Vice President of Programs

CEDA Chicago, Illinois
team management community leadership evaluation directors training cxo judgment community action data growth travel
November 25, 2022
CEDA
Chicago, Illinois
FULL_TIME

Summary/Objective

Under the direction of the CXO/CPO, the VP of Programs will be responsible for managing the day-to-day programmatic operations of CEDA's grant-funded programs. This position will ensure seamless Program team management and development, program delivery, quality control and evaluation. In this newly established role, the VP of Programs will manage the operational plan to meet the strategic planning initiatives formed from CEDA's Community Needs Assessment/Strategic Plan. The VP of Programs will be part of the organizational leadership team and will contribute to CEDA's change management strategies. This position routinely handles highly sensitive and/or confidential information and will represent CEDA in a variety of capacities. Must demonstrate good, independent judgment, an ability to be approachable and professional, solid problem-solving skills, an ability to handle multiple tasks, an ability to be self-motivated and well organized, and maintain strict confidentiality.

Essential Functions

  • Maintains up to date knowledge of Community Action Network and regulatory standards and guidelines regarding program performance management and communicates standards to agency leadership and program groups. Serves as a subject matter expert for program-related issues and works closely with Program Directors to ensure compliance with grant funding rules and regulations.
  • Oversees evaluation activities including data collection systems, relating to program evaluation and measurement; communicates and prepares data collection summary reports and evaluation updates for the CXO, CEO and board of directors.
  • Assists in the hiring of new programmatic Directors; conducts yearly performance evaluations of Program Directors and implements the appropriate professional development tools and training to maximize operational effectiveness to ensure the achievement of employee goals and performance benchmarks.
  • Assists the CXO in setting standards for accountability and measurements of success.
  • Provide leadership in development of inter-team communications, sustaining a positive culture and supporting staff during organizational growth.
  • Works with CXo and VP of People and Culture to develop objective performance measurements across all programs, and to ensure consistent, high-quality evaluation and goal setting for all employees.
  • Collaborates with VP of HR on professional development initiatives to address employee experience and skill gaps.
  • Works closely with Chief Financial Officer and Grant Accounting Department on fiscal grant compliance and grant budget related issues.
  • Assists with the development and implementation of inclusive process for feedback, alignment with strategic direction, values and culture growth.
  • Serves as a senior member of the Leadership team in the development of agency planning, management, policies, and procedures, as required.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Program Leadership and Management: This individual will have taken a hands-on approach in leading a variety of initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a track record of effectively leading a performance-based and outcome-based program and staff. They will have developed and operationalized strategies that have taken a program or organization to the next stage of growth.
  • Team Building and Development: This individual will have recruited, managed, and developed a strong team of staff, program/project managers,. This individual will serve as a player/coach to motivate and mentor his/her team.
  • Exceptional Communication and Influencing Skills: As a voice/advocate the Chief Program Officer will have strong written and verbal communication skills. She/he will be a persuasive, credible, and polished communicator with excellent interpersonal and multidisciplinary project skills. This individual must work collaboratively with internal as well as external partners and other organizations, providing exposure for program impact in a variety of professional journals and other media outlets.
  • Ability to calculate basic mathematical functions of addition, subtractions, multiplication, division, calculating decimals and percentages, fractions and ratios; ability to measure data and use descriptive statistics.
  • Ability to comprehend a variety of references and manuals including Performance Standards, OMB Guidelines, program manuals, county maps, funder regulations and guidelines, training guides, policies, etc.
  • Ability to respond competently and positively to the culture, traditions, lifestyles, language and values of each individual, family, and community.
  • Ability to maintain the integrity of confidential employment, client and business information.
  • Ability to use independent judgment and principals of rational systems in the performance of tasks.
  • Ability to maintain personal composure, tactfully handle difficult situations, and interpret questions correctly; ability to behave in a friendly, understanding, helpful, and professional manner with board, funders, leadership, clients and program staff.
  • Ability to make informative and persuasive presentations, self-direct, work without supervision, function in high stress situations, provide instruction/training, direct, inspect, and organize.
  • Specific knowledge of completing budgets.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams, etc.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position manages Program Directors and other administrative positions.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee works mostly in an office environment that is quiet to moderately loud, depending on the work area. Some local, county, or state travel may be required, including overnight stays. Employee is required to sit, use hands, stand, stoop, walk, talk, and listen while performing duties. General office equipment including personal computers, scanners, copiers, faxes, desk- and smartphones, and software programs.

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.


While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 20 pounds. Requires normal range of hearing/vision.


Position Type/Expected Hours of Work/Travel

It is an administrative support level position requiring the exercise of discretion and independent judgment and is required to work a full-time work week, as designated by the CEDA Employee Handbook, with periodic longer hours, including potential evenings, weekends, and odd hours. Occasional travel of distance may be required. Must possess and maintain an applicable Illinois Driver License, clean driving record, and Auto Insurance that meets the State requirement.

Required Education and Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in Management, Business Administration, Human Services, Public Policy, Finance, or related field
  • At least7 years' relevant work experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training, experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.


Preferred Eligibility Qualifications

  • Master's degree highly preferred.
  • Experience working in a community action agency (CAA) and Certified Community Action Professional (CCAP) designation, a plus.
  • ROMA experience or certification a plus.
  • Experience working with Community Service Block Grant funding a plus.


AAP/EEO Statement

CEDA provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, CEDA complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

CEDA expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of CEDA's employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.


ADA Statement

The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described 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.


Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.


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