Director, Programming & Impact, Cubs Charities

Chicago Cubs•Chicago, IL

8d•$115,000 - $150,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Programming & Impact is a dynamic, visionary leader at Cubs Charities, driving the strategy, innovation, and measurable success of programs and community investments that advance our mission. This role is responsible for achieving impact at scale, overseeing sports-based youth development and education initiatives, as well as the grants portfolio and impact measurement. The Director will unify all programs, investments, and evaluation methods under one bold vision, ensuring they are strategically aligned, community-driven, and outcome-focused. This position requires balancing strategic thinking with deep community engagement and operational excellence and has the opportunity to help guide the strategic long-term direction and priorities of Cubs Charities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, education, public policy, or a related field (Master’s preferred or equivalent experience).
7–10+ years of proven success in program leadership, impact evaluation, and community engagement.
Track record of leading high-performing, cross-functional teams.
Data-savvy and impact-driven, with strong analytical skills.
Exceptional communicator and relationship builder.
Unwavering passion for youth development, education, and driving community change.

Nice To Haves

Excellent interpersonal skills. You can lead the program team to achieve big goals, working together with community leaders, the board, and other key stakeholders to build trusting and lasting relationships.
Strategic thinker with a results-driven mindset. You believe strongly in the abilities of your team and that everyone should be working at their highest and best use on behalf of Cubs Charities.
Innovative and curious. You embrace change, bring big ideas to the table, and are well-versed in the use of data to drive strategic decision-making.
Demonstrated leadership and team management skills. You foster an inclusive, respectful, and collaborative culture. As a leader, you champion Cubs Charities’ values, promote professional growth, and inspire a high-performing, mission-driven team.
Passion for community impact and alignment with Cubs Charities’ mission. You believe in the power of sport to bring people together, strengthen communities, and create opportunities for youth. You are driven to advance equity and foster a more inclusive and thriving Chicago.

Responsibilities

Lead transformative programs in sports-based youth development (Cubs Jr. All-Stars, Cubs Nike RBI), education (CASE, Cubs Scholars), and community investment (grants portfolio, Diamond Project.)
Unify Cubs Charities’ program continuum under a seamless framework that prioritizes participant retention while opening doors for individual growth, educational achievement, and career success.
Drive ambitious goals, overseeing program budgets and performance evaluation to ensure alignment with strategic priorities.
Cultivate a culture of innovation in youth development, promote positive coaching and mentorship, and ensure compliance with youth safety standards.
Secure and maximize strategic program partnerships and access to top-tier youth facilities to support year-round programming.
Support the development of cutting-edge data systems to prioritize impact storytelling, shape strategy, and measure/amplify outcomes.
Ensure all impact measurement aligns with Cubs Charities’ long-term vision for community transformation.
Drive the growth and impact of Cubs Charities’ grants portfolio, volunteer programs, and player/family engagement, supporting community initiatives and investments across all 77 Chicago neighborhoods.
Lead the successful resurgence of Diamond Project capital investments to expand access to baseball and softball and create safe, vibrant spaces for play throughout Chicago.
Serve as a bold, authentic voice for Cubs Charities, representing Cubs Charities as a thought leader in youth development and community impact.
Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders: aldermen, school administrators, nonprofit leaders, participants/families, and other community members to build trust and advance Cubs Charities’ mission.
Serve on the Cubs Charities leadership team, shaping organizational priorities, decisions, and long-term planning.
Collaborate across Cubs departments and with executive leadership to amplify program visibility, support related MLB programs and major Cubs initiatives, and drive the overarching goals of Cubs Charities.
Support the Executive Director in representing Cubs Charities on the biggest stages, from MLB to boardrooms, inspiring donors, executives, and partners to rally behind our mission.

Benefits

On-site parking
Transit benefits
Paid time off: Personal, Sick, Vacation Time, Office Holidays & Winter Break
Flexible work arrangement
Casual work attire environment
Complimentary Meal & beverage plan
Cubs home game & spring training game ticket allotment
Access to campus wide Wrigley Field events & pre-sales
401K Plan Employee Contribution & Employer Match
Benefit Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance
Health & Wellness engagement & programming
Variety of associate special events, volunteer opportunities and partnership discounts
Tuition Reimbursement
Free access to EV charging stations
Free subscription to Marquee Sports Network