Program Director, The Project

Location : Chicago, ILDepartment : ImpactReports To : Chief Impact OfficerAbout The CAFE Group The CAFE Group is a trailblazing organization committed to advancing educational equity and redefining philanthropy. Under the visionary leadership of CEO and founder Liz Thompson, we embrace a love-centered approach that empowers visionary leaders and cultivates next-generation talent to drive systemic change. Our belief is simple : when Black communities thrive, everyone benefits—and we're dedicated to making that happen.The 1954 Project The 1954 Project, an initiative of The CAFE Group, invests in visionary leaders and organizations that expand educational opportunities and improve outcomes for Black students and communities. With $1 million in unrestricted funding for 1954 Project Luminaries, leadership development, increased visibility, and a trusted network, we support leaders in scaling solutions to address systemic inequities and deliver lasting change. Since 2021, we've invested nearly $16 million in 27 leaders and organizations that advance culturally responsive education, teacher diversity, and economic mobility.Why This Role? This is an exciting time to join The CAFE Group's 1954 Project. Launched in 2021, we've built significant momentum and are now charting the course for our next chapter. We're looking for a Program Director who can balance strategic thinking with a tactical focus to ensure our programming and philanthropy reflect the values we hold dear.This role is about operationalizing our vision, from selecting and supporting Luminaries to designing systems that are equitable and effective. Your work will help strengthen leadership development, streamline processes, and support sustainable growth for The 1954 Project and its network of leaders.Join Us This hands-on leadership role offers an opportunity to shape what's next for the 1954 Project Network—and to help turn that vision into action. If you're ready to bring care, curiosity, and a collaborative spirit to this work, we'd love to hear from you.Responsibilities This list isn't exhaustive, but it highlights the role's core areas of responsibility : 1. Program Leadership and Operations Lead Core Program Components : Oversee the design and execution of The 1954 Project's recruitment, selection, grant management, capacity-building, and convenings, ensuring alignment with the mission and values of the program.Manage the Selection Process : Direct the annual Luminary recruitment and selection process, including application outreach, review, and decision-making. Collaborate with the Network Selection Manager and internal teams to ensure a seamless, equitable, and mission-driven process.Oversee Grant Administration : Collaborate with the Impact Associate and CFO to manage grant MOUs and facilitate timely fund disbursement.Drive Collaboration Across Teams : Partner with Communications, Knowledge, and Development teams to align program delivery, evaluate impact, and maintain cohesive strategies.2. Network and Capacity Building Build a Collaborative Community : Foster a love-centered network of Luminaries by creating opportunities for shared learning, peer support, and resource-sharing.Develop Capacity-Building Initiatives : Design programming tailored to Luminaries' unique needs, including leadership training, mentorship, and technical skills development.Support Organizational Growth : Facilitate access to partnerships, financial capital, and other resources to help Luminaries build sustainable, high-impact organizations.Lead Content Design for the annual 1954 Project Network Summit : Develop content and advise on the experience design for The 1954 Project's signature event. Ensure the Network Summit reflects the program's goals while incorporating broader organizational priorities as guided by leadership. Collaborate closely to balance programmatic goals with strategic needs, creating an event that aligns with and advances The CAFE Group's mission and field-level influence.3. Supporting Partnerships and Visibility Collaborate with Leadership : Work closely with senior leadership, particularly the Chief Impact Officer and the development team, to strengthen relationships with funders, institutions, and thought leaders.Amplify Network Members' Impact : In partnership with the communications team, support efforts to elevate the Network's accomplishments through external platforms, speaking opportunities, and convenings, including the Network Summit.4. Evolving Leadership and Team Growth Hands-On Leadership : In the short term, directly manage and execute key program components, working closely with consultants and collaborators to deliver program goals.Prepare for Team Growth : Operate hands-on in managing and executing program components while laying the groundwork for future team expansion by refining workflows, documenting processes, and creating scalable systems.Foster Mission-Driven Culture : Maintain a collaborative, innovative, and equitable work culture as the organization grows.5. Program Evaluation Measure Impact : Collaborate with the Knowledge Team to evaluate program outcomes and use data to guide improvements.Adapt and Refine : Incorporate feedback from Luminaries, stakeholders, and partners to ensure programming remains relevant, effective, and innovative.Qualifications Operational Expertise : At least 7 years of experience in program or operational leadership, with a proven track record of managing complex processes, refining systems, and driving solutions in fast-paced environments.Collaborative Leadership : Demonstrated ability to lead teams and manage consultants, fostering productive partnerships with internal and external stakeholders. Experience working in close collaboration with senior leadership is a plus.Agility in a Fast-Paced Startup Environment : Comfortable navigating ambiguity and open to iterative processes, with a high tolerance for change and a proactive, problem-solving mindset.Strategic Growth Potential : While strategic capacity is important, in the immediate term, this role emphasizes operations and execution, with opportunities to grow into a more strategic leadership role over time.Experience in Philanthropy : Familiarity with philanthropic practices, including grant management, program delivery, and funding processes. Direct experience in Black or BIPOC-focused education or equity initiatives is highly valued.Solutions-Oriented Approach : Proven ability to problem-solve and implement creative solutions in dynamic contexts, with a talent for translating ideas into concrete, impactful initiatives that align with organizational values.Agility & Adaptability : Comfortable navigating ambiguity and iterative processes, with a high tolerance for change and a proactive mindset. Thrives in a fast-paced, startup-like environment while maintaining focus on mission-driven outcomes.Community & Network Building : Strong experience in cultivating and sustaining networks or communities, with an emphasis on fostering collaboration, peer support, and resource-sharing.Commitment to Education Equity : Deep alignment with The CAFE Group's mission and values, with a demonstrated commitment to advancing educational opportunities and outcomes for Black communities.Compensation and Benefits The successful candidate can earn 120K-140K, depending on experience. The CAFE Group offers a generous benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage; a matched 401(k) retirement savings plan; 15 paid time off days per year; a hybrid work environment; professional development benefits; a monthly cell phone allowance; and 11 company holidays per year.The CAFE Group is a safe space for all, regardless of race, gender, sexuality, country of origin, religion, or ability. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. The CAFE Group is a 501(c)3 and an Equal Opportunity Employer that strives to have a diverse team representative of the community it serves.#J-18808-Ljbffr