DIRECTOR OF LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS

The Chicago Urban League (CUL) works for economic, educational and social progress for African Americans and promotes strong, sustainable communities through advocacy, collaboration and innovation. The organization is an affiliate of the National Urban League, the nation’s oldest and largest community-based movement devoted to empowering African Americans to enter the economic and social mainstream. Founded in 1916 by an interracial group of community leaders, the Urban League was formed to help rural African Americans migrating from the south adjust to northern urban living. As one of the major civil rights organizations in Chicago, and one of the 98 affiliates of the National Urban League, the CUL is committed to supporting and advocating for economic, educational, and social equality for African Americans.

The Director of Leadership Programs will play a critical role in stewarding and executing on the missions of the IMPACT Leadership Development and IGNITE programs. The mission of the IMPACT Leadership Development Program is to create a pipeline of Informed, Motivated, Perceptive, Authentic, and Connected Talent who will form the next generation of Chicago leaders available to fill critical roles in the business, public and non-profit sectors. During the nine-month program, Fellows participate in a number of educational modules from the Chicago Urban League focused on current issues and African American history and politics in Chicago. The University of Chicago Booth School of Business provides content on a number of leadership topics that include negotiations, power and influence in organizations, and leadership effectiveness.

This role will also provide strategic support to the IGNITE program housed within the Golub Capital Social Impact Lab at the University of Chicago’s Rustandy Center. Held in monthly sessions over nine months as well, IGNITE, combines world-class business education, coaching, peer mentorship, networking, and consulting assistance to equip the executive leadership teams of organizations with tools to expand their impact on Chicago’s Black community.

REPORTS TO: Executive Director of IMPACT/Senior Vice President of Leadership Programming & Philanthropy

DEPARTMENT: IMPACT Leadership Development Program

ROLE:

The Director of Leadership Programs plays a pivotal support role to the Executive Director of the IMPACT Leadership Development Program/SVP of Leadership Programming and Philanthropy. The role is responsible for overseeing the execution of all leadership development initiatives alongside the Manager of Leadership Programs. This position requires a seasoned professional with a background in program management, community engagement, and fund development. The ideal candidate should possess strong leadership and project management skills, and have the ability to work dynamically in a fast-paced environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

PROGRAM EXECUTION (30%)

• Support the Executive Director and Manager of Leadership Programs during all classroom modules and supplemental program events and activities.
• Perform various administrative and operational tasks including, but not limited to:

• • Preparing and sending written correspondence to fellows, event speakers, and other program constituents.
  • Creating, proofreading and editing written materials.
  • Ensuring error-free, consistent data entries into a CRM management tool. o Support setup and coordination of event logistics with external vendors as required for IMPACT and IGNITE.
  • Lead the development and maintenance of project plans to ensure timely execution of program activities and milestones.

• Proactively identify opportunities for program improvement and innovation based on industry best practices and participant needs.
• Identify potential project risks and develop mitigation strategies to minimize impact on program outcomes.
• Establish and maintain quality control measures to ensure that all program deliverables meet the organization’s standards and objectives.
• Continuously seek out and implement innovative event planning practices to enhance the effectiveness and appeal of the leadership development program.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT (30%)

• Supervise day-to-day operations of the IMPACT and IGNITE programs, including scheduling, logistics, and participant communication.
• Manage all logistical aspects of event planning, including venue selection, staffing, catering, transportation, and accommodation arrangements for IMPACT efforts.
  

INNOVATION & INFRASTRUCTURE (20%)

• Identify local and national fundraising prospects for leadership programming support.
• Collaborate with the research and evaluation team to assess program outcomes and identify areas for improvement and innovation.
• Manage and provide quality control for the IAA fellow portal system, with support from CUL staff.
• Track and enter pertinent data into the CUL CRM system.
• Collaborate with the development team to secure funding and resources for program sustainability and expansion, including grant writing, donor cultivation, and sponsorship opportunities.
  

STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT (10%)

• Maintain a timely and consistent program newsletter focused on the accomplishments of IMPACT cohort Fellows.
• Identify and analyze key stakeholders, understanding their needs and expectations to align program objectives accordingly.
• Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with program alumni, volunteers, and supporters.
• Serve as main point of CUL contact for the IGNITE program.
• Collaborate with internal departments, including finance, human resources, and
  communications, to ensure alignment and integration of program activities.
• Serve as a mentor and coach to program staff, fostering their professional development and growth within the organization.

MARKETING (10%)

• Update and perform quality control on IMPACT webpages and social media as necessary. This includes:
  • Ensuring that webpages conform stylistically to best practices.
  • Managing all multimedia on the IMPACT webpages and social media in collaboration with the External Affairs department.

• Lead the effort to implement marketing campaigns, including digital, print, and social media, to promote leadership program offerings and attract participants.
• Lead the effort to create compelling content, including brochures, newsletters, and case studies, to effectively communicate the program’s value proposition to potential participants and stakeholders.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• This position requires a bachelor’s degree with a preference for a master’s degree in a relevant field of study. We are open to various disciplines that align with the responsibilities and goals of this position.
• Minimum of five years’ experience in program management, community development, or related roles.
• At least three years of supervisory experience.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to develop and execute
  strategic plans, manage budgets, and oversee multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Candidate will possess the ability to easily comprehend knowledge of Chicago Urban League policies and procedures and effectively apply such knowledge to the day-to-day fulfillment of his/her responsibilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and customer focus when dealing with program participants, mentors, executive guests and Booth faculty and staff.
• Have a demonstrated record of strong problem-solving skills, be resourceful and work independently towards goals with minimal supervision.
• Must be able to attend all in-person leadership programming modules and social events as required during the weekday and weekends.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

TO APPLY, SEND A COVER LETTER AND RESUME TO CAREERS@CHIUL.ORG