Senior Vice President of Programs

Who we are

Lawrence Hall is a Chicago-based nonprofit social services agency that provides therapeutic, wellness, and skill development services to youth, families, and neighborhoods affected by lasting trauma. We foster healing and growth through empowerment, respect, safety, and teamwork.

About the Role

Lawrence Hall is seeking a visionary, deeply collaborative, and trauma-informed executive to serve as our Senior Vice President of Programs (SVPP) . As a critical member of the executive management team, you will work closely with the CEO, CFO, and COO to articulate and implement the strategic vision of the agency.

In this role, you will provide operational, fiscal, and clinical oversight for a diverse portfolio of programs- Education, Transitional and Independent Living, Residential, Youth and Community Development, Creative Therapies, Affirming Care, and Foster Care program areas.


The ideal candidate is an expert relationship builder, a dedicated mentor, and a champion for trauma-informed care models who can inspire a high-performing team.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Program Evolution

• In partnership with the Executive Team and Board of Trustees, drive program-based strategic planning, goal implementation, and service delivery across multiple departments.
• Use data-driven insights to develop and implement new programs aligned with community needs and agency mission.
• Evaluate program effectiveness, identify gaps in the continuum of care, and implement integrative strategies to close them.
• Interpret social service trends and present recommendations to executive leadership and the Board of Trustees; co-chair the Program and Behavior Treatment Board committees.

Operational, Fiscal & Risk Management

• Collaborate with the COO and CFO to develop, monitor, and manage program budgets, ensuring efficient resource allocation and contract/grant compliance.
• Respond to government and foundation RFPs/RFAs in partnership with the development team to design model programs and diversify funding sources.
• Manage operational risk across youth, family, and community spaces while actively promoting a culture of hope and healing.
• Ensure all programs strictly comply with licensing, regulatory, and accreditation standards.

Team Leadership & Culture Building

• Directly supervise and mentor a leadership team including the VP of TIL, VP of Residential, VP of Foster Care, VP of Educational Services, VP of Youth & Community Development, and Manager of Creative Therapies.
• Champion the CARE (Children and Residential Experiences) model across the agency, serving as a CARE Educator and leader on the CARE Implementation Team.
• Foster a collaborative, team-based environment that aligns with Lawrence Hall's core values; address workplace stress, conflict, and secondary trauma with empathy and professionalism.

Qualifications & Skills

Required:

• Master's degree in Human Services, Social Work, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in a nonprofit, government, or philanthropic setting overseeing multiple programs/contracts-ideally serving low-income youth or trauma-exposed communities.
• Comprehensive knowledge of program planning, budgeting, grant writing, and administrative operations across child welfare, juvenile justice, workforce development, education, or mental health systems.
• Exceptional verbal, written, and public policy communication skills; a proven ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
• Valid driver's license, reliable personal vehicle, and proof of insurance. Must pass a comprehensive background check, drug screen, and have no record of child abuse/neglect.

Preferred:

• LCSW or LCPC (or equivalent licensure) with demonstrated child welfare system leadership.
• Deep knowledge of childhood trauma, positive youth development, and strengths-based approaches.

Additional Information

This is a mobile role requiring travel in a personal vehicle across our three primary Chicago offices (Francisco, 71st St, and 76th St) and four offsite group homes. While an office is provided at the 4833 N Francisco location, the SVPP will independently manage a split schedule across all sites. Primary business hours are 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with occasional weekend or evening events. Requires 24/7 on-call availability (balanced in partnership with the COO to maintain work/life health).

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary: $120,000 - $127,000/year, based on experience.
• Average of 17-25 days of PTO + 9 holidays
• Medical insurance - HMO and PPO options
• Dental insurance - HMO and PPO options
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) with up to 5% employer match and auto-vesting
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) - Medical and Dependent Care
• Pre-tax Commuter benefits - Parking and Transit
• 100% employer-paid Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
• Voluntary Life Insurance for Employees, Spouses, and Children
• Accident and Critical Illness Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• 100% employer- paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for free counseling and life resources
• Wellness Reimbursement Program
• Employee Referral Bonus up to $1,500
• Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for licensed employees
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness

How to Apply

Submit your resume here. We look forward to learning more about you!

Frequently cited statistics show that women and underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the necessary skills and abilities. Lawrence Hall encourages you to apply even if you do not have experience in all areas of essential functions. We look forward to your application.

This position meets the FLSA requirements for Exempt

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V