Program Director, Yachad Chicago

This is an interim position due to medical leave, open to qualified candidates seeking either part-time or full-time employment.

About Us

Yachad, a division of The Orthodox Union, the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish organization, supports individuals with intellectual, developmental, and learning disabilities. Yachad helps these individuals participate more fully in Jewish life and the broader society by providing educational, employment, and relationship opportunities. The Orthodox Union (OU), founded in 1898, supports a network of synagogues, youth programs, Jewish and Religious Zionist advocacy programs, programs for the disabled, localized religious study programs, and international units. The OU also maintains a kosher certification service, whose circled U symbol is found on many kosher commercial and consumer food products.

About the Role

The Program Director will be part of the Yachad Chicago team and help shape the future of programs and services in Chicago. Working under the direction and support of the Regional Director, the Program Director will help build a structure that allows for excellent customer service for Yachad participants, their families, volunteers, and staff. The role focuses on delivering meaningful programs and services with a mindset of growth in participation, program offerings, and quality support for staff.

Responsibilities

• General Tasks:
  • Oversee and be responsible for new intakes
  • Engage community partners such as parents, participants, synagogues (shuls), schools, and partnering organizations
  • Work with the greater Chicagoland team on all collaborative projects
  • Support programmatic staff with their day-to-day needs
  • Provide a nurturing work environment where all staff, volunteers, and Yachad participants feel valued, appreciated, and acknowledged
• Overseeing Programming:
  • Plan, coordinate, and oversee all weeknight and weekend programs each week, ensuring engaging and inclusive activities
  • Manage attendance records, signups, and logistics for each program
  • Coordinate and recruit families and CILA’s to facilitate participation and address specific needs
  • Supervise staff responsible for running programs (program aides), providing support, training, guidance, and fostering a positive work environment
  • Ensure participants are actively engaged, delivering a high-quality experience
  • Attend at least two weeknight programs weekly for on-site supervision and support, more if necessary
  • Help facilitate relationships and engagements with local high schools and support club heads
• Shabbatons:
  • Participate in 6-10 Shabbatons or Shabbat day programs throughout the year
  • Serve as a resource for coordinators/program aides, assisting them in planning suitable activities for program participants
  • Ensure all pre- and post-Shabbat obligations are fulfilled
  • Act as the main point of contact for program-related matters, offering guidance and supervision to coordinators/program aides
• Financial Management:
  • Collect and manage invoices to ensure timely payments for events and series
  • Work with the regional director to address any payment-related inquiries from participants or their families

Requirements

• Strong commitment to the mission and values of Yachad
• Well-versed in Jewish values, beliefs, and the Chicago Jewish Community
• Experience in organizational management and staff support
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Able to work independently
• Strong organizational skills
• Experience in the disability community is preferred but not required

Pay

The salary range for this position is $4,500–$5,400 per month, commensurate with experience.