Program Development Specialist

CJE SeniorLife; Evanston (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid vacation and sick time

Retirement plan

Professional development opportunities

Tuition reimbursement for eligible RN/

Job summary

CJE SeniorLife in Evanston, IL seeks a program development professional to lead cognitive programs at the Zoller/Kaplan Families Center for Cognitive Services. This full-time, on-site role develops, coordinates, and expands dementia and brain health initiatives for diverse communities.

You will partner with managerial staff to identify needs, build partnerships, create curricula and materials, and ensure engaging, person-centered programs and events for participants and caregivers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Experience in program development or community engagement.
• Knowledge of dementia, cognitive change, aging, or brain health.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and improve cognitive programs and initiatives.
• Coordinate scheduling, communications, materials, events, and follow-up.
• Engage with participants, care partners, and community organizations.
• Support administrative and research tasks to track timelines and outcomes.

Skills

Program development

Community engagement

Aging services

Dementia knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

At a Glance

• Compensation $50,000 to $55,000 per year.
• Employment status Full-time, salaried, exempt.
• Schedule Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
• Location Zoller/Kaplan Families Center for Cognitive Services, 1015 Howard St., Evanston, IL 60202.
• Work arrangement On-site.
• Travel None.
• Union status Union membership is optional.
• Application requirement Resume required; cover letter highly preferred.

About CJE SeniorLife

CJE SeniorLife is a leading provider of services for older adults, dedicated to enhancing quality of life through compassionate care, innovation, and community engagement. Guided by our mission to support older adults in living with dignity, purpose, and connection, we provide a comprehensive range of programs and services that meet the evolving needs of the communities we serve.

What You'll Do

• Program Development and Innovation
  • Supports the development, implementation, growth, and improvement of programs, including Take CHARGE, Culture Club, and initiatives related to early brain change, dementia, brain health, caregivers, education, and community engagement.
  • Works with the Manager of Cognitive Programs and Development and Director of Cognitive Services to identify needs, new programs, and partnership opportunities.
  • Develops program materials, curricula, resources, and tools, and supports expansion into new communities, settings, and audiences.
  • Gathers feedback and evaluation data to inform program development and continuous improvement.
• Program Coordination and Support
  • Coordinates scheduling, registration, communications, materials, logistics, events, and follow-up across Center programs.
  • Provides administrative and program support to Adult Day Services in partnership with the ADS Supervisor, including activities, events, materials, scheduling, communications, and special projects.
  • Facilitates groups, programs, and educational activities as appropriate and supports person-centered programming.
  • Helps maintain organized, accessible, engaging, and consistently delivered programs and identifies opportunities to improve processes and participant experience.
• Community Engagement and Outreach
  • Builds relationships with participants, care partners, community organizations, professionals, speakers, and other stakeholders.
  • Supports outreach, education, engagement, and community events related to dementia, brain health, cognitive change, and caregiver support.
  • Identifies and cultivates partnerships and opportunities for program growth.
• Organizational and Administrative Support
  • Supports the Manager of Cognitive Programs and Development in advancing initiatives from planning through implementation.
  • Maintains program resources, calendars, communications, and data, and tracks project timelines, follow-up, and next steps.
  • Assists with research, planning, communications, and program materials while proactively identifying gaps and opportunities for improvement.

What You'll Bring

• Required:
  • At least a bachelor's degree.
  • Experience in program development, community engagement, aging services, or a related field.
  • Knowledge of dementia, cognitive change, aging, and/or brain health.
• Preferred:
  • A degree in social work, gerontology, public health, education, communications, nonprofit management, or a related field.

Why This Role Matters

Thoughtfully developed programs help older adults experiencing cognitive changes remain engaged, connected, and supported while providing care partners with valuable education and resources. Your contributions will help ensure that programs remain responsive to participants' needs, reach new audiences, and provide meaningful experiences. By strengthening program quality, coordination, and community relationships, you'll help the Center for Cognitive Services expand its reach and better serve individuals and families navigating cognitive change.

Benefits and Support for Eligible Full-Time Employees

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Competitive pay
• Competitive pay with shift differentials
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Employer-provided life insurance, with optional spouse and dependent coverage
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Retirement plan
• Employee assistance program
• Employee purchase and health club discounts
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Tuition reimbursement for eligible nursing positions

Work Arrangement

This role is 100% on-site.

Equal Opportunity Employer

CJE SeniorLife is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

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