---

ABOUT THE POSITION, as the Program Director of Playworks Illinois, you will report to the Executive Director and lead the planning and implementation of Playworks’ comprehensive school-based play and youth development programming. In this position, you are responsible for managing the recruitment, staffing, performance, training and development of all program staff and/or AmeriCorps Members, partnerships with schools and districts, grant compliance and evaluation, and initiatives that drive regional scaling and sustainability. You will be part of the regional leadership team, providing leadership that focuses on Playworks' three pillars of regional success: sustainable financials, sustainable impact and sustainable teams. Specifically you will:

• In partnership with the Executive Director, lead regional impact strategy that aligns with Playworks strategic plan of impacting more kids each year through our variety of services;
• Direct all elements of Playworks programming and consultation services, including planning, implementation, training, evaluation and program quality;
• Jointly develop and implement a strategic sustainability plan as a member of the regional Leadership Team;
• Provide ongoing leadership, support and coaching to program team to ensure high program quality and strong school partnerships;
• Working independently (or, as applicable, with your regional sales lead), recruit, retain and grow school partnerships at both the school and district level. 
• Manage regional volunteer strategy and funder/grant compliance, and support for regional fundraising events;
• Monitor program budget and accounting for program expenditures in collaboration with the regional Executive Director;
• Develop and manage a robust recruitment, hiring and retention plan for all regional program positions with an emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion; 
• Oversee all aspects of program staff performance management, learning and development;
• Represent Playworks at regional events, district meetings and local partnership coalitions;
• Work closely with hub staff, HQ team and  and other regional Program Directors throughout the country to share best practices and promote learning.

If you're a good fit for this position, you already know most of what this job entails. However, to be sure we're providing a complete picture, here are some additional details:

• Success in this position will require strong leadership skills with a background that includes demonstrated excellence in managing a complex program.
• Your prior leadership experiences and references should reflect a leadership style that is inclusive, adaptable, and brings out the best in a team.
• You will be successful if you possess excellent organizational and analytical skills and the ability to meet aggressive deadlines with a track record as a self-starter.
• You will have a deep knowledge of the public school system and nonprofit landscape in the region, and a strong connection to Playworks’ mission and values.
• Successful candidates will possess versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities. 
• The strongest candidate will have the demonstrated ability to maintain poise and demeanor appropriate to portray an image of professionalism as defined by Playworks and possess a documented history of successfully delivering compelling and effective presentations.

Required Skills & Experience

• 3 – 5 years of successful supervisory and management experience. 
• Staff and management  and training experience.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships internally and externally with strong interpersonal skills and cross-cultural proficiencies. 
• Strong computer skills, ability to use existing technology to achieve desired results and proficiency in Google applications and Salesforce.
• Ability to thrive working both independently and within team settings. 
• High professional standards and strong leadership skills, with the ability to both drive strategies and manage practical details.
• Knowledge of the cultural and educational landscape of the region.
• Experience working with or within public schools and/or education sector programs.
• You must have outstanding communication skills-in addition to maintaining an open line of communication, you'll demonstrate excellent communication skills, including good phone and email etiquette and the ability to facilitate small and large group presentations. 

Compensation & Benefits:

Playworks offers the full package–great benefits, a fun place to work and an opportunity to grow and thrive professionally. We offer:

• This is a full-time exempt position that reports to the Executive Director. 
• This position will be remote (hybrid) with frequent travel. Playworks Illinois does not currently have a physical location, however, the role would require you to be in schools and/or community based organizations occasionally. Additionally, some team meetings will be held in-person. 
• At Playworks, our starting salary takes into consideration internal pay equity, geographic pay differential and robust external market data. We highly value transparency and equity within compensation and therefore are committed to adhering to established compensation pay points. The starting salary for this position is $82,300.
• A comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, disability, 401(k) with employer match, life insurance, employee funded pre-tax health and child care spending accounts.
• Generous paid time off with paid vacation, sick and holiday leave.

This is a hands-on, creative, playful and fun-loving place to work, all while contributing to the success of our nation’s youth. So if you're ready to immerse yourself in the education sector, working on a rewarding set of challenges and if you've got the skills, experience, passion, and a team spirit, apply!

Please include:

• A cover letter describing your interest in Playworks and how your experience has prepared you for this role
• Resume
• References will be requested

At Playworks we believe in the power of play to bring out the best in every kid. We are changing the school climate by leveraging the power of safe, fun, and healthy play at school every day. We create a place for every kid on the playground to feel included, be active, and build valuable social and emotional skills. We partner with schools, districts, and after-school programs to provide a service or mix of services, including on-site coaches, professional training for school staff who support recess, and consultative partnerships. 

---

We are committed to racial equity, and we make a particular effort to recruit people of color, indigenous people, gender non-binary people, and people with historically more marginalized identities to apply for open positions. Our core values of cultivating play, center equity, continued learning and collaboration within communities are the foundation of our organization and are infused in all aspects of our work.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. If that is you, don’t hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself!

As an equal opportunity program, Playworks encourages applications from all individuals regardless of age, gender, gender identity/expression, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, faith, marital status, physical ability, or any other legally protected basis. Playworks evaluates all candidates for employment, volunteering opportunities or board service on a merit basis.

 

Apply