Senior Vice President of Programs

Lawrence Hall • Chicago, IL

21h • Hybrid

About The Position

Lawrence Hall is seeking a visionary, deeply collaborative, and trauma-informed executive to serve as our Senior Vice President of Programs (SVPP). As a critical member of the executive management team, you will work closely with the CEO, CFO, and COO to articulate and implement the strategic vision of the agency. In this role, you will provide operational, fiscal, and clinical oversight for a diverse portfolio of programs- Education, Transitional and Independent Living, Residential, Youth and Community Development, Creative Therapies, Affirming Care, and Foster Care program areas. The ideal candidate is an expert relationship builder, a dedicated mentor, and a champion for trauma-informed care models who can inspire a high-performing team.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Human Services, Social Work, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in a nonprofit, government, or philanthropic setting overseeing multiple programs/contracts-ideally serving low-income youth or trauma-exposed communities.
• Comprehensive knowledge of program planning, budgeting, grant writing, and administrative operations across child welfare, juvenile justice, workforce development, education, or mental health systems.
• Exceptional verbal, written, and public policy communication skills; a proven ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
• Valid driver's license, reliable personal vehicle, and proof of insurance.
• Must pass a comprehensive background check, drug screen, and have no record of child abuse/neglect.

Nice To Haves

• LCSW or LCPC (or equivalent licensure) with demonstrated child welfare system leadership.
• Deep knowledge of childhood trauma, positive youth development, and strengths-based approaches.

Responsibilities

• Drive program-based strategic planning, goal implementation, and service delivery across multiple departments in partnership with the Executive Team and Board of Trustees.
• Use data-driven insights to develop and implement new programs aligned with community needs and agency mission.
• Evaluate program effectiveness, identify gaps in the continuum of care, and implement integrative strategies to close them.
• Interpret social service trends and present recommendations to executive leadership and the Board of Trustees; co-chair the Program and Behavior Treatment Board committees.
• Develop, monitor, and manage program budgets in collaboration with the COO and CFO, ensuring efficient resource allocation and contract/grant compliance.
• Respond to government and foundation RFPs/RFAs in partnership with the development team to design model programs and diversify funding sources.
• Manage operational risk across youth, family, and community spaces while actively promoting a culture of hope and healing.
• Ensure all programs strictly comply with licensing, regulatory, and accreditation standards.
• Directly supervise and mentor a leadership team including the VP of TIL, VP of Residential, VP of Foster Care, VP of Educational Services, VP of Youth & Community Development, and Manager of Creative Therapies.
• Champion the CARE (Children and Residential Experiences) model across the agency, serving as a CARE Educator and leader on the CARE Implementation Team.
• Foster a collaborative, team-based environment that aligns with Lawrence Hall's core values; address workplace stress, conflict, and secondary trauma with empathy and professionalism.

Benefits

• Salary: $120,000 - $127,000/year, based on experience.
• Average of 17-25 days of PTO + 9 holidays
• Medical insurance - HMO and PPO options
• Dental insurance - HMO and PPO options
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) with up to 5% employer match and auto-vesting
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) - Medical and Dependent Care Pre-tax
• Commuter benefits - Parking and Transit
• 100% employer-paid Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
• Voluntary Life Insurance for Employees, Spouses, and Children
• Accident and Critical Illness Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• 100% employer- paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for free counseling and life resources
• Wellness Reimbursement Program
• Employee Referral Bonus up to $1,500
• Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for licensed employees
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive