Director of Programs

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Programs implements and oversees all aspects of CLX’s programs including but not limited to design, implementation, budgeting, troubleshooting, quality assurance, and evaluation/impact data measurement. The position also plays a key role in implementing CLX’s strategy and serves as part of the CLX’s Senior Leadership team. 

The Director of Programs is also responsible for effectively building team camaraderie and managing CLX program staff and their professional development as well as any programmatic consultants.

The position is independent and highly collaborative as it ensures that all aspects of CLX’s programs are in sync with the organization’s values, goals, communications, and fundraising strategies. This is not a youth-serving direct service position. 

ABOUT US

The Chicago Learning Exchange (CLX) is a nonprofit organization that connects and supports our city’s array of out-of-school (OST) time youth-focused organizations in order to prepare youth, youth workers, and our city for the future. 

CLX’s mission is to catalyze racial equity, quality, and access in the out-of-school time ecosystem. We live into our mission by convening, amplifying, and investing in Chicago's OST Youth Ecosystem! More specifically, CLX 1) convenes and supports OST mentors to reimagine and expand out-of-school time opportunities; 2) amplify and advocate for an ecosystem approach through Chicago Learning Days; 3) invests in outstanding mentors who support and lift up Chicago youth through the Brother Mike Award. Learn more at www.chicagolx.org. 

This is a full-time position which requires flexibility to work some evenings and weekends as needed.

REQUIREMENTS. You should apply for this position if you have a demonstrated history of:

• A minimum of ten or more years of experience in program and/or non-profit administration in  education, youth development, or policy with a focus on professional development and ecosystems 
• Experience design skills with required evidence of organic growing attendance and word of mouth/referrals
• Energized to be on a small but mighty team to improve and grow a startup organization 
• Minimum five years of exemplary staff management experience and ability to give and receive feedback
• Strong knowledge of and integration of racial equity values and programming
• Thrives on building relationships and networks with a customer-service orientation with all CLX stakeholders (e.g. City of Chicago Mayor’s Office, OST Youth-Serving Orgs, Museums, Libraries)
• Extraordinary written and verbal communication, detail-orientation and follow-up, and commitment to quickly complete work at a high- quality level
• Excellent project management skills, take initiative, and have a bias toward action
• Exercise strong judgment and resourceful problem-solving and communication in a time-sensitive situations
• Track record of contributing to grant proposals and reports for funders and media.
• Improve systems and processes and are comfortable with a variety of tech tools (e.g. Google Suite, Mailchimp, WordPress, Hootsuite, Adobe/Canva, and Basic SEO)

CORE JOB FUNCTIONS: 

• Develop and lead CLX’s Programmatic portfolio in Youth Development/Mentorship and Computer Science/STEM through Collective Impact Tables,  Advisory Councils; manages Program Manager’s work stream and setting priorities like Communities of Practice (CoP), and special projects like Chicago Learning Days and Brother Mike Award
• Oversee and manage the hiring, training, development and evaluation of the program team;
• Evaluate program performance by analyzing and interpreting data and metrics and assess ongoing progress and provide timely reports;
• Assist with content development and editing for newsletters, published reports, press releases and Web materials. 
• Work with CLX Executive Director to execute current programmatic strategy and develop future growth areas
• Implement program recommendations by creating programs designed to achieve outcomes that support career and education goals, character leadership and healthy lifestyles
• Develop and manage CLX program budget to support lean and sustainable annual plan and identify fundraising needs in support of community development efforts
• Oversee all new and current program partnerships and build upon existing relationships to create new 
• Represent CLX at various community events and promote CLX engagement as assigned
• And, openness to any other duties as requested by the Executive Director

SALARY RANGE AND BENEFITS: $75,000 - $90,000. Compensation will be based on experience. This position includes great health, dental, vision, and life insurance. In the first year of work, 12 days of paid vacation, 10 days of company holidays, 1 additional week off in between Christmas and New Years, Summer Hours in between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and an internet stipend for working from home.  

How to Apply

Please complete the following Google Form for the first step in the application. The search will be open for a month and interviews will be on a rolling basis. The application process includes the following: 1) Google Form Application linked here 2) 30 min first round interview 3) 24-hr Assignment 4) Final Round Panel Interview. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

This job primarily operates in a hybrid-work setting that includes work from home and office setting. Local travel to community events and meetings in Chicago is required. Also, some out of state travel may/will be required to represent CLX at conferences. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This job is clerical and primarily a sedentary role. However, during travel and preparation for events it may be required to stand and/or sit for prolonged periods of time and lift and carry objects up to 30lbs. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is the policy of CLX to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, CLX will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.