Director of Strategy & Programs Overview and History: For over 50 years, The Ark has been the only Chicago organization to provide human services to the Jewish community with a comprehensive, holistic approach. Our goal is to empower individuals on their path to self-reliance. Through the powerful, empathetic team who work closely with Jewish people facing financial, employment, medical and emotional challenges, we help our clients achieve a stronger future. The Ark has a new opportunity available for an innovative Director of Strategy & Programs. This role has significant growth potential in several areas. The chosen individual will be the point person for the organization’s strategic planning initiatives, implementation of newly developed programs and cross-functional integration. As a newly added leadership opportunity, this role demands experience in directing transformational initiatives, success in human services, program development, professional team management, and strategic planning/implementation. The ideal candidate will have an analytical approach, manage current programs and pivot seamlessly in managing additional programming. This position reports directly to the CEO.
Key Responsibilities:
• Develop and implement strategic plan, operational priorities, and serve as a leader in advancement of the mission
• Design and implement programs and delivery channels that best serve current and future clients
• Analyze core programs, determining impact, growth potential, and financial sustainability
• Identify opportunities to leverage cross-program strengths, pursue new initiatives and fulfill organizational priorities. Promote collaboration and professional growth
• Develop measurement processes and reporting mechanisms to ensure progress
• Develop and manage program team and budget supporting core services for economic stability
• Maintain/grow relationships with funders, community leaders and community partners
Qualifications & Skills: • 5+ years significant management/supervisory experience in social services areas and non-profit management preferably with an advanced degree in relevant field • Action-oriented, entrepreneurial, and motivational management style • Experience developing and implementing strategy • Ability to recognize incubation, acceleration and/or partnership opportunities aligning with priorities • Able to conceptualize frameworks, engage in collaborative processes, demonstrate critical thinking, and utilize data to inform decision making and program change • Demonstrated ability to be analytical and to build trusting partnerships with staff • Highly proficient in technology, including Microsoft Office and Salesforce • Strong written/verbal and communication with dynamic public speaking skills • Knowledge of Jewish customs and traditions
Benefits • Generous PTO, Federal and Jewish Holidays (no Saturday hours) • Hours: M-Th 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM F-9:00 AM-2 PM • Competitive salary • Excellent comprehensive benefits package
The Ark is an equal-opportunity employer.