Director, Program Initiatives

Title: Director, Program Initiatives

Location: Various locations throughout the Chicago area

Schedule: On-Site Monday to Friday (8:30am-5:00pm) Weekends and evenings as needed

Summary:

Lead with Purpose and Drive Lasting Impact

The Director, Program Initiatives plays a vital leadership role within the SAFEty program, providing strategic direction, operational stability, and forward-thinking guidance that strengthens Heartland Human Care Services' (HHCS) Youth Residential Services (YRS). This position is ideal for a mission-driven leader who thrives on solving complex challenges and helping teams grow through structure, accountability, and compassion.

As a trusted advisor and servant-leader, the Director supports Program and Assistant Directors across multiple residential sites to ensure operational excellence, compliance, and consistency in service delivery. You'll champion best practices, guide teams through change, and build systems that empower staff to focus on what matters most—delivering exceptional care to youth in our programs.

This senior leadership role also contributes to strategic decision-making, working closely with executive leadership to align operational performance with HHCS's broader mission and funder expectations.

The Director, Program Initiatives leverages expertise and leadership to promote the mission and vision of Heartland Human Care Services while supporting a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Why Join Us?

• Make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals seeking education and career pathways.
• Collaborate with a diverse and passionate team dedicated to the mission and vision of our organization.
• Providing flexibility and work-life balance.
• Participate in professional development opportunities to enhance your skills and expertise.

Our Benefits:

• Medical insurance. BCBS PPO, EPO, and HSA Plans
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• 401(k) 3% Employer Contribution.
• Paid maternity leave.
• Paid paternity leave.
• Commuter benefits.
• Professional Development Assistance.
• Disability insurance
• FSA Spending Account
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Special Vendor Discounted Offerings on Travel, Amusement Parks,etc.

Essential Functions:

Duties & Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Support

• Serves as a cross-functional operational leader, supporting site teams in staffing, scheduling, compliance, and documentation.
• Acts as a liaison between site leadership and central departments (e.g., HR, Training, Compliance, Facilities).
• Supports implementation of new initiatives, policies, and procedures through coaching, modeling, and hands-on assistance.
• Identifies operational gaps and recommend practical solutions that improve consistency and efficiency.
• Maintains a visible presence across all sites, rotating regularly to observe, support, and troubleshoot.
• Responds to crises and urgent operational needs as part of the on-call rotation.

Strategic Planning & Collaboration

• Participates in strategic planning and contribute to short- and long-term goals for the YRS portfolio.
• Collaborates with department leadership and external stakeholders to inform and implement strategic decisions.
• Assists with contract compliance, reporting, and communications with funders and regulatory bodies.

Supervisory Responsibilities (if applicable):

Supervision & Coaching

• Direct supervision of Program Specialists
• Indirect support and coaching of Program Directors and Assistant Directors

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field required; master's degree preferred
• Minimum five (5) years of experience in operations, program management, or residential services
• Experience working in trauma-informed, youth-serving environments preferred
• Familiarity with ORR, DCFS, and other regulatory frameworks a plus

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (K/S/A):

• Servant leadership mindset: humble, supportive, and team oriented
• Operational agility: able to pivot between tasks, sites, and priorities
• Systems thinker sees connections across departments and functions
• Change agent: comfortable with ambiguity and committed to improvement
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; able to build trust and influence without authority
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and organizational platforms
• Ability to work independently and remain self-motivated with minimal direct supervision
• Strategic thought partnership and consultancy skills
• Ability and comfortability working with people of varying socioeconomic backgrounds

Work Arrangement:

This is an in-person role with regular rotation across all residential sites. Flexibility required to support 24/7 operations and respond to emergent needs.

Work Environment:

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Each program site operates on a 24/7 basis, 365 days per year.
• Employees are required to be flexible in scheduling and work location.
• Program sites are located throughout the Chicago area, including the North and South sides and suburbs.

Physical Demands:

• Regularly required to talk, hear, sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, and/or crawl
• Use hands to key, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
• Must have unrestricted ability to provide physical restraint
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

HHCS is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. HHCS is committed to providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment. Consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, HHCS prohibits discrimination or harassment against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression), national origin, citizenship, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy applies to all employment practices, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, training, discipline, and termination. HHCS also provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs, as required by law.