Overview
Director of Programs Jobs in Springfield, IL at Compass for Kids, Inc.
Director of Programs
History
Compass was founded in 2011 as a ministry of Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church to serve homeless children in Springfield Public Schools – District 186. From 2012-2016, Compass was a program of the Family Service Center and expanded the initial model to more schools, recruited additional partners, and added the Camp Compass summer learning program and Backpack Feeding Program. In 2016, Compass for Kids became an independent not-for-profit agency whose mission is to provide academic and social-emotional support to empower children and families underserved by our community. Our vision is that all children in our community experience success and reach their full potential. For more information, please visit .
Background
Currently, Compass for Kids has three main programs including Club Compass, Camp Compass, and the Youth Leadership Development Program.
1) Club Compass, the school-year program for elementary students, focuses on social-emotional learning, enrichment, and volunteer-student mentoring relationships.
2) Camp Compass, the summer learning program for elementary-age children, prevents learning loss and closes the achievement and opportunity gaps between low-income students and their higher-income peers. This summer learning program, in partnership with Springfield Public Schools – District 186, has a proven track record of measurably increasing students’ reading and math skills.
3) Youth Leadership Development Program (YLDP), the program for middle and high school alumni of Club Compass will prepare middle and high school alumni of Club Compass to graduate from high school and be ready to achieve their dreams. The YLDP does this through utilizing an evidence-based social-emotional curriculum, Life and Job Skills classes, field trips, and community service learning.
Job Summary
Compass for Kids is a local, volunteer-driven, community-based, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Compass for Kids is unique and exists to meet needs in our community that are not met by other programs/organizations. Compass for Kids has innovative programs and is committed to high standards of excellence and continuous quality improvement.
The Director of Programs is primarily focused on overseeing and ensuring the quality and effectiveness of our programs. The successful candidate will be a highly capable professional skilled in multiple areas, able to work independently with minimal supervision and take initiative, leadership, and responsibility over their work. The successful candidate will also be detail-oriented, organized, and excellent at backwards planning and project management. The Director of Programs manages both year-round and seasonal employees; effective management and leadership skills, as well as clear and effective communication skills are critical. The successful candidate will also be adaptable, creative, and have a strong drive to do what’s best for kids.
Reports to
Chief Operating Officer
Responsibilities
Program Planning & Oversight
Club Compass (25%)
Social-Emotional Learning
Community Partners
Backpack Feeding Program
Family Engagement
Youth Leadership Development Program (25%)
Social-Emotional Learning
Community Partners
Backpack Feeding Program
Family Engagement
Camp Compass (50%)
Academics
Social-Emotional Learning / Enrichment / Field Trips
Backpack Feeding Program
Family Engagement
Human Resources
Develop, review, and update program team job descriptions annually
Lead recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and training processes
Conduct interviews and facilitate selection
Oversee performance management, including regular check-ins, quarterly reviews, and annual evaluations
Volunteer Management
Recruit, onboard, and retain volunteers
Establish and maintain volunteer policies and procedures
Implement appreciation and recognition strategies
Maintain accurate volunteer records
Data Tracking and Program Evaluation
Collect and analyze pre- and post-program assessment data
Prepare reports for grants and program evaluation
Community Outreach and Engagement
Represent Compass for Kids through presentations to churches, civic groups, and organizations
Develop partnerships with local businesses and organizations
Participate in community networking events
Finance
Assist with program and project budget development
Support payroll processing and timesheet management
Development and Fundraising
Cultivate relationships with donors and support stewardship efforts
Assist in planning and executing special events (e.g., Back-to-School Brunch, Camp Stakeholder Event)
Coordinate donor thank-you communications
Marketing and Communications
Collect content for social media, newsletters, and the Annual Report
Document and share [strengths-based] success stories
Develop program-specific marketing materials and advertisements in conjunction with Marketing Department
General
Align work with Compass for Kids’ Strategic Plan
Develop and maintain program policies, procedures, and processes
Implement continuous quality improvement efforts
Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to comfortably engage with both individuals and large crowds
Excellent relationship-building skills and high emotional intelligence
Strong technical and computer skills (e.g. Google Sheets, Google Drive, Microsoft Office, Google Calendar), phone, copier/scanner/printer
Excellent time management and organizational planning skills with the ability to backwards plan and to manage multiple responsibilities under pressure
Attention to detail
Ability to handle stress in a positive manner
Work independently with minimal direction; a quick learner and self starter
Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds
Ability to work well with different teams, as well as independently
Ability to peacefully resolve conflict
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree, preferred
At least three years of experience with children, required
At least two years of supervisory experience, required
Not-for-profit experience, preferred
Valid driver’s license, dependable transportation, and car insurance
Ability to pass a background check
Compensation
This is a full-time, exempt, salaried position. The pay range is between $55,000 – $70,000 per year, depending on education and experience.
Benefits Included:
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Simple IRA Retirement Plan (after one year of employment) with up to 3% match
Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, and Life Insurance
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Dependent Care FSA
Short- and Long-Term Disability Coverage
Schedule
Regular business hours are 8:30 – 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. Evenings and/or weekends will be required during peak season and/or for special events, and those hours can be offset by flexing time.
Location
The candidate must reside in Springfield, Illinois, or the surrounding area. This role requires in-person engagement, site visits, and participation in community events. Some remote work may be permitted after meeting performance expectations, subject to supervisor approval per Compass for Kids’ Flexible Work Policy.
How to Apply
Send a cover letter and resume to:
Sarah Oglesby
1201 S. 4th St
Springfield, IL 62703
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $55,000.00 – $70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Dental insurance
Flexible spending account
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Retirement plan
Vision insurance
Schedule:
8 hour shift
Monday to Friday
Weekends as needed
Experience:
working with children: 3 years (Required)
nonprofit: 1 year (Preferred)
supervisory: 3 years (Required)
License/Certification:
Driver’s License (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
Title: Director of Programs
Company: Compass for Kids, Inc.
Location: Springfield, IL
