization for which they work.

 

Lactation Program Director Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Lactation Program Director need?

A Lactation Program Director typically requires a Bachelor’s degree in nursing, health science, or a related field.

They should be a board-certified Lactation Consultant, and prior professional experience in breastfeeding support and lactation program management is highly desired.

Additionally, an understanding of maternal-child health and patient care standards is crucial for this role.

 

What are the key responsibilities of a Lactation Program Director?

A Lactation Program Director oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of the lactation program.

This includes patient care standards, educational materials, and staff training.

They are responsible for ensuring quality care for breastfeeding mothers and infants, developing outreach programs, and leading multidisciplinary teams.

The Lactation Program Director also collaborates with other healthcare providers to promote breastfeeding and improve lactation services.

 

What skills are required for a Lactation Program Director?

The Lactation Program Director should have excellent leadership and managerial skills to guide the lactation program staff.

Strong communication skills are vital to liaise with healthcare teams and to educate and support breastfeeding mothers.

They need to have a deep understanding of lactation and newborn nutrition, good problem-solving skills, and the ability to handle stressful situations with sensitivity.

Knowledge of healthcare regulations and budget management is also beneficial.

 

How can one advance in the lactation program career?

To advance in a lactation program career, one may seek higher education or specialized training in lactation consultation or public health.

Gaining experience in program management and leadership roles can also enhance career prospects.

Joining professional organizations like the International Lactation Consultant Association provides opportunities for networking and continuous learning.

As with many health care fields, staying updated with the latest research and practices in lactation and maternal-child health is key to career advancement.

 

What qualities make a good Lactation Program Director?

A good Lactation Program Director is compassionate, patient, and supportive, with a deep understanding of the challenges breastfeeding mothers may face.

They are knowledgeable about best practices in lactation and can effectively communicate this knowledge to others.

They must also be a good leader, able to motivate and manage their team effectively.

A strong sense of organization and the ability to multi-task are also crucial qualities.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being a Lactation Program Director.

Guess what?

It’s not just about providing breastfeeding support.

It’s about fostering healthy relationships between mothers and their infants, one feeding at a time.

Our go-to Lactation Program Director job description template and real-world examples have you ready to make your mark.

But why limit yourself?

Delve further into the role with our job description generator. It’s your ideal companion for creating precise job listings or fine-tuning your resume to excellence.

Remember:

Every feeding session is a part of the larger journey.

Let’s nurture that journey. Together.

How to Become a Lactation Program Director (Complete Guide)

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