Director of Program Operations

About Us:

i.c.stars is a 25-year-old nonprofit workforce development organization dedicated to preparing individuals from underserved communities for rewarding careers in technology. With a passionate team of 35 professionals, we’re committed to bridging the gap between diverse talent and the tech industry. We find talent, train talent and place talent in rewarding careers that end cycles of generational poverty and yield long-term success.  At our core, we believe that innovation thrives when people are empowered, supported, and allowed to grow.

If you’re someone who is energized by people-first leadership and is passionate about making a lasting impact, you may want to be a part of our journey as we continue to shape the future of tech professionals.

About the Role:

The Director of Program Operations is a national role that will lead efforts to align program structure, strengthen program team accountability, and drive cycles of continuous learning and improvement across our internship/training and residency programs. This role will ensure operational consistency, execution discipline, and strategic oversight across our sites in Chicago, Milwaukee, and Kansas City.

As a member of a small national team charged with leading program strategy the Director of Program Development will:

1. Align Program Structure: Ensuring program implementation adheres to national standards for intern and resident success.

2. Strengthen Team Support Accountability: Developing standard operating procedures, creating feedback loops, and coaching teams on effective implementation, systems thinking, and data-driven decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

(percentages are approximate and may change as organizational needs evolve)

Program Team Support & Accountability (50%)

• Provide consistent coaching, training, and accountability structures for program teams to improve implementation and execution.

• Build program teams’ skills in data-driven decision-making, and systems thinking.

• Foster a culture of support and accountability across all program teams.

• Conduct regular site visits to assess implementation, provide in-person coaching, and ensure alignment with program strategy.

• Navigate productive conflict with program teams, helping them move beyond autonomy concerns to embrace collaborative alignment for intern, resident, and organizational success.

Program Implementation Operational Systems (25%)

• Lead the alignment of program operations across sites, ensuring consistency in structure, processes, and expectations.

• Design and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for key program functions, including recruitment, program delivery, external engagement of project clients, data collection, and program team operations and policies.

• Ensure strong execution of program strategy, tracking how teams implement required shifts and providing support where needed.

• In collaboration with the Senior Data Insights Analyst, establish systems for real-time tracking of program data and implementation progress to enable celebration and course correction.

Continuous Learning & Improvement (25%)

• Develop and facilitate cycles of continuous learning and improvement for program teams, using data, feedback, and site visits to drive refinement.

• Lead structured program team learning spaces (such as retrospectives and peer learning sessions) to improve program execution and foster team growth.

• Ensure teams adopt a data-driven approach, using program outcomes to inform decision-making and improvements.

Role will include other duties as assigned.

Who Will Thrive in This Role?/What You Bring:

• Master’s degree or higher in Education, Organizational Leadership, Public Administration, Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, Workforce Development, or a related field (strongly preferred).

  OR equivalent professional experience in program implementation, operations, continuous improvement, and leading geographically distributed teams (required).

• Extensive experience in program execution, operational strategy, and systems thinking may substitute for a formal degree.

Skills 

🔹 Program Implementation & Operations

• Experience in program implementation, program operations, or strategy roles within education, workforce development, nonprofit, or related fields.

• Experience developing and managing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and program execution systems.

• Strong background in managing site-based teams and aligning programs across multiple locations.

🔹 Change Leadership & Team Development

• Proven ability to lead teams through operational and strategic shifts, particularly those that challenge existing ways of working.

• Skilled in adaptive leadership, coaching, and managing resistance to change.

• Experience facilitating team training, learning cycles, and professional development.

🔹 Data-Driven Decision-Making

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills and ability to use program data for decision-making, tracking trends, and informing improvements.

• Experience developing accountability and support structures based on data and performance metrics.

🔹 Communication & Feedback Culture

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate strategy into clear execution steps.

• Strong ability to give and receive developmental feedback, fostering a culture of continuous learning.

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships critical to staff, participant and organizational success. 

Mindsets Approach:

• Execution-Oriented: You are disciplined about follow-through and ensure that plans are not just designed but implemented effectively.

• Systems Thinker: You recognize that alignment and consistency enable greater collective impact and are comfortable refining structures to support execution.

• Change Leader: You understand adaptive leadership and are comfortable navigating resistance to change.

• Comfortable with Managing Resistance While Holding a Growth Mindset: You can engage in productive conflict, holding teams accountable while believing in and supporting their growth.

• Data-Driven Strategic: You track progress through data and feedback to inform strategic decision-making and systemic continuous improvement.

Why Join Us?

• Make an Impact: Help us shape the team that develops and prepares individuals for careers in tech. Be a part of an organization that’s making a meaningful difference in the lives of our participants, and the communities and businesses we serve.

• Growth Opportunities: We’re a dynamic, growing organization that’s committed to developing both our staff and the people we serve. You’ll have the chance to shape your role and grow professionally.

• Collaborative Environment: We pride ourselves on being a supportive, team-oriented organization where everyone’s voice is heard.

• Work-Life Balance: We value our people’s well-being, offering flexible work arrangements and a comprehensive benefits package.

• A Culture of Learning: As a team, we believe in continual growth—personally and professionally. There’s always room to learn, share ideas, and try something new.

If  you meet the minimum qualifications described above and are excited about creating a people-centric culture and driving the development of our talented team, we welcome your application. 

Location: Remote with Regular Travel to Chicago, Milwaukee, and Kansas City (travel ~50%)
Reports to: Chief Learning Program Officer, serves on National team