Director - Summit Community Programs

Catholic Charities; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago is seeking a Director of Summit Community Programs to provide strategic leadership for the Summit Community Center. You will oversee programs, partnerships, and services, ensuring compassionate delivery and measurable impact within the community.

This role leads a cross-functional team, builds external partnerships with local organizations and officials, and guides budgeting, staffing, and continuous improvement to expand reach and equity, while

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required with 3-5 years in partnership building, staff development, and operations.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams, managing budgets, and driving program impact.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to equitable, community-driven services and CCAC values.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for Summit Community Center programs and activities.
• Monitor program performance, volunteer engagement, and client outcomes to inform improvements.
• Cultivate partnerships with local organizations, faith leaders, and officials to expand access and impact.
• Collaborate across departments to align budgets, facilities, HR, and program goals.
• Lead and develop the Summit Community Programs team with clear goals and feedback.
• Develop staff capability through ongoing training, mentorship, and professional development.

Skills

Partnership building

Staff development

Operational management

Budget management

Communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS)

Master's degree

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.

Role Overview

The Director - Summit Community Programs provides strategic oversight and operational leadership for programs and partnerships at the Summit Community Center. 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. Lead a mission-aligned, inclusive, and community-centered operation that strengthens relationships, supports growth, and delivers meaningful outcomes for all who engage with the Center. Build and nurture strong community and external partnerships within the Summit community to expand engagement, collaboration, and impact.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for all Summit Community Center programs and activities. Oversee daily operations, ensuring high-quality service delivery, compliance with agency standards, and efficient coordination across functions. Partner with the Facilities team to maintain a safe, welcoming, and well-managed environment that supports the Center's mission and programming.
• Monitor program performance, volunteer engagement, and client outcomes to inform 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 and sustainability 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 CCAC in external forums and collaborate with the 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 Facilities, Human Resources, and program leaders to support smooth operations and alignment with CCAC's purpose and values.
• Lead and develop the Summit Community Programs team by setting clear goals and expectations, monitoring performance, and providing regular feedback and guidance. Inspire team excellence by modeling accountability, collaboration, and solution-oriented thinking, and ensure staff are supported, empowered, and high-performing while fostering a positive, purpose-driven culture.
• 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.

Essential Functions

• 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 25 lbs

Other Requirements

• Background check

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) 3-5 years relevant experience
• 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.

Preferred

• Master's degree 5+ years relevant experience
• Experience leading programs in a community center or multi-service environment.
• Familiarity with community engagement, outreach, and coalition-building strategies.

$70,000 - $80,000 / 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.