Director of Program Services

westsidejustice· Program
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📍 Chicago, Illinois, United States📍 HybridFull Time💰 USD 85K–100K

About this role

The Westside Justice Center is growing and expanding its program services team!

Unleash your strategic management skills and make a difference with the Westside Justice Center. Join our mission-driven team as the Director of Program Services and play a critical role in advancing access to justice in our communities.

 

Founded in 2015, the Westside Justice Center (WJC) is not just a workplace—it is a community-centered Legal Aid clinic committed to eradicating barriers to justice and uplifting authentic community leadership.


As the Director of Program Services, you will oversee program implementation, training, outreach, monitoring, reporting, and collaboration with partner organizations for all programs outside of our legal services. If you're a proactive individual with a passion for social justice and a knack for program management, we invite you to join us in our mission.


Key Responsibilities

  • Community Engagement
    • Builds and sustains relationships with colleagues, community leaders, and relevant organizations
    • Represents the Westside Justice Center at conferences and other public events
  • Advocacy
    • Builds relationships with external partners, stakeholders, and community leaders to promote policy goals
    • Lead WJC’s advocacy work from organizing to working with public officials to affecting the State budget and influence systems for lasting change
  • Program Responsibilities
    • Participates in the design, implementation, refinement, and adaptation of grantmaking strategies and in planning future program strategies
    • Assists in the design of new initiatives
    • Identifies and works with prospective grantees to develop programs that advance grantmaking strategies
  • Supports the selection process
    • Conducts background research and due diligence and prepares grant recommendations for administrative and Board consideration
    • Recruits, trains, and coordinates the work of ILA2J external review committee
    • Reviews and evaluates proposals
  • Supervises the individual(s) responsible for monitoring and evaluation
    • Ensures maintenance of all relevant data for use in tracking, analyzing, and reporting
    • Oversees site-visits to evaluate and support partner performance; provides technical assistance and training
    • Responsible for accurate submission of programmatic reports to funders
  • Supervises the individual responsible for supporting subrecipients
    • Ensures the effective coordination and leadership of monthly program and/or regional meetings with partners
    • Oversees the gathering and distribution of resources for and from subgrantees
    • Provides needed support for success


Successful Candidates will Possess:

  • 5–10 years of experience
    in nonprofit, philanthropy, or public-sector programs dedicated to legal services and/or community justice
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience

  • Experience in
    program management
  • Experience supervising others and coordinating work across multiple team members

  • Experience with
    equity-focused or community-centered grantmaking
  • Proven ability to take initiative and manage multiple tasks effectively
  • Experience managing multi-partner programs or initiatives and implementing and refining program models preferred
  • Experience in reviewing grant proposals or funding applications preferred
  • Experience in training and community outreach preferred
  • Excellent interpersonal, public speaking, and organizational skills
  • Strong organizational skills and proven attention to detail
  • Ability to work well independently and as a member of a team
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, self-directed environment
  • Cultural Competency
  • Reliable transportation
  • Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office products (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)


Benefits 

  • Community Impact
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Paid Time Off
  • 401(k) retirement plan



Work Environment

The work environment described here is representative of that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation(s) may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • This job operates in a professional office environment. The role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones and photocopiers
  • Ability to communicate verbally
  • Ability to spend extended time working on a computer
  • Occasional need for local travel for work-related reasons


Compensation

Actual compensation will be determined based on a wide array of relevant factors, including market considerations, organizational needs, and an individual’s skills, experience, and qualifications. Target salary hiring range is $85,000-$100,000.


Disclaimer

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties, requirements, or responsibilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.


Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Westside Justice Center is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and is committed to maintaining an inclusive environment free from discrimination and harassment.


We prohibit discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, transgender status, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, parental status, military service or discharge status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.


Consistent with our mission to advance justice and equity, people of color, women, LGBTQI-GNC individuals, immigrants, and formerly incarcerated people are strongly encouraged to apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the Director of Program Services role at westsidejustice?
The listed salary for this Director of Program Services position at westsidejustice is USD 85K–100K. This is an Full Time role.
Where is the Director of Program Services position at westsidejustice located?
This Director of Program Services role at westsidejustice is based in Chicago, Illinois, United States, Hybrid. The position is listed as on-site or hybrid. Check the full job description or apply directly to confirm the work arrangement.
Is the Director of Program Services role at westsidejustice full-time or part-time?
This is listed as a Full Time position. It is posted as a Director of Program Services role in the Program department at westsidejustice.
Which team or department does the Director of Program Services at westsidejustice belong to?
This Director of Program Services position is part of the Program department at westsidejustice. See the full job description for more information about the team structure and responsibilities.
How do I apply for the Director of Program Services position at westsidejustice?
Click the "Apply Now" button on this page. You will be redirected to westsidejustice's official application portal hosted on bamboohr where you can submit your application directly.
When was the Director of Program Services job at westsidejustice posted?
This Director of Program Services position at westsidejustice was posted on Jul 30, 2026. Apply as soon as possible — early applications are often reviewed first.
Director of Program Services
westsidejustice · 💰 USD 85K–100K
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