Program Director

Lead the Way as Our Next Program Director!

Are you ready to transform lives and empower individuals with disabilities? Step into the role of Program Director at Aspire, where you’ll orchestrate a vibrant team dedicated to delivering cutting-edge, curriculum-based career services that pave the way for competitive integrated employment and a sense of belonging.

In this dynamic position, you’ll design and direct the daily operations of innovative activities and partnerships that enhance meaningful life experiences. Your leadership will guide a passionate team as they craft engaging curricula and facilitate transformative job training programs. If you’re inspired by the prospect of creating impactful change and fostering an inclusive environment, we want you to lead the charge! Join us in making a difference—one career at a time.

Position Summary: The Program Director orchestrates teams to work together to deliver curriculum-based career focused services that lead to competitive integrated employment and belonging for people with disabilities. Aspire’s Program Director designs and directs the daily operations of state-of-the-art activities, teaching, and partnerships to enhance meaningful life experiences and contribute to competitive integrated employment.

Position Responsibilities:

• Manages all aspects of Aspire’s job training program, managing both big-picture strategy and logistical details.
• Lead the development of multi-modal curriculum, activities, and onsite experiences for students.
• Assess and assign duties across the team for effective and engaging services.
• Oversee the management of allotted program budgets; take corrective action or make recommendations to supervisor as required.
• Responsible for department and agency goals including financial and census targets.
• Facilitate, lead, and monitor effective communication and interactions between Aspire team members, families, students, other services providers, and other stakeholders.

Team Management:

• Direct and supervise the job training program to ensure service excellence and departmental and agency goals are met.
• Ensure compliance with safety, health, and people’s rights.
• Ensure that people’s goals are completed with the team’s support.

Quality and Compliance:

• Ensure the safe operation of services according to rules, regulations, accreditation, and best practice standards.
• Make recommendation and assist with necessary changes in development and delivery of new and/or existing industry curriculum.
• Oversees all quality measures and outcomes.
• Assists with regulatory reviews.
• Complies with quality and compliance initiatives and protocols.

Reporting to this Position: Career Navigators, Career Specialist, Transition Coaches, Job Coaches

Required Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human, Social Services, Education, or related field
• 5 years’ experience working directly with people who have disabilities
• 3 years supervisory experience
• Strong operational background: ability to balance operational details and the bigger picture

Additional Licensing/Certifications:

• QIDP certified or eligible.
• Valid Driver’s License with good driving record.

Required Skills, Knowledge & Abilities:

• Effective oral and written communication skills; ability to write reports.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from families, team members, and the general public.
• Strong planning and organization skills.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with people supported, team members at all levels, families, and the general public.
• Ability to influence others through collaboration.
• Excellent computer skills including MS Office – Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook.
• Ability to design multi-modal learning curriculum for a diversified audience.

Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Abilities:

• Master’s degree

Leadership Competencies:

• Achieves Results: Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances.
• Builds Effective Teams: Building strong-identity teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals.
• Cultivates Innovation: Creating new & better ways for the organization to be successful.
• Makes Quality Decisions: Making good & timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.
• Tackles the Tough Issues: Stepping up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said.

Aspire Values (POWER):

P = We believe anything is possible

O = We all own it

W = We welcome everyone

E = We evolve and try new things

R = We build powerful relationships

Voted as one of the 101 Best and Brightest Companies to work for in Chicago!

We know that Together, We’re Better!

Aspire was founded in 1960 and is recognized as a leader in providing bold, pioneering, and uncompromising services to adults with developmental disabilities, their families and the community.

Full-Time Pay and Benefits:

• Health Insurance
• Benefit Time (Vacation, Sick, Personal)
• 13 Holidays
• 403(B) Retirement Savings Plan with matching contribution
• Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Voluntary Insurances available

Aspire’s priority is keeping our team members and participants healthy and safe.

Aspire is an equal employment opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type.

Aspire is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities.