Programming Lead – The Commons

CCHI; Highland Park (IL); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commons at CCHI seeks a Programming Lead to create a fun, active community for up to 46 residents. You will plan and lead evening and weekend activities to help residents connect, try new things, build friendships, and enjoy their home and neighborhood.

The role is hands-on, requiring creativity, organization, energy, and strong people skills. You will turn ideas into programs and help the community grow with independence and belonging.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in human services, social work or related field.
• 3–6 years of experience with adults with disabilities or in community programs.
• Experience creating and managing programs, schedules, budgets, or events.
• Experience supervising staff or volunteers.
• Strong organizational and project-management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to connect with residents and partners.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as part of regular schedule.

Responsibilities

• Evening & Weekend Programming.
• Plan and lead a variety of evening and weekend activities based on resident interests.
• Create opportunities for residents to hang out, build friendships, and learn new skills.
• Develop programming from casual events to classes, dinners, arts, fitness, and special events.
• Coordinate with volunteers and partners to expand programming and manage logistics.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Project management

Creative thinker

Flexible/adaptable

Program planning

Community engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

Reports To: Executive Director
Position Type: Full-Time, On-Site (Evenings & Weekends)
Salary Range: $52,000-$60,000 annually; competitive rate based on experience

Position Summary

The Programming Lead is responsible for creating a fun, active, and welcoming community at The Commons. This person will plan and lead evening and weekend activities that give residents opportunities to connect, try new things, build friendships, and enjoy their home and neighborhood.

This is a hands-on role for someone who is creative, organized, energetic, and great with people. The right person will enjoy coming up with ideas, turning them into real programs, and figuring out what residents actually want to do. As The Commons grows to serve up to 46 residents, this person will help build a programming model that encourages independence, friendship, community involvement, and a true sense of belonging.

Key Responsibilities

• Evening & Weekend Programming
• Plan and lead a variety of evening and weekend activities based on resident and member interests.
• Create opportunities for residents to hang out, make friends, learn new skills, and try new experiences.
• Develop everything from casual game nights and movie nights to classes, dinners, arts, fitness, and special events.
• Ask residents what they want to do and continually bring new ideas to The Commons.
• Make sure activities are welcoming, accessible, and enjoyable for people with different interests and abilities.

Building Community

• Help residents feel comfortable getting involved, especially those who may be shy or hesitant to participate.
• Create low-pressure ways for people to meet, connect, and build friendships.
• Bring local businesses, organizations, volunteers, and community members into The Commons.
• Help create opportunities for residents to become part of the larger Highland Park/North Shore community.
• Work with volunteers to develop peer connections, social opportunities, and informal support networks.

Programming & Operations

• Build and maintain a consistent calendar of evening and weekend activities.
• Coordinate schedules, supplies, transportation, volunteers, and other logistics needed to make programs run smoothly.
• Help develop systems that can grow as the number of members increases.
• Track participation and gather feedback to understand what is working and what residents want next.
• Create and manage the programming budget and track expenses.
• Look for creative, affordable ways to expand programming through partnerships, volunteers, grants, and community resources.

Team & Family Collaboration

• Work closely with the Executive Director and other CCHI staff to coordinate programs and resident activities.
• Work with volunteers and community partners to expand what The Commons can offer.
• Maintain open and positive communication with families and service providers while keeping residents at the center of programming decisions.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in Human Services, Social Work, Community Development, Special Education, Recreational Therapy, or a related field.
• CTRS certification is a plus.
• 3-6 years of experience working with adults with disabilities, neurodivergent adults, community programs, recreation, or a related field.
• Experience creating and managing programs, schedules, budgets, or events.
• Experience supervising staff or volunteers.
• Strong organizational and project-management skills.
• Creative, flexible, and comfortable figuring things out as a program grows.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to connect with residents, families, volunteers, and community partners.
• A genuine interest in helping adults with disabilities build friendships, independence, and meaningful lives in their community.
• Comfortable working independently in a small, growing organization where things move quickly and no two days are exactly alike.
• Must be available to work evenings and weekends as part of the regular schedule at The Commons.