What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director - Program Operations position at Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago?
Director, Program Operations
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.
Job Summary
The Director, Program Operations serves as a strategic operations leader for the Chief Program Officer, driving program performance through data analysis, operational improvement initiatives, risk management, and cross-functional collaboration across the organization.
Role Responsibilities:
* Build a clear, consistent view of program performance across the portfolio. Lead regular reviews, analyze program, operational, and financial data, and brief the CPO on key trends, risks, and opportunities.
* Lead priority operating initiatives that improve program effectiveness. Partner with Program and Mission Support (Finance, Technology, Legal, People & Culture, Facilities) leaders to strengthen workflows, tools, quality assurance practices, and shared ways of working.
* Support program leaders with coaching, troubleshooting, and practical resources. Develop common templates, playbooks, and onboarding supports so leaders and teams can operate more consistently and efficiently.
* Surface issues early and support timely problem-solving. Escalate operational, compliance, and reputational risks, and help coordinate crisis response and follow-up when needed.
* Advance CPO priorities across the program portfolio. Represent the CPO as needed, coordinate follow-through on decisions, and strengthen alignment across program leadership and cross-functional teams.
Team Member Responsibilities:
* Exhibit alignment with the team's clear goals that are mission-focused, grounded in Catholic Charities history,
and tied to action.
* Contribute to a joy-filled culture built upon respect and inclusion, team pride, and community spirit.
* Collaborate effectively to support excellent process, accountability, and constructive conflict.
* Demonstrate a commitment to growth through learning, forgiveness, and reflection.
Living Our Values:
* Courageous Compassion: Welcome and serve all with an open heart, empathic listening, and a commitment to
radical hospitality.
* Solidarity: Embrace shared humanity by celebrating and giving voice to our differences and choosing the path of
collaboration and inclusion.
* Faith-filled Hope and Joy: Uplift each other in times of darkness and celebrate together in times of light, leaning
in with humility, humor, and hope.
* Meaningful and Measurable Impact: Meet human need with love, balance immediate action with lasting change,
and act with accountability through dialogue, analyses, and reflection.
Qualifications and Skills
Minimum
Strong project management and strategic planning skills; ability to manage cross-functional initiatives and sensitive communications
Preferred:
Experience supporting C-suite leaders; strong analytical, communication, and facilitation skills;
experience with performance dashboards
Education and Experience
Minimum
Bachelor's Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) in related field of study and 3-5 years relevant experience
Preferred Master's degree in Arts/Sciences (MA/MS) in related field of study 5 years relevant experience
Certification and Licensure
Preferred Project Management Professional (PMP) or
equivalent
Physical Requirements:
X Kneel and move from sitting, bending, kneeling, or standing multiple times a day
X Climb up and down up to 3 flights of stairs at a time
X Lift, push, and pull up to 10 lbs
Additional Requirements
X Background check, including any program specific requirements
X May require Evening/Weekend hours