Senior Director of Youth & Fatherhood Program

Full-time, exempt position within Marillac St. Vincent Family Services, reporting to the Chief Program Officer. Customary hours are Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week.

About the Organization

Marillac St. Vincent Family Services strengthens and amplifies the voices of marginalized communities – in the Vincentian spirit of service – through education and programs tailored to foster thriving families and sustainable communities in Chicago.

Core Values

• Integrity - Acting with transparency, humility and honesty
• Excellence - Providing quality care with compassion
• Creativity - Being continuously resourceful and inventive
• Advocacy - Supporting the cause of those who lack resources for a reasonable quality of life
• Respect - Recognizing our own value and upholding the dignity and value of all people
• Empowerment - Providing skills and resources to achieve full human development

Team Behaviors

• Versatility – Understanding and appreciating different and opposing perspectives on an issue; adapting one’s approach as the requirements of the situation change; an eagerness for positive action; self-control; active listening.
• A collaborative work model – Cooperatively working and sharing responsibility; contributing to the group effort; realizing a sense of commitment and ownership in the success of the organization’s goals.
• Mutual accountability – Holds others accountable with their roles; provides and receives feedback and takes constructive action.
• Participant/customer advocate – Identifies opportunities to improve quality of services; presents oneself professionally.
• Protects confidentiality & privacy – Respects and protects information about all staff and participants.

About the Role

Responsible for the strategic leadership, oversight, and execution of youth programs within the organization. Oversee the implementation of programs and initiatives designed to ensure every participant has access to best-in-class learning experiences that prepare each for success in college, career, and civic life. In collaboration with the Chief Program Officer, design, implement, and evaluate programs that promote the holistic development of youth and strengthen father-child relationships, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission and goals. The Senior Director will collaborate with community partners and various stakeholders, manage a dynamic team, and foster an environment where young people and their fathers can thrive together.

Responsibilities

• Manage and supervise program staff, interns, and volunteers.
• Develop and implement a strategic plan for youth development and fatherhood engagement that aligns with the organization's mission and long-term objectives.
• Provide visionary leadership to the Youth Development Services and Fatherhood Engagement department, promoting a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with senior management to set goals, priorities, and performance metrics for youth and fatherhood programs.
• Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of comprehensive youth development and fatherhood engagement programs.
• Ensure programs are evidence-based, developmentally appropriate, and meet the diverse needs of youth and their fathers.
• Monitor program performance, outcomes, and impact, making data-informed adjustments to enhance effectiveness.
• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop staff and volunteers, fostering a positive work environment and promoting professional growth.
• Develop processes, tools, and techniques used to advance desired organizational outcomes and manage change effectively.
• Complete monthly, quarterly, and annual reports and other essential documents and correspondence as required by funding sources and Marillac St. Vincent Family Services.
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities, including grants, donations, and partnerships, to support youth and fatherhood programs.
• Collaborate with the Development team for fundraising opportunities to assist in the provision of funds to scale, operate, and maintain programming.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community partners, stakeholders, and funders to enhance program delivery and sustainability.
• Represent the organization at community events, meetings, and conferences to promote youth development and fatherhood engagement.
• Collaborate with other organizations and agencies to develop and implement joint initiatives and programs.
• Communicate relevant information and ensure information is cascaded to the proper channels within the team.
• Manage the financial resources of the program(s) to accomplish the program objectives within the established guidelines.
• Participate in the development and management of the program budget, including monitoring and approving program expenses.
• Ensure that operating expenses are well within the prescribed limits of the budget plans, fiscal guidelines, and funding requirements.
• Coordinate with marketing and communications department and managers for new and updated marketing materials.
• Participate in planning and evaluating functional activities, recruiting and training new staff, and supporting the professional development and growth opportunities of the team.
• Participate in hiring, performance reviews, leaves, promotions, salary changes, terminations, and documentation of all personnel actions.
• Ensure all programs comply with relevant regulations, standards, and best practices.
• Develop and implement quality assurance processes to monitor program fidelity, safety, and effectiveness.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records and documentation for all programs.
• Participate in annual program self-assessment.
• Participate in the community needs assessment process to determine program design options, needs, and opportunities.
• Adhere to all policies and procedures as outlined in the Marillac St. Vincent Family Services Employee Handbook.
• Ensure all youth programs comply with local, state, and federal regulations and organizational policies.
• Participate in supervision, coaching, and staff meetings as required by the department.
• Attend required professional development and trainings.
• Define employee roles and develop protocols to maintain process efficiencies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Education, Public Administration, Social Work, Family Studies, Human Services, Psychology, or related field from an accredited college or university with experience working in family services in a nonprofit social-services setting.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in youth development and/or family engagement, with at least 3 years in a senior management or leadership role.
• Proven track record of designing and implementing successful youth programs.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and written skills, with the ability to build relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Demonstrates effective interpersonal skills to establish and maintain rapport and professional relationships with co-workers, team members, and families enrolled in services.
• Ability to relate to a diverse population.
• Demonstrated expertise in program development, implementation, and evaluation.
• Financial management skills, including budgeting and resource allocation.
• Knowledge of relevant regulations, standards, and best practices in youth development and family engagement.
• Demonstrates ability to work effectively in a team-oriented, collaborative environment and builds positive relationships with participants, staff, various levels of management, community-based organizations, funders, and government agencies.
• Demonstrates effective conflict-resolution skills and makes effective decisions under pressure.
• Manage crisis situations in a calm and effective manner.
• Demonstrates the ability to work independently, with the ability to handle daily responsibilities and projects with minimal direct supervision.
• Demonstrates initiative, consistent follow-through, and the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrates intermediate computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook, videoconference software, and client electronic data systems.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Internal office space. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Screenings

• The applicant must submit to a criminal background check and adult abuse and neglect screening and maintain a cleared status throughout employment.
• The applicant must submit MMR, Tdap, and pass a TB and immunization health screen upon hire and update TB/physicals as required by the licensing standards.

Additional Requirements

• Extended work hours beyond 40 hours/week when necessary, including evenings, weekends, and for special events.
• Flexibility with schedule as requested.
• Overnight trips may be required periodically.