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ASPIRA of Illinois – Leadership Through Education

Position Summary

The Director of Programs and Community Engagement is a mission-driven leader committed to advancing ASPIRA’s charge of academic excellence, youth development, and civic engagement. This role is responsible for designing, executing, and evaluating high-quality youth and community programs aligned with ASPIRA’s commitment to culturally relevant learning environments. The Director will drive strategic partnerships, community relationships, and programmatic growth that directly support the educational and developmental outcomes of students and families within the ASPIRA network and beyond.

Director of Programs and Community Engagement:

Core Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

  • Lead the vision and implementation of year-round youth and community engagement programs across the ASPIRA Network.
  • Build and sustain a culture of innovation, equity, and accountability.
  • Collaborate with ASPIRA leadership to ensure program alignment with organizational goals.

Program Management & Expansion

  • Develop, oversee, and evaluate a portfolio of out-of-school-time programs.
  • Ensure programs meet academic, social-emotional, and workforce development benchmarks.
  • Lead data-driven improvement cycles.
  • Oversee expansion of programs to new sites and target populations.

Staff Development & Team Leadership

  • Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate youth development staff.
  • Foster a collaborative, supportive staff culture.
  • Provide coaching and professional development.

Community & Family Engagement

  • Serve as liaison between ASPIRA programs and families, ensuring culturally responsive communication and partnerships.
  • Build strong relationships with families through workshops, town halls, community events, and ongoing feedback mechanisms.
  • Facilitate parent education and empowerment programs that support student learning, such as college and career readiness, literacy nights, and wellness sessions.
  • Develop systems that encourage family volunteerism and leadership, including parent advisory committees and participation in school governance.
  • Create regular newsletters, updates, and communication channels to keep families informed and engaged.
  • Respond to families’ concerns and inquiries with urgency, empathy, and a focus on resolution.
  • Ensure programming reflects the needs and voices of the families served by regularly gathering input and incorporating feedback.

Marketing, Communications & Stakeholder Relations

  • Develop and execute community engagement strategies.
  • Manage stakeholder communications through newsletters, social media, and events.
  • Create compelling materials that showcase ASPIRA’s impact.

Compliance & Fiscal Management

  • Oversee program budgets and ensure fiscal responsibility.
  • Ensure compliance with guidelines and grant requirements.
  • Collaborate on funding opportunities and outcome reporting.


Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in Education, Human Services, or related field.
  • Minimum of 4 years of experience in youth development or education.
  • Experience working in a non-profit organization.
  • At least 3 years of supervisory experience.
  • Strong understanding of education systems and community organizing.
  • Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.
  • Willingness to travel and work flexible hours.

Pay: $85,000.00 Annual Salary

Statement of other duties: This document describes the major duties, responsibilities, and authorities of  this job, and is not intended to be a complete list of all tasks and functions. The employer has the right  to revise this job description at any time.

Non-discrimination Statement 

ASPIRA 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.

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