Director - Southwest Chicago Community Programs (Bi-lingual)

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago•Chicago, IL

94d

About The Position

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago partners with mission-driven people and organizations across Cook and Lake counties to witness a message of mercy and hope to a world in need by improving lives and nourishing spirits; strengthening and empowering people, families, and communities; and committing to being present to our times through the eyes of faith. Position Summary Provide strategic oversight and operational leadership for Catholic Charities programs and partnerships in Southwest Chicago. Ensure that services are delivered with consistency, compassion, and measurable impact. Identify, plan, and implement new ministries that respond to emerging needs and enrich the lives of those who walk through our doors. Ensure that Catholic Charities Southwest Chicago community programs and spaces are welcoming and inclusive for all who enter, including employees, clients, volunteers, and supporters. Lead the Parish Family Sponsorship Program, supporting immigrant and refugee families as they settle in Greater Chicago, and partner with the Faith and Mission team on parish engagement to provide meaningful support to families. Build and sustain strong community and external partnerships to expand engagement, collaboration, and impact in Southwest Chicago. Core operational responsibilities Provide strategic and operational leadership for all Southwest Chicago community programs and activities. Oversee daily operations to ensure high-quality service delivery, compliance with agency standards, and efficient coordination across functions. Partner with the Facilities team to maintain safe, welcoming, and well-managed spaces that support programming and community engagement. Role growth, performance, and outreach goals Monitor program performance, volunteer engagement, and client outcomes to drive continuous improvement. Use data, feedback, and impact metrics to identify trends, address challenges, and celebrate successes. Contribute to division-wide strategic planning and performance improvement efforts to strengthen the reach, sustainability, and effectiveness of Community Programs. External relationship responsibilities Cultivate and sustain partnerships with local peer organizations, faith leaders, and elected officials to strengthen the social safety net and expand access to community services. Represent Catholic Charities in external forums and collaborate with Government, Donor, and Volunteer Relations teams to ensure programs are accessible, visible, and well-supported. Internal, cross-functional collaboration responsibilities Collaborate across departments to advance shared goals and maximize program impact. Partner with the finance team to develop, monitor, and manage the center's budget, ensuring resources are aligned with program priorities. Work closely with program leaders and frontline staff to foster a workplace culture that reflects Catholic Charities' core values and commitment to service. Team leadership responsibilities Lead and support a small but high-impact team, including one direct report and a large network of volunteers. Set clear direction, provide regular feedback and guidance, and model accountability, collaboration, and mission alignment. Participate in recruitment, selection, and performance management, address staff concerns, and apply appropriate disciplinary actions as needed to foster a positive and productive work environment. Ensure staff and volunteers are equipped to deliver high-quality services and represent Catholic Charities with professionalism and care. People development responsibilities Develop staff capability through ongoing training, mentorship, and professional development opportunities. Cultivate a culture of continuous learning, feedback, and improvement to strengthen team engagement, retention, and impact.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in human services, nonprofit management, or a related field.
Minimum of 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in community program leadership, social services, or nonprofit operations.
Demonstrated success in partnership building, staff development, and operational management.
Strong financial acumen and experience managing budgets.
Proven ability to lead teams with compassion, accountability, and strategic focus.
Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
Commitment to CCAC's purpose and values, and to advancing equitable, inclusive, and community-driven services.
Bi-lingual Spanish / English language

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in nonprofit management, social work, public administration, or a related field.
5+ years of progressively responsible experience in community program leadership, social services, or nonprofit operations.
Experience leading programs in a community center or multi-service environment.
Familiarity with community engagement, outreach, and coalition-building strategies.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic and operational leadership for all Southwest Chicago community programs and activities.
Oversee daily operations to ensure high-quality service delivery, compliance with agency standards, and efficient coordination across functions.
Partner with the Facilities team to maintain safe, welcoming, and well-managed spaces that support programming and community engagement.
Monitor program performance, volunteer engagement, and client outcomes to drive continuous improvement.
Use data, feedback, and impact metrics to identify trends, address challenges, and celebrate successes.
Contribute to division-wide strategic planning and performance improvement efforts to strengthen the reach, sustainability, and effectiveness of Community Programs.
Cultivate and sustain partnerships with local peer organizations, faith leaders, and elected officials to strengthen the social safety net and expand access to community services.
Represent Catholic Charities in external forums and collaborate with Government, Donor, and Volunteer Relations teams to ensure programs are accessible, visible, and well-supported.
Collaborate across departments to advance shared goals and maximize program impact.
Partner with the finance team to develop, monitor, and manage the center's budget, ensuring resources are aligned with program priorities.
Work closely with program leaders and frontline staff to foster a workplace culture that reflects Catholic Charities' core values and commitment to service.
Lead and support a small but high-impact team, including one direct report and a large network of volunteers.
Set clear direction, provide regular feedback and guidance, and model accountability, collaboration, and mission alignment.
Participate in recruitment, selection, and performance management, address staff concerns, and apply appropriate disciplinary actions as needed to foster a positive and productive work environment.
Ensure staff and volunteers are equipped to deliver high-quality services and represent Catholic Charities with professionalism and care.
Develop staff capability through ongoing training, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.
Cultivate a culture of continuous learning, feedback, and improvement to strengthen team engagement, retention, and impact.