Program Director

R.A.G.E. stands for the Resident Association of Greater Englewood, a Chicago based resident-driven association with nearly 500 members established to build relationships between Englewood's fellow residents, public officials, business owners and community organizations. Our mission is to create tangible solutions and mobilize residents and resources to restore our community. In order to accomplish our mission, it is vital to engage our members, residents and stakeholders through various channels and to continue to grow our reach throughout Greater Englewood while advancing economic justice initiatives.

Position Overview

The Program Director is responsible for implementation excellence across multiple programs and projects within R.A.G.E.'s community engagement, economic justice, and youth development initiatives. Working directly with the CEO to create programmatic strategy, this leadership position ensures consistent program delivery while maintaining alignment with organizational mission and values.

Strong preference will be given to candidates from the Englewood community who understand our neighborhood's challenges and opportunities firsthand. If not from Englewood, candidates must demonstrate a genuine commitment to place-based, resident-led community development and the ability to relate authentically to Englewood residents and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Strategic Program Leadership & Management

• Develop strategic plans in conjunction with the CEO for all program initiatives
• Execute strategic plans with consistent outcomes
• Drive operational effectiveness across all programs and initiatives
• Optimize program delivery systems to maximize impact while ensuring efficient resource use
• Implement comprehensive program strategy aligned with R.A.G.E.'s mission
• Oversee multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring quality and timeline adherence
• Manage program budgets with appropriate fiscal controls and accountability
• Lead a team of five to seven team members, providing clear direction, professional development, and performance management
• Cultivate a team culture that exemplifies R.A.G.E.'s values of resident power, community ownership, and collaborative leadership

Community Engagement & Cross-Sector Partnerships

• Implement community development strategies that recognize and leverage Englewood's existing strengths and resources
• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with philanthropy, government agencies, businesses, and other community-based organizations
• Cultivate effective media relationships to amplify resident voices and shape the narrative about Englewood
• Represent R.A.G.E. in coalitions, working groups, and policy forums related to equitable community development
• Establish collaborative relationships with other neighborhood associations, faith communities, schools, local businesses, and other stakeholders
• Navigate complex stakeholder relationships while maintaining resident priorities at the center of all initiatives

Program Evaluation & Organizational Learning

• Design and implement participatory evaluation frameworks that meaningfully involve residents in assessing program impact
• Develop systems for data collection, analysis, and reporting that demonstrate program outcomes to stakeholders and funders
• Establish metrics and assessment tools for measuring both quantitative and qualitative community impact
• Oversee program documentation and knowledge management to capture best practices and organizational learning
• Review performance data and reports from Program Managers to identify trends, challenges, and opportunities
• Ensure program operations adhere to legal requirements, grant compliance, and organizational policies
• Provide regular, data-informed updates to the CEO, Board, and external stakeholders
• Foster a culture of inter-team collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and professional development

Organizational Culture & Financial Management

• Ensure staff engagement, support, and development including regularly scheduled staff meetings, one-on-one meetings with staff directly and assuring the implementation of R.A.G.E. programming goals and strategies
• Cultivate and exemplify an organizational culture of commitment, collaboration, and innovation
• Foster a healthy, supportive work environment that prioritizes staff wellbeing
• Recommend resource allocation, monitor, and forecast budgets and revenue
• Recommend, execute and manage budget, finances and fundraising, adjusting in accordance with projected outcomes

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred
• At least five to seven years' progressive experience in program leadership, implementation, management and execution ideally in community-based organizations focused on equitable development
• Three to five years' experience supervising professional staff
• Demonstrated success in program design, implementation, and outcomes measurement
• Experience with community development and resident-led initiatives
• Proven track record managing cross-functional teams
• Experience managing complex budgets and financial reporting
• Skill in developing and maintaining cross-sector partnerships and collaborative relationships
• Knowledge of best practices in community wealth-building and economic justice frameworks
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking
• Proficiency in Google Workspace, Word, Excel, and a familiarity with CRMs. Proficient with Canva a plus.
• Ability to relate authentically to Englewood residents and value community expertise

What We Offer

• The opportunity to be part of meaningful, resident-driven change
• A collaborative, innovative team environment that values diverse perspectives
• Competitive nonprofit salary and benefits:
  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Paid time off

How to Apply

If you share our vision of a resident-led Englewood and want to be part of our movement to make positive change, please submit:

1. Your resume
2. A cover letter explaining your connection to Englewood (if applicable) and your approach to community empowerment
3. A brief statement (250 words max) describing how you would embody our "Connect, Build, Take Action" philosophy