Director Community Reentry (Chicago)

Job Title: Director of Operations

Department: Operations

Division: Community Reentry ( CR )

Reports To: Chief Operating Officer

FLSA Status: Exempt

Effective Date : September 2026

DIVISION OVERVIEW:

The Community Reentry (CR) Division provides specialized case management services to help people prepare to return to their families and communities after they’ve been incarcerated. CR works both inside prisons and in communities to conduct screening and assessments for substance use disorders, place clients into treatment programs, and provide support including, but not limited to, insurance enrollment, obtaining a state ID, and finding employment resources.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The primary purpose of the Director of Operations is to plan, organize, develop, and direct the overall operation of the Community Reentry Division in accordance with current federal, state and local standards, guidelines, and regulations, our established policies and procedures, and as may be directed by the Chief Operating Officer, to assure that the needs of our clients are met/maintained on an individual basis.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Administrative

▪ Collaborate with the Executive Management Team on an annual basis to plan, implement, monitor, and evaluate division performance goals and objectives.

▪ Effectively and efficiently manage the overall, day-to-day operations of the division including the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of division programs, policies and procedures.

▪ Coordinate data collection for division’s programs; upload division’s program outcome data into the agency’s monthly KPI report in a timely manner; and utilize program and financial data/reports to analyze division operations, evaluate performance and determine areas of potential cost reduction, program improvement, and policy/procedure change. 

▪ Utilize PMBOK best practices and tools and collaborate with cross-functional teams to plan, implement, monitor, and close out short-term projects and/or onboard new programs/initiatives. 

▪ Provide on-going, high-level analysis of federal, state, and local legislation, public policy, market trends, and changes to professional standards that impact division programs and recommend strategies for growth and continual improvement.

▪ Maintain effective working relationships with partner agencies, funders, and other external stakeholders, as well as state, local, and municipal government officials; represent the agency on state, city, and county taskforces and initiatives related to division programs.

▪ Stay abreast of, and work with the COO to secure, the IT, training, supplies and other resources required for the division to achieve contract deliverables and outcomes.

▪ Draft, prepare, and design internal and external program reports, presentations, and pitch decks as requested.

Quality Assurance/Compliance

▪ Work in close consultation with quality assurance staff to develop, implement, and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) that align program with contract requirements and best practices for high quality service delivery; and ensure staff are trained on and adhere to SOPs.

▪ Monitor program performance measures through internal and external databases and file audits; assist quality assurance staff in preparing program audits; and implement corrective action to ensure changes in practices result in achieving the contract performance objectives.

▪ Utilize program and financial data/reports to analyze division operations, evaluate performance and determine areas of potential cost reduction, program improvement, and policy/procedure change.

▪ Collaborate with quality assurance staff to maintain required licensing and accreditation and prepare for all external accreditation reviews.

Fiscal

▪ In collaboration with the CFO and COO, develop, administer, and monitor program budgets in accordance with agency policies and procedures and funder requirements.

Personnel/Staff Development

▪ Supervise both supervisory and non-supervisory employees in accordance with organization’s policies and applicable laws.

▪ Work closely with COO and Human Resources to establish annual performance measures and development goals for each division team member; coordinate the division’s annual performance appraisal process; and conduct a timely annual performance appraisal for all direct reports.

▪ Utilize a progressive discipline system to help division team members resolve performance issues.

▪ Identify and facilitate skills development, training, and learning opportunities for division staff in alignment with division performance goals and objectives.

▪ Work closely with Human Resources to recruit, hire and retain qualified division staff.

▪ Review and approve staff timesheets and expense reports.

Other

▪ Promote the philosophy of the organization, ensuring proper implementation of accepted clinical practices strategies.

▪ Collaborate in the preparation of grant application renewals and new funding proposals including, but not limited to, drafting grant application content and developing budgets.

▪ Attend all trainings and internal and external meetings as required.

COMPETENCIES: 

To perform this job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Strategic Planning | Change Leadership | Program Design, Implementation, and Evaluation | Process Mapping | Logic Modeling | Project Management | Budgeting & Fiscal Management | Contract Management | Risk Management | Government Relations & External Affairs | Facilities & IT Infrastructure Management | Coaching People & Managing Teams | Customer Relations Management | Policy Analysis | Google Works | Microsoft Office 365

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

▪ Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university preferably in social work, psychology, criminal justice, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.

▪ At least seven years of related experience in the criminal justice and/or substance use and mental health treatment field, or a related field. 

▪ At least five years of progressively responsible middle to senior management positions in a non-profit or governmental agency setting. 

▪ Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership technique, and coordination of people and resources.

▪ Knowledge of laws, legal codes, criminal justice system, precedents, government regulations, agency rules, and the democratic political process

▪ Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection and training.

▪ Considerable knowledge of the current ASAM placement criteria and the DSM-V as it relates to substance-related disorders or able to acquire the knowledge

▪ Knowledge of the Code of Ethics for substance abuse professionals

▪ Ability to effectively supervise and direct other staff members

▪ Ability to work with a diverse population

▪ Excellent computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and the Internet.

▪ Communicate using excellent written and oral communications skills.

▪ Must be able to manage multiple priorities with strong attention to detail

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position has supervisory responsibilities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and/or fax machines.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing is required. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary. Frequently lifts, carries or otherwise moves and positions objects weighting up to 15 lbs. Frequently bends, kneels and crouches. Repetitive movement of hands, arms and legs. Continuous walking, standing and moving about. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

POSITION TYPE AND EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. with occasional evening and/or weekend hours.

TRAVEL

Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out-of-the area and overnight travel may be expected. Must be available to attend meetings an]]> <