Vice President, Program Operations

Lead Operations. Elevate Lives. Drive Impact.At Aspire, we believe every person deserves the opportunity to live a full, meaningful life. For more than 60 years, Aspire has partnered with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to build lives filled with purpose, connection, and possibility.We are seeking an experienced, strategic, and mission-driven Vice President, Program Operations to lead enterprise-wide program operations and help shape the future of person-centered services across our organization.This is more than an operations role — it is an opportunity to influence lives, empower teams, strengthen communities, and ensure excellence across a growing, multi-site organization committed to innovation and helping ensure everyone feels included.Executive Leadership | Operational Excellence | Mission ImpactThe Vice President, Program Operations serves as the enterprise leader responsible for the quality, performance, compliance, and operational excellence of Aspire's core service lines, including:Residential ServicesAcademiesClinical ServicesNursing OperationsReporting directly to the Chief Program Officer, the VP will drive operational rigor, strengthen accountability systems, mitigate organizational risk, and ensure exceptional person-centered experiences across a decentralized, multi-site service delivery model.This leader will inspire and develop high-performing teams while building scalable systems that support sustainable growth, quality outcomes, regulatory excellence, and financial stewardship.What You'll LeadEnterprise Program OperationsQuality, Compliance & Risk ManagementFinancial & Performance LeadershipWorkforce & Culture DevelopmentStrategic & Cross-Functional PartnershipRequirementsWhat We're Looking ForBachelor's degree or equivalent experience required, Master's preferred10+ years of progressive leadership experience in complex, multi-site operationsExperience leading large-scale service delivery organizations with operational and financial accountabilityBackground in regulated environments such as healthcare, behavioral health, I/DD services, or related industriesProven success improving operational performance, quality outcomes, and organizational sustainabilityStrong financial acumen and data-driven decision-making experienceValid Illinois driver's license with a good driving recordExperience scaling operations, leading organizational growth, mergers/acquisitions, or performance improvement initiativesThe Leadership Competencies That Matter HereWe are looking for a leader who:Achieves results and drives accountabilityBuilds strong, collaborative, high-performing teamsLeads through complexity and changeTackles difficult issues with courage and integrityCultivates innovation and operational excellenceBalances strategic vision with disciplined executionChampions person-centered, mission-driven service deliveryWhy Aspire?At Aspire, our work changes lives — including the lives of the people who work here.You'll join a purpose-driven organization where:Mission and impact guide every decisionInnovation and continuous improvement are encouragedLeaders are empowered to shape the futureCollaboration and compassion matterEvery person is valued, respected, and supportedIf you are a strategic operator, people-centered leader, and systems thinker ready to drive meaningful impact at scale, we invite you to bring your leadership to Aspire.