Senior Director of Youth Programming

LOCATION: Business Offices / 610 Academy Dr, Northbrook, IL

SUPERVISOR: Jennifer Phillips, Chief Executive Officer

WAGES: $100,000 - $120,000 annual salary

JOB STATUS: FT / Salary / Exempt

Join a one-of-a-kind organization that brings classroom experiences, camps, sports, social and vocational activities, and residential opportunities to 600 people with disabilities and special needs each year.  We are looking for a Senior Director that is passionate about service, dedicated to the mission, and ready to make an impact on the lives of all in our community!    

JOB SUMMARY: Reporting to the CEO, the Senior Director of Youth Programming will be responsible for the organizations high-level program strategy, planning, cross-functional integration between the program areas, resource allocation, and development of evaluation and learning tools and processes consistent with Keshets strategic framework and core values. The position will be a part of the leadership team that drives strategy for the organization and represents Keshet on a local, regional, and national basis. The Senior Director of Youth Programming will initially develop deep knowledge of each project, program operations, and business plan, and will focus on the following three areas: program leadership and management, strategic plan management, and knowledge management.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Leadership & Management

• Lead, coach, develop, and retain Keshets high-performance youth program management team for the therapeutic day schools and recreation/camp programs.
• Identify opportunities for Keshet Nonprofit to leverage cross-program strengths to take advantage of new opportunities and/or to address organizational challenges.
• Develop and implement training programs and retreats to expand the capacity of all staff.
• Foster a culture that promotes teamwork and professional growth while establishing clear performance standards.
• Attract, develop, coach, and retain high-performance team members, empowering them to elevate their level of responsibility, span of control, and performance.
• Work with staff to develop systems to ensure consistent, high-quality project management.
• Provide leadership in development of inter-team communication and cohesiveness, sustaining culture and supporting staff during organizational growth.
• Analytic and decisive decision maker with the ability to prioritize and communicate to staff key objectives and tactics necessary to achieve organizational goals.
• Unwavering commitment to quality programs and data-driven program evaluation.
• Coordinate the delivery of services among different program activities to increase effectiveness and efficiency.
• Monitor the program activities on a regular basis and conduct an annual evaluation according to the program evaluation framework.

General Management

• Serve on the organizations leadership team.
• Provide regular, timely and accurate information and reports for program planning and evaluation.
• Oversight of program budgets and adherence to fiscal goals.
• Execution of program growth and sustainability.
• Collaboration with the Senior Director of Adult Programming regarding integration, staff development, and strategic planning.
• Excellence in organizational management with the ability to coach senior-level staff to manage and develop high-performance teams and implement program strategies.
• Support and drive Keshets drive toward inclusion and immersion in the workplace, supporting a diverse and qualified staffing and program model.
• Identify and evaluate the risks associated with program activities and take appropriate action to mitigate the risks working with CEO, CFO, HR, Quality Assurance and any other relevant supervisory staff.

Community Role Model

• Maintain and grow community partnerships.
• Represent Keshet on external committees related to the special needs community.
• Represent Keshet as an expert in inclusion to the public and constituent agencies.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors Degree Required
• Master's Degree preferred
• Minimum four years of director level management required
• Be respectful and follow Jewish culture and guidelines set forth in the personnel manual.
• Adhere to Keshet policies and procedures outlined in the policy manual, Employee Handbook, and other employee policies.
• Expertise of special education, inclusion and disability best practices.
• Action-oriented, entrepreneurial, flexible, and innovative approach to operational management.
• Possess passion, humility, integrity, positive attitude, mission-driven, and ability to self-direct.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; a persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent public speaking skills.
• Knowledge and experience with information technology.
• A criminal and motor vehicle record which meets company standards.
• Must have a valid Drivers License and ability to transport.
• Must be up-to-date on COVID vaccination

ABOUT KESHET

From its core programs for children and adults with intellectual challenges in the Chicago area, to its international consulting work, Keshet serves over 1,000 individuals with disabilities and touches the lives of many more family members, peers, supporters, and other stakeholders around the globe. Keshets local leadership, comprised of nearly 100 lay leaders from all walks of life, provide the inspiration, direction, and funding required to fulfill the organizations mission: to do whatever is necessary to allow individuals with disabilities to achieve their potential.

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties may be assigned at any time by CEO. Keshet is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our employment practices are in accordance with the laws that prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of race, religion, color, gender, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veterans status, marital status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable law.