Job Title: Director of Programs
Organization: Arab American Family Services (AAFS)
Location: Worth, IL (Onsite)
Salary Range: $90,000 – $100,000 (depending on experience)
Benefits: Generous PTO, 15 Paid Holidays, Winter Break, BCBS medical insurance,
Retirement Plan, Staff Development Opportunities
Job Summary
The Director of Programs is a key leadership role responsible for the overall management,
implementation, and strategic growth of AAFS’s program portfolio. Reporting directly to the
Co-Founders and Executive Directors, this position focuses on advancing the mission,
vision, and values of AAFS by ensuring program excellence, developing high-performing
teams, and fostering community collaborations. The Director of Programs will lead
program innovation and expansion efforts while managing grants, budgets, and
performance data to enhance service delivery and impact.
Key Responsibilities
Program Development and Strategic Leadership
• Design, plan, and implement programs aligned with AAFS’s mission and strategic
goals.
• Develop and implement strategic plans for program growth, innovation, and
sustainability in partnership with senior leadership.
• Create and update program policies, procedures, and workflows to ensure
operational clarity and efficiency.
• Stay informed about programmatic and regulatory changes; document, train, and
communicate updates to the team.
Grant and Program Management
• Ensure timely achievement of program deliverables per contract requirements.
• Work closely with program staff to track, monitor, and report performance data to
funders.
• Collaborate with leadership and finance teams to manage budgets and ensure
efficient use of funds.
• Identify and pursue additional funding opportunities, including contributing to grant
proposals.
• Analyze performance data to drive program quality and efficiency, identifying
opportunities for workflow enhancements.
Team Management and Development
• Lead, coach, and supervise program supervisors and key staff, fostering a
collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Develop and oversee professional development opportunities to enhance staff
skills and knowledge.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations, providing mentorship and feedback to
support staff growth and leadership potential.
Community Collaboration and Partnerships
• Build and maintain relationships with community-based organizations, coalitions,
funders, and government agencies to maximize AAFS’s visibility and impact.
• Identify and deliver training and educational opportunities for community and
institutional partners.
• Represent AAFS at local, state, and national meetings, events, and trainings,
advocating for the community’s needs and voice.
Qualifications
Education & Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social services, nonprofit management, or a
related field; master’s degree or higher preferred.
• At least 15 years of experience in project or program management within a nonprofit
setting, with a proven record of success in program development, implementation,
and evaluation.
• Minimum of 5 years in a management role with experience in developing and
mentoring supervisors and leaders from diverse backgrounds.
Knowledge & Skills
• Comprehensive understanding of social services and social issues impacting the
AAFS community, with a commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Demonstrated experience in case management, domestic violence services, senior
services, workforce development, and youth services.
• Proficient in grant writing, grant management, and performance data monitoring.
• Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to develop and execute strategic plans to achieve organizational goals.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office tools, online portals, and databases; familiarity with
screening tools is a plus.
Additional Requirements
• Demonstrated community engagement skills, including experience working with
diverse populations and communities.
• Commitment to culturally responsive and trauma-informed practices.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills are a plus.
• Willingness to travel locally and out of state as needed.
About Arab American Family Services
Since 2001, AAFS has been a cornerstone of support for Arab American and immigrant
families in the Southwestern Chicagoland area, serving over 30 communities. AAFS
provides comprehensive services, including case management, domestic violence
support, behavioral health, community health education, senior and disability assistance,
immigration services, workforce development, legal assistance, cultural diversity training,
and community engagement.