Director, Educational Programs

We link high-potential Black students in Chicago to the path to, through, and beyond college. For Black students to become tomorrow’s leaders they must have access to educational resources and tools today.

LINK’s goal is to mitigate the effect of systemic and structural forces impeding Black students by improving and increasing educational opportunities and access. By equipping our Scholars with the knowledge, skills, resources, and social equity that further college completion and career placement, LINK is increasing the economic mobility and stability of Black students and cultivating a diverse leadership pipeline for our city.

Since 1966, we have successfully supported over 2,500 low- to moderate-income students. In the 2024- 2025 academic year, we will serve 350 Scholars (Jr. LINK, High School Fellowship, & Collegiate Scholars). Our Scholars represent more than 60 Chicagoland neighborhoods, with a focus on supporting ten South and West Side communities: Auburn Gresham, Austin, Bronzeville, Englewood, Garfield Park, Greater Grand Crossing, North Lawndale, Roseland, South Shore, and Washington Park.

Looking to make a difference by linking students to opportunities so they can take a new path—one that leads to their full potential and our city’s vibrant future? Then join our team!

Position Summary

As an integral part of the Program Team, the Director, Educational Programs is an education and instruction expert who will lead the logistical and operational planning of various Scholar educational programs. This position will design and coordinate learning experiences, events, and programming for the entire programmatic year. The Director, Educational Programs will work closely with the Scholar support team to ensure a high quality and satisfactory Scholar experience. The Director, Educational Programs reports to the VP, Programs & Evaluation and manages the Coordinator, Educational Programs and Partnerships and all external Educational Consultants/Instructors.

Program Strategy, Curricula Design, Delivery & Evaluation

• Stay apprised of best practices in the fields of College Access, College Success, and Career & Leadership Development.
• In partnership with the VP, Programs & Evaluation and Managing Director, Scholar Support, monitor our curricula and programming to ensure it remains current with industry standards along with assessing its effectiveness.
• In alignment with organizational annual goals, establish annual team goals and strategies to achieve them.
• Plan and manage Summer Learning logistics, including curricula delivery, Scholar orientations, hiring & management of external Educational Consultants/Instructors, etc.
• Plan and manage Saturday Academy logistics including curricula delivery, selection of guest speakers/panelists, hiring of external Educational Consultants/Instructors, etc.
• Support the creative direction, planning, and execution of All Program Team events (e.g. Scholar Orientation, Scholar Kick-Off, Scholar Celebration, etc.).

Data Analysis & Strategic Direction

• Works with the VP, Programs & Evaluation and Managing Director, Scholar Support to design feedback strategies to gather stakeholder feedback to inform Scholar programming.
• Manage the collection and organization of data to evaluate and measure program outcomes and impact (e.g. program reporting, technical assistance tracking, surveys, stakeholder feedback, etc.).
  • Identify and recommend key programmatic indicators and outcomes. o Track and report regularly on outcomes of engagement efforts including individuals reached, participant attendance, and vendor partnerships developed. o Utilize and interpret data for program and process evaluation and decision making so as to make recommendations for continuous improvements.
  • Maintain Scholar and partner information in Salesforce.
• Translate findings from outcomes, survey data, and stakeholder feedback into actionable insights.

Stakeholder Engagement & Experience

• Responsible for enhancing the Scholar experience by ensuring high levels of engagement and satisfaction in all programming.
• Responsibilities for the training, experience, and retention of all educational stakeholders, including Scholars, external Educational Partners/Instructors, Community Partners, etc.
• Lead community outreach efforts to develop and strengthen partnerships with community-based organizations, colleges/universities, and other entities to support and enhance Scholar educational programming.
• Works collaboratively with other organizational teams to proactively support stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree REQUIRED.
• A minimum of 10 years of professional work experience.
• Minimum of five (5) years of relevant Programmatic work experience in college access or success or other related educational areas.
  • Experience developing student programs including the planning, management, and & facilitation/instruction required.
  • Experience with curriculum design highly desirable.
  • Experience working with students and families in the nonprofit or education sector, preferably with Black students, highly desired.
  • Catholic, Urban Public School, and/or Charter School experience is a plus.
• Teaching experience a plus.
• A minimum of five (5) years Supervisory experience that has included full or part-time direct reports is REQUIRED.
• Experience developing and managing partnerships with either community-based organizations, corporations, institutions of higher learning, civic leaders, etc.
• Strong experience using data to drive and achieve programmatic outcomes, programmatic improvement, and demonstrate impact, including survey design and analysis.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to speak in public, engage, and build relationships with diverse stakeholders (Scholars, Parents, Mentors, Volunteers, etc.).
  • Strong presentation skills, both in-person & virtual.
• Problem Solving and Critical Thinking: Ability to break down tasks into manageable sections to make informed decisions to tackle a larger problem.
• Demonstrated ability to work at a rigorous pace, prioritize multiple projects/assignments, communicate about challenges, plan, and most importantly, follow through to meet deadlines and objectives.
  • Experience using Project Management platforms to manage goal progress (preferably Basecamp).
• Ability to remain flexible and adapt to changing needs and priorities.
• Ability to perceive and resolve a gap between a present situation and a desired goal.
• Demonstrated experience working with electronic databases.
  • Salesforce Experience preferred.
• Advanced skills with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, or similar software with the ability to learn new or updated software.

Characteristics

• Exemplifies the LINK Unlimited Scholars’ mission, vision, and values and acts in accordance with all policies and procedures of the organization.
• Cheerful and welcoming demeanor.
• Strong work ethic.
• A self-starter, creative, and forward thinker.
• Must have the utmost integrity and an ability to process, protect and exercise discretion in handling confidential information and materials.
• Exercises good judgment with an ability to manage situations with tact and discretion.
• Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work enthusiastically with changing priorities or response to emergency situations.

Work Schedule

Full-Time, Monday through Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm, but requires 40-50 hours per week. Hybrid schedule: remotely twice a week (Mondays & Fridays) and in-office Tuesday through Thursday.

Must also have flexibility to work Saturdays (generally one a month) and evenings to support Scholar programming and other organizational events.

Compensation

Salary range $77.5k-$87.5k; to be determined based on experience and skills. Full-time employees are eligible for health, dental, and vision insurance, Retirement, accrued PTO days, 8 Holidays, and a holiday shutdown from Christmas Eve through New-Year’s day.

To Apply

Submit a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements. Cover letters without salary requirements will not be considered.

LINK TO APPLICATION:

LINK Unlimited Scholars is an equal opportunity employer.