Director Programs

Company: Archdiocese of Chicago
Location: Chicago
Posted on: June 1, 2025

Job Description:

The Archdiocese of Chicago, the third largest in the United States, serves more than 2.2 million Catholics in 216 parishes in Cook County and Lake County, a geographic area of 1,411 square miles. The archdiocese, pastored by Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, has more than 13,000 employees in its systems and ministries, including Catholic Charities, the region's largest nonprofit social service agency. The archdiocese also has one of the country's largest seminaries. The archdiocese's 154 elementary and secondary schools comprise one of the largest U.S. private school systems. Its schools have received 96 U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Awards.Position Summary
Leads a number of strategic programs with significant mission, operating and financial impact on the operations of the Archdiocese of Chicago. Typically works with functional teams and subject matter experts to bring a broad organizational perspective to programs and projects. Executes operating plans and tactics to attain short- and long-term mission-critical and financial operational goals. Evaluates and optimizes current and proposed operational systems and procedures to improve impact, gain efficiencies and minimize risk.ResponsibilitiesFor assigned initiatives, responsibilities include the following:

• Leads the assessment of options and the development of go-forward recommendations for initiatives, including obtaining input and ongoing buy-in from relevant stakeholders
• Quantifies financial impact and cost
• Assesses implementation requirements and develops actionable implementation plans
• Oversees and manages project plans, including leading project teams and developing processes for good team dynamics
• Coordinates with subject matter experts and other leaders as required; identifies and resolves issues related to broader organizational requirements or impact
• Develops supporting tools and processes
• Evaluates program results and impactExample efforts could include the following:
  • Provide operational leadership to renewal team efforts
    o Oversee project management for "Explore" efforts
    o Assist co-implementation efforts with supporting processes and tools
    o Oversee data implementation, tracking and analysis efforts
  • Develop and lead improvement plans for agencies / units experiencing financial difficulty
  • Lead evaluation and implementation of systems initiatives impacting multiple departments
  • Establish new entities to accomplish important archdiocesan objectives (e.g., SGO for tax credit scholarships)Requirements
    • 10+ years of experience in finance, business operations and program management, with at least 5 years at an executive or senior leadership level.
    • Undergraduate degree with a preference for an MBA or advanced degrees in accounting, finance or business.
    • Strong strategic thinking and ability to synthesize data and information into key themes, implications and recommended actions.
    • Experience envisioning and delivering transformational changes for operations and organizations. Comfortable with high change environments and turnaround environments.
    • Strong leadership and initiative-taking ability to assume independence and suggest opportunities for continual improvement
    • Strong ability to set priorities in a complex environment and manage resources to meet priority goals and objectives.
    • Strong people leader and record of building strong teams.
    • Experience in large organizations with strong record of cross-functional consensus- building and coordination.
    • Experience implementing business systems and ERP technologies
    • Strong detail orientation and willingness to engage in detail as necessary, without sacrificing the overall perspective.
    • Demonstrated high integrity and ethics in all operations and responsibilities
    • Strong interpersonal skills-ability to lead meetings with senior staff and build confidence and trust
    • Demonstrated project management capabilities.
    • Affinity for mission-driven, not-for-profit organizations and a commitment to serving the Catholic Church in the Chicago area. Must demonstrate understanding, respect and support for Catholic Church teaching, mission and values. Hiring preference will be given to candidates who are practicing CatholicsThe Archdiocese of Chicago offers a comprehensive total rewards package to include competitive compensation and benefit programs. Information about our benefit programs is available here .This position has an annual salary range of $196,715 - $225,000 per year. An employee's pay within the salary range will be based on many factors including but not limited to: relevant education, qualifications, experience, skills, geographic location, and organizational needs.Equal Opportunity Employer
      This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
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Keywords: Archdiocese of Chicago, Des Plaines , Director Programs, Executive , Chicago, Illinois