Director - Summit Community Programs

Director - Summit Community Programs

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. 

Position Summary

Provide 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.

Key Responsibilities

Core operational 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.

Role growth, performance, and outreach goals
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.

External relationship responsibilities
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.

Internal, cross-functional collaboration responsibilities
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.

Team leadership responsibilities
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.

People development responsibilities
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.

Team Structure 

- Case Manager

- Pantry Manager + Associates

- Program Associate

Minimum Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in human services, nonprofit management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in community program leadership, social services, or nonprofit operations.

Preferred Education & Experience

• Master's degree in nonprofit management, social work, public administration, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in community program leadership, social services, or nonprofit operations.

Minimum Qualifications & Skills

• 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 Qualifications & Skills

• Experience leading programs in a community center or multi-service environment.
• Familiarity with community engagement, outreach, and coalition-building strategies.

Minimum Certifications & Licensures

N/A

Physical Requirements

• 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 25lbs

Screening Requirements

• Background Check