Director, Programs and Arts

Company Description

At KIPP Chicago, we are guided by a simple, yet powerful mission: Together with families and communities, we create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose—college, career, and beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world. Our campuses are located in the Austin, Englewood, North Lawndale, and West Humboldt Park neighborhoods. KIPP Chicago also advises over 2000 KIPP alumni currently in high school or college through our KIPP Forward program.   For more data and information about our successes and vision for the future, visit www.kippchicago.org

Job Description

Position Summary:

The Program Director is a vital leadership role responsible for the strategic oversight and successful implementation of KIPP Chicago’s afterschool, social justice, and all other programs under the Whole Child Initiative. This position directs the day-to-day operations of the assigned programs, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission, goals, and budget. The Program Director will lead a team of voluntary staff, manage program resources effectively, and cultivate strong relationships with partners and stakeholders. This role requires a highly organized, collaborative, and results-oriented individual with a passion for supporting the social and emotional development of students, parents, and teachers. This positions reports to: Vice President, Whole Child Initiative & Community Impact.

Key Responsibilities:

• Program Management & Implementation:

  • Oversee the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of assigned programs.

  • Ensure program activities are aligned with the organization's strategic goals and mission.

  • Develop and manage program budgets, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources.

  • Lead student recruitment for program participation

  • Monitor program performance against established metrics, track progress, and identify areas for improvement.

  • Develop and implement program policies and procedures to ensure efficient and effective operations.

  • Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, policies, and standards.

• Team Leadership & Development:

  • Supervise, mentor, and coach assigned program staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment.

  • Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing feedback and professional development around assigned programs.

  • Recruit, train, and onboard assigned program staff.

  • Foster a culture of collaboration, teamwork, and continuous improvement within the program team.

• Partnership & Collaboration:

  • Build and maintain strong relationships with community partners, stakeholders, and funders.

  • Represent the organization at community events and meetings.

  • Collaborate with other organizations to leverage resources and maximize impact.

  • Identify and pursue opportunities for program expansion and collaboration.

• Fundraising & Grant Management:

  • Assist with grant writing and reporting, providing program information and data to support funding proposals.

  • Manage grant funding in accordance with funder approved budgets, ensuring accurate and efficient spending

  • Lead vouchering efforts in collaboration with the finance and development teams as necessary

  • Develop and maintain relationships with funders.

  • Ensure accurate and timely reporting to funders.

• Data Management & Reporting:

  • Collect, analyze, and report on program data to track progress, identify trends, and demonstrate impact.

  • Use data to inform program improvements and strategic 

  • decision-making.

  • Prepare regular reports for the Executive Director and Board of Directors.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in education, non-profit management or related field

• 2-5 years of experience in program management within a non-profit or related setting.

• Proven track record of successfully managing and implementing complex programs.

• Strong leadership and supervisory skills, with experience managing and motivating a team.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.

• Strong financial management skills, including