Director of Programs & Partnerships

Our Organization

The Project OneTen community is a dedicated collective of organizers, collaborators, and supporters committed to empowering Black and Latino boys during their critical transition to and throughout their first year of high school. We create safe and affirming spaces where students can discover and nurture their strengths, celebrate their innate brilliance, and embrace their unique identities, all while building a strong foundation for success that leads to a life full of opportunities and possibilities.

Our Current Landscape

Founded in 2019, Project OneTen is entering an exciting chapter as we celebrate six years of impact and growth. With a passionate team of six staff members and an active board of seven local leaders, we are wrapping up the first year of our ambitious 3-year strategic plan. This is a pivotal moment for our organization as we strengthen our program infrastructure, expand our reach, and deepen our influence within Chicago’s education landscape. With a bold vision to create systemic change for boys of color in Chicago, we are building momentum to serve 1,000 boys by 2034. There has never been a more exciting time to join our team and play a meaningful role in this transformative journey.

Job Overview

The Director of Programs and Partnerships is a strategic and adaptive leader responsible for ensuring the alignment, excellence, and impact of all Project OneTen programs. This individual will oversee the full portfolio of programs, ensuring they are equitably designed, effectively executed, and continuously refined based on student outcomes and organizational priorities. A key focus of this role is to develop and implement an intentional, responsive curriculum that centers student growth and development while driving toward key impact measures.

Additionally, this role will lead the design and execution of alumni programming and support, ensuring that Project OneTen’s impact extends beyond students' first year of high school. The Director of Programs and Partnerships will also manage external partnerships with key stakeholders, to ensure seamless program implementation and sustainability. While this role’s primary focus is program excellence, they will also play a supporting role in expanding student recruitment efforts to increase reach and diversity in participant enrollment.

This role is ideal for an individual who is student-centered, impact-driven, and skilled at both program execution and partnership management. The Director of Programs and Partnerships will be a critical leader in advancing Project OneTen’s mission and ensuring our programs continue to deliver transformational experiences for students and their communities.

What You’ll Accomplish

• Develop and implement a responsive, student-centered curriculum that drives measurable impact and fosters student growth, engagement, and leadership.
• Oversee and ensure the successful execution of Project OneTen’s full portfolio of programs, maintaining alignment with organizational goals and impact measures.
• Design and execute a robust alumni programming strategy, creating meaningful opportunities for long-term engagement and support.
• Manage key external partnerships, ensuring strong collaboration with our partners and other program stakeholders to enhance program effectiveness.
• Refine and implement a program evaluation strategy, ensuring that data-driven insights guide decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Support recruitment efforts for both students and volunteers, implementing targeted outreach, training, and engagement strategies to ensure successful student retention and a well-prepared volunteer base.
• Foster a culture of excellence, innovation, and accountability across all programming and partnerships, while managing a team of full-time and part-time staff ensuring effective execution and impact.

A Week in the Life

• 30% - Program Oversight & Execution
• 25% - Curriculum Development & Growth Strategy
• 15% - Team Management
• 10% - Program Evaluation & Impact Tracking
• 10% - Partnership Management
• 10% - Student & Volunteer Recruitment Support

Requirements

• Based in the Chicagoland area with a strong history of working within the community.
• Deep passion for and connection to Black and Latino communities, with a proven track record of successful collaboration across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Experience in program leadership, curriculum development, or nonprofit program management, with expertise in student-centered program design, impact evaluation, and partnership management.
• Demonstrated success in designing and implementing responsive curricula that align with student needs and organizational goals.
• Proven ability to manage and execute multiple programs simultaneously, ensuring high-quality outcomes and continuous improvement.
• Strong partnership management experience, including collaboration with funders, external stakeholders, and community organizations to enhance program delivery.
• Ability to develop and sustain meaningful alumni engagement strategies, ensuring continued support for students beyond their first year of high school.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to structure work, set priorities, and drive projects to completion.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage external partners, present impact data, and advocate for program needs.
• Resourceful, adaptable, and solution-oriented, with a proactive mindset and ability to navigate challenges creatively.
• Access to reliable transportation and ability to travel occasionally for in-person programming, meetings, and events.
• Physical ability to lift up to 30 pounds as part of program setup and event logistics.
• Bilingual (Spanish-speaking) applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application/Cover Letter

Please be prepared to upload your Resume/CV and answer the following questions in lieu of a formal cover letter.

1. Describe your experience in leading and managing educational programs or teams. Share specific examples of successful initiatives you've spearheaded, highlighting the impact they had on students, educators, or the community. What strategies do you use to ensure program effectiveness and sustainability?
2. What personality traits and/ or leadership skills make you particularly suitable for this role? How would you leverage these traits/skills if selected for the role? (200 words)
3. What do you believe you can achieve with us personally or professionally that you can't anywhere else in the world? (200 words)

Project OneTen does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, or other characteristics covered by law with regard to employment opportunities. The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of job functions, responsibilities, or requirements and does not include the general job performance expectations applicable to all employees (e.g., regular, timely attendance).