Program Director

Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid)

Salary: $95,000–$115,000

Experience: 5 years

Travel: Approximately 15–20%, including domestic and international travel

Schedule: Occasional evenings and weekends for programming and events

This role is ideal for someone who:

• Enjoys building systems, processes, and programs from the ground up
• Is energized by turning abstract ideas into clear strategies, actionable plans, and sustainable systems
• Demonstrates initiative by proactively identifying opportunities and solving problems
• Is equally comfortable thinking strategically and executing day-to-day operational responsibilities with care and attention to detail
• Thrives in an entrepreneurial environment with evolving priorities and a collaborative, hands-on culture
• Thinks critically and creatively, approaches decisions with curiosity, seeks out diverse perspectives, and serves as an active thought partner
• Builds authentic relationships with young people, partners, and stakeholders through empathy, professionalism, and strong communication
• Takes ownership, consistently follows through on commitments, and demonstrates a high level of accountability

Background

Virgil Abloh fundamentally reshaped how we see creativity and the world around us. As a multi-hyphenate visionary, he transformed industries, built category-creating brands, and advanced equity, collaboration, and inclusivity across disciplines. He was an artist, architect, engineer, designer, musician, DJ, philanthropist, creative director, artistic director, and advocate. Virgil was a prolific collaborator and a popular fashion theorist whose expansive and innovative approach to design inspired culture and the creative world as we knew it.

As a creative that practiced across a multitude of disciplines, Virgil always believed that the most significant impact could be made through inclusivity and community building, instilling a methodology of bringing together a variety of individuals and organizations from different spaces and inspiring collaboration. He also believed deeply in the power of artistic expression through creative practice to inspire future generations. His commitment to open doors has served as a model for many who remain inspired by his motto “Everything I do is for the 17-year-old version of myself.”

The Virgil Abloh Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that serves as the philanthropic arm of Virgil Abloh Securities, the creative company that upholds the far-reaching practice, teachings and ethos of the late creative visionary, Virgil Abloh. Virgil and his wife Shannon believed sincerely in the power of creativity to inspire future generations and in the adaptability of the creative industry to foster change. 

To continue this work, the Virgil Abloh Foundation was created with a strategic mission to open doors, break barriers, and build a more equitable and inclusive industry for underrepresented youth and cultural leaders in pursuit of a limitless creative future.

The Virgil Abloh Foundation is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Program Director to join its growing team. Reporting to the VP of Program Strategy & Impact, this foundational role will help operationalize and deliver the Foundation’s evolving portfolio of programs and partnerships, ensuring high-quality execution, meaningful participant experiences and strong community engagement. 

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Execution 

• Serve as the day-to-day lead for the Foundation’s evolving portfolio of program initiatives, including the flagship ABLOH AIR program, Creator Series experiences, Open Access programming, strategic partnerships and emerging initiatives, managing timelines, logistics, execution, and cross-functional coordination across the multiple program formats and experiences

• Translate program strategy and vision into clear plans, timelines, and priorities across core programs, pilots, and special initiatives, in close collaboration with the VP of Program Strategy & Impact, Chief Creative Officer and external partners

• Work closely with VP of Program Strategy & Impact and Chief Creative Officer as part of a small, nimble internal team to deliver high-quality programming

• Serve as the primary point of escalation for program-related issues, exercising sound judgment and keeping the VP informed of key decisions and risks

• Recruit, onboard, manage, and mentor a Program Associate, providing day-to-day guidance, support, and professional development

Program Operations, Systems Building & Community Engagement: ABLOH AIR Program

• Support planning and execution of monthly in-person program events, workshops and activations 

• Own and coordinate 1:1 mentorship logistics across an ecosystem of mentors, including matching, scheduling, communication, and issue resolution and ongoing engagement efforts that foster mentor support, belonging, and accountability

• Support planning and execution of the international program trip, including logistics, participant prep, vendor & staff coordination, chaperone recruitment & training, and on-site support

• Support students throughout the capstone project process, helping them develop ideas, stay on track, coordinate project needs, and prepare for final presentation and showcase

• Establish and reinforce program expectations while tracking participant attendance, engagement, and accountability, proactively addressing challenges and supporting students in meeting their commitments throughout the program.

• Maintain close relationships with program participants, alumni, parents/guardians, and mentors—serving as a trusted point of contact throughout the year

• Support the growth and engagement of the ABLOH AIR alumni network by maintaining ongoing relationships with alumni and creating meaningful opportunities for continued engagement, leadership, mentorship, and community participation.

Program Operations, Systems Building & Community Engagement: General

• Co-design and lead additional program initiatives, community activations and special projects that advance the Foundation’s mission and deepen engagement with alumni, young creatives and broader partner communities

• Support the planning and execution of new pilots, programs and partnerships to support the Foundation’s ambitions to continuously grow scale.

• Research industry trends and data to influence and inform program builds

• Leverage personal and professional networks in Chicago to identify collaborators, venues, mentors, and partner organizations

Fundraising & Financial Management 

• Support and collaborate with leadership team and external partners on development tasks related to grants, donor relations, and reporting tied to the programmatic fundraising strategy and execution 

• Track and manage program budgets to ensure appropriate allocations and targets are upheld.  

• Liaise with the VAF Finance team to ensure accurate and timely reporting and vendor payments.

Systems & Operations

• Contribute to shaping workflows, systems, and role definitions that will support the delivery of multiple concurrent program initiatives and future internal team growth

• Partner with external consultants to ensure clear workflows, handoffs, and accountability across program operations and delivery

• Oversee tracking of program milestones, deliverables, budgets, participant engagement, and operational needs across programs, proactively flagging risks and driving solutions in real time

• Serve as a primary on-the-ground presence in Chicago, supporting program events, activations, community engagement, and relationship-building efforts as needed. 

• Operate effectively in a fast-moving, evolving environment by proactively identifying needs, improving workflows, and helping drive strong execution across evolving program initiatives.

• Approach challenges with curiosity, initiative, adaptability, and a solutions-oriented mindset, demonstrating a willingness to learn, evolve, and grow alongside the Foundation

Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning

• Partner with the VP of Program Strategy & Impact and external evaluation consultants to support data collection, feedback loops, and learning activities tied to multiple program initiatives

• Ensure timely and accurate collection of participant attendance, engagement data, and qualitative feedback to inform evaluation efforts across programs

• Surface on-the-ground insights, trends, and observations from program delivery to inform program iteration, new initiative design, and continuous improvement

• Support the preparation of internal summaries, reflections, and inputs that contribute to broader impact reporting and storytelling

Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Work closely with the VP of Program Strategy & Impact to continuously improve program structure, flow, and participant experience

• Effectively communicates and represents the Foundation professionally with external partners, participants, families and collaborators

• Contributes to and fluently speaks to program storytelling.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or demonstrated equivalent experience through 5 years of professional work in nonprofit programming, youth education, or creative industries
• Experience in grant writing, nonprofit finance, Salesforce/database management, Adobe Creative Cloud
• Lived experience in mentorship, youth development, arts education, creative industries
• Entrepreneurial and adaptable
• Thrives in a fast-moving, early-stage environment where your role will evolve alongside the organization's growth