Chief Program Officer
About the Organization
Since 1960, Aspire, a non-profit organization, has been providing services and support for
people with disabilities. Aspire provides 24/7 services to 300 adults with disabilities across 23 community homes in Lake and Cook Counties and two Academies (Hillside and Waukegan, IL), including innovative services to help adults with disabilities develop the necessary skills to live a full and rewarding life. 8 in 10 people with disabilities are unemployed. 85% of people with disabilities live in poverty.
These programs work. 91% of people who enter Aspire’s job support program are placed into jobs, and 94% of people who are placed in jobs are retained for at least 12 months. To learn more about Aspire and their services, please visit their website.
The Opportunity
Aspire is seeking an entrepreneurial, mission-driven Chief Program Officer (CPO) to drive the organization’s growth strategy and strengthen the delivery of high-quality services for people with developmental disabilities. As an inaugural role, the CPO will oversee Aspire’s largest programmatic and operational teams, more than 200 staff and a $22M budget, while providing strategic leadership to expand Aspire’s nationally recognized employment training initiatives, enhance service quality, and cultivate new partnerships and funding streams to broaden impact. The portfolio of services includes Residential Programs, the Aspire Academy Day Program, Clinical Services, Nursing, Employment Training and Community Employment, Life Skills Coaching, Admissions, and Quality Assurance and Compliance.
Location, Compensation and Benefits
This position is based in Hillside, Illinois, with flexibility for a hybrid schedule. While some work can be done remotely, this leader is expected to spend significant time out in the community and in the field, engaging directly with team members and programs.The Chief Program Officer will regularly visit Aspire Academy North (Waukegan) andAcademy South (Hillside), where the majority of staff and services are based, while also maintaining a presence at the Shannon Center, Aspire’s administrative office.
The salary range for this role is $155,000 – $170,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Aspire offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability coverage, a retirement plan with employer contributions, paid time off and holidays, and other employee support programs that foster balance and well-being.
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