Director, Programming & Impact (Cubs Charities)
Chicago Cubs
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Qualifications
- 7–10+ years of proven success in program leadership.
- Track record of leading high-performing teams.
- Experience in program evaluation and community impact.
Responsibilities
- Drive strategy and innovation for community programs.
- Oversee sports-based youth development and education initiatives.
- Cultivate partnerships to maximize community engagement.
Skills
Education
Job description
Director, Programming & Impact
Cubs Charities
Chicago Cubs
Executive Director & Vice President, Cubs Charities
Chicago, IL
Exempt
$115,000 - $150,000 base salary USD and eligible for discretionary bonus plan
Our business is a team sport that began on a field with baseballs and bats and has evolved into one of the most recognizable brands in sports and entertainment through Cubs baseball and live events. Our success is driven by our people, who work to create and inspire change in an engaging, collaborative and inclusive environment. As a team, we continue to build a culture on and off the field that delivers unforgettable experiences for one another, our fans and community. In support of that effort, we expect associates to work primarily in our office. Are you ready to be part of it?
THE CHICAGO CUBS FRANCHISE The Chicago Cubs franchise, a charter member of Major League Baseball’s National League since 1876, has won the National League pennant 17 times and was the first team to win back-to-back World Series titles in the 1907 and 1908 seasons. In 2016, the Chicago Cubs made history again when the team won its first World Series in 108 years, ending the longest championship drought in North American sports. Known for its ivy-covered outfield walls, hand-operated scoreboard and famous Marquee, iconic Wrigley Field has been the home of the Chicago Cubs since 1916 and is the second oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball. In 2009, the Ricketts family assumed ownership of the Chicago Cubs and established three main goals for the organization: Win the World Series, Preserve and Improve Wrigley Field, and Be a Good Neighbor.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- On-site parking
- Paid time off: Personal, Sick, Vacation Time, Office Holidays & Winter Break
- Casual work attire environment
- Complimentary Meal & beverage plan
- Access to campus wide Wrigley Field events & pre-sales
- 401K Plan Employee Contribution & Employer Match
- 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
This job posting includes the anticipated compensation, which reflects the hourly rate or salary range the Chicago Cubs and its affiliates are considering for this role in the specified location(s) as of the posting date. Where anticipated compensation is a salary range, the actual base salary offered within that range will be reflective of the candidate’s skills and experience.
The Chicago Cubs and its affiliates embrace diversity and are committed to building a team that represents all communities. We hold ourselves accountable to include new and different voices in our organization. Everyone is welcome here, and we celebrate what makes each of us unique.
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