Director - Program Operations

Catholic Charities; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago is seeking a Director of Program Operations to guide strategic program performance for the Chief Program Officer. You will drive data-informed decisions across the portfolio and lead cross-functional initiatives to improve efficiency and impact.

You will coach leaders, develop templates and playbooks, and coordinate risk management and crisis responses while aligning with the organization's mission to serve communities in Cook and Lake counties.

Qualifications

• Strong project management and strategic planning skills; ability to manage cross-functional initiatives and sensitive communications
• Experience supporting C-suite leaders; strong analytical, communication, and facilitation skills; experience with performance dashboards

Responsibilities

• Build a clear, consistent view of program performance across the portfolio. Lead regular reviews, analyze program, operational, and financial data, and brief the CPO on key trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Lead priority operating initiatives that improve program effectiveness. Partner with Program and Mission Support leaders to strengthen workflows, quality assurance practices, and shared ways of working.
• Support program leaders with coaching, troubleshooting, and practical resources. Develop templates, playbooks, and onboarding supports so leaders and teams can operate more consistently and efficiently.
• Surface issues early and support timely problem-solving. Escalate operational, compliance, and reputational risks, and help coordinate crisis response and follow-up when needed.
• Advance CPO priorities across the program portfolio. Represent the CPO as needed, coordinate follow-through on decisions, and strengthen alignment across program leadership and cross-functional teams.

Skills

Project management

Strategic planning

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

BA/BS in related field

MA/MS in related field

PMP certification

Job description

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.

Job Summary

The Director, Program Operations serves as a strategic operations leader for the Chief Program Officer, driving program performance through data analysis, operational improvement initiatives, risk management, and cross-functional collaboration across the organization.

Role Responsibilities:

• Build a clear, consistent view of program performance across the portfolio. Lead regular reviews, analyze program, operational, and financial data, and brief the CPO on key trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Lead priority operating initiatives that improve program effectiveness. Partner with Program and Mission Support (Finance, Technology, Legal, People & Culture, Facilities) leaders to strengthen workflows, tools, quality assurance practices, and shared ways of working.
• Support program leaders with coaching, troubleshooting, and practical resources. Develop common templates, playbooks, and onboarding supports so leaders and teams can operate more consistently and efficiently.
• Surface issues early and support timely problem-solving. Escalate operational, compliance, and reputational risks, and help coordinate crisis response and follow-up when needed.
• Advance CPO priorities across the program portfolio. Represent the CPO as needed, coordinate follow-through on decisions, and strengthen alignment across program leadership and cross-functional teams.

Team Member Responsibilities:

• Exhibit alignment with the team's clear goals that are mission-focused, grounded in Catholic Charities history, and tied to action.
• Contribute to a joy-filled culture built upon respect and inclusion, team pride, and community spirit.
• Collaborate effectively to support excellent process, accountability, and constructive conflict.
• Demonstrate a commitment to growth through learning, forgiveness, and reflection.

Living Our Values:

• Courageous Compassion: Welcome and serve all with an open heart, empathic listening, and a commitment to radical hospitality.
• Solidarity: Embrace shared humanity by celebrating and giving voice to our differences and choosing the path of collaboration and inclusion.
• Faith-filled Hope and Joy: Uplift each other in times of darkness and celebrate together in times of light, leaning in with humility, humor, and hope.
• Meaningful and Measurable Impact: Meet human need with love, balance immediate action with lasting change, and act with accountability through dialogue, analyses, and reflection.

Qualifications and Skills

Minimum

Strong project management and strategic planning skills; ability to manage cross-functional initiatives and sensitive communications

Preferred:

Experience supporting C-suite leaders; strong analytical, communication, and facilitation skills; experience with performance dashboards

Education and Experience

Minimum

Bachelor's Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) in related field of study and 3-5 years relevant experience

Preferred Master's degree in Arts/Sciences (MA/MS) in related field of study 5+ years relevant experience

Certification and Licensure

Preferred Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent

Physical Requirements:

• Kneel and move from sitting, bending, kneeling, or standing multiple times a day
• Climb up and down up to 3 flights of stairs at a time
• Lift, push, and pull up to 10 lbs

Additional Requirements

• Background check, including any program specific requirements

$80,000 - 90,000 / year

Pay Transparency

In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003 (820 ILCS 112/5, et seq.), Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago is required to provide the wages and benefits that it reasonably expects in good faith to offer for any specific job positions posted. Please note that the exact compensation package ultimately offered to an applicant may vary based on skills, experience, and location, amongst other permissible factors.

Locations

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Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and consideration for employment is made without regard to: race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Catholic Charites is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.

If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an email to [e-mail] or call 312-655-7127 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.