Program Director, Yachad Chicago

Who We Are:

Yachad, a division of The Orthodox Union, the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish organization‚ supports individuals with intellectual, developmental, and learning disabilities. Yachad helps these individuals participate more fully in Jewish life and the broader society by providing educational, employment, and relationship opportunities.

The Orthodox Union (OU) is the largest Orthodox Jewish organization in the United States. Founded in 1898, the OU supports a network of synagogues, youth programs, Jewish and Religious Zionist advocacy programs, programs for the disabled, localized religious study programs, and international units. The OU maintains a kosher certification service, whose circled U symbol is found on the labels of many kosher commercial and consumer food products.

Position Summary:

The Program Director will be part of the Yachad Chicago team and help shape the future of programs and services in Chicago. Working under the direction and support of the Regional Director, the Program Director will help build a structure that allows for excellent customer service for Yachad participants, their families, our volunteers, and staff.  To deliver meaningful programs and services to those who need our help, with a mindset of growth in both participation and the number of programs we offer, as well as quality programs and support to staff on an ongoing basis.  

This position requires strong communication skills and knowledge of the community. 

Responsibilities:  

General Tasks: 

• Oversee / Responsible for new intakes
• Engage community partners such as parents, participants, shuls, schools, and partnering organizations
• Work with the greater Chicagoland team on all collaborative projects
• Support programmatic staff with their day-to-day needs.
• Provide a nurturing work environment in which all staff, volunteers, and Yachad participants, feel valued, appreciated, and acknowledged for their contributions to the team. 

Overseeing Programming:

• Plan, coordinate, and oversee all weeknight/ weekend programs each week, ensuring engaging and inclusive activities.  
• Manage attendance records, signups, and logistics for each program.
• Coordinate / recruit families and CILA’s to facilitate participation and address specific needs.  
• Supervise staff responsible for running programs (program aides), providing support, training, guidance, and fostering a positive work environment.  
• Ensure participants are actuality engaged ensuring a high-quality experience.  
• Attend at least two weeknight programs weekly for on-site supervision and support, more if necessary.
• Help facilitate relationships and engagements with local high schools and support club heads. 

Shabbatons:  

• Participate in 6-10 Shabbatons or Shabbat day programs throughout the year.  
• Serve as a resource for coordinators/program aides, assisting them in planning suitable activities for program participants.  Make sure all pre and post Shabbaton obligations are fulfilled.
• Act as the main point of contact for program-related matters, offering guidance and supervision to coordinators/ program aides to ensure the smooth execution of activities.   

Financial Management:  

• Collect and manage invoices to ensure timely payments for events and series.  
• Work with the regional director to address any payment-related inquiries from participants or their families.  

Qualifications:

• Strong commitment to the mission and values of Yachad. 
• Well versed in Jewish values, beliefs, and Chicago Jewish Community.
• Experience in organizational management and staff support
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.  
• Able to work independently
• Strong organizational skills
• Experience in the disability community is preferred but not required.