Program Development Specialist

CJE SeniorLife Brand; Evanston (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid vacation and sick time

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Employee assistance program

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

CJE SeniorLife in Evanston, IL, is seeking a dedicated associate to develop, coordinate, and expand cognitive services programs. You will collaborate with program managers to design curricula, deliver community education, and cultivate partnerships across the aging and brain-health spectrum.

The role emphasizes hands-on program management, participant engagement, and data-driven improvements to ensure inclusive, person-centered experiences for older adults and caregivers alike.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Develop and improve cognitive programs and materials.
• Coordinate scheduling, communications, and events for Center programs.
• Engage community partners and caregivers to grow program reach.
• Support research, planning, and data collection for program evaluation.

Skills

Bachelor's degree

Program development

Community engagement

Aging services

Brain health knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Preferred: Social work / Gerontology / Public health / Education / Communications

Job description

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
• 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.

#CJESL11

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.