What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director - Summit Community Programs position at Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago?
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.
PLEASE NOTE: Essential functions include all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
- 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: Comply with program and/or requirements related to:
- Background check
Education and Experience Requirements:
Minimum
- 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.