Vice President of Programs - Community Support Services
Role Summary
Vice President of Programs at Community Support Services (CSS) is sought to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the organization's diverse portfolio of services supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families.
Key Responsibilities
Provide strategic and operational oversight for all program areas, ensuring services are delivered effectively, consistently, and in alignment with organizational goals and participant needs.
Led program planning, implementation, and evaluation efforts, ensuring services remain person-centered, responsive, and positioned for long-term success.
Continuously assess service models, operational performance, and community needs to identify opportunities for improvement, innovation, and growth.
Ensure programs achieve established outcomes while maintaining a strong focus on quality, participant experience, and mission impact.
Lead, mentor, and develop a team of program directors and managers, providing coaching, guidance, and accountability to support strong performance and leadership growth.
Establish clear expectations, performance standards, and communication practices that foster collaboration, transparency, and operational excellence.
Address personnel and operational challenges proactively, making timely decisions and supporting leaders through complex situations.
Build a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and shared ownership across all program areas.
Oversee program budgets, contracts, and funding sources, ensuring resources are managed responsibly and aligned with organizational priorities.
Monitor program utilization, service delivery metrics, and contractual obligations to ensure performance expectations and funding requirements are met.
Partner with Finance and leadership to analyze operational and financial data, identify trends, and support informed decision-making.
Evaluate staffing structures, resource allocation, and operational processes to improve effectiveness, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.
Oversee organizational quality assurance initiatives, ensuring programs consistently meet regulatory, contractual, accreditation, and licensing requirements.
Monitor program performance, participant outcomes, and satisfaction metrics, utilizing data to drive decision-making and service enhancements.
Lead accreditation activities, program audits, incident reviews, and corrective action planning to support organizational excellence and compliance.
Ensure policies, procedures, and operational practices effectively protect participant rights, health, safety, and well-being.
Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with funders, community partners, government agencies, referral sources, and other key stakeholders.
Partner with organizational leadership to identify, evaluate, and implement opportunities for program expansion, increased utilization, and new service offerings.
Support outreach, advocacy, and community engagement efforts that strengthen CSS’s visibility, reputation, and impact throughout the region.
Serve as a strategic ambassador for the organization, advancing partnerships that support both mission achievement and organizational sustainability.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required; Advanced degree in human services, social work, psychology, public administration, nonprofit management, or a related field preferred.
LCSW, LCPC, or other relevant clinical credentials preferred.
Progressive leadership experience within human services, developmental disabilities, behavioral health, healthcare, or related mission-driven environments; experience serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families strongly preferred.
Strong understanding of program operations, regulatory compliance, quality standards, and service delivery within a publicly funded or highly regulated environment.
Location, Compensation and Benefits
The position is based in Brookfield, Illinois. Given the highly collaborative and people-centered nature of the role, the Vice President of Programs is expected to maintain a strong on-site presence, particularly during onboarding and relationship-building. A hybrid work arrangement may be available following a successful transition into the role and in alignment with organizational needs.
The salary range for this position is $100,000 to $120,000, commensurate with experience.
CSS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer-paid life and long-term disability insurance; a 403(b) retirement plan with employer match; generous paid time off, holidays, and personal days; an Employee Assistance Program (EAP); and additional voluntary benefit offerings.