Director of Programs and Operations

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Director of Programs and Operations

American Indian Center of Chicago

Position type: Full time • Anticipated start date: January 2027

Salary range: $68,000 to $75,000, depending on experience

Location: Chicago, with work at AIC, community sites and partner locations

Reports to: Executive Director • Supervises: AIC program and operations staff

Position SummaryThe American Indian Center of Chicago is seeking a Director of Programs and Operations to lead our day-to-day programs, staff and internal operations. The director will work closely with the Executive Director to turn AIC’s vision and priorities into programs that serve our community.

AIC’s work is rooted in relationships among Native people and nations, across generations, and with land, food, culture and community. Our programs include cultural education, Food Is Medicine, community gatherings, Native-led community science, land stewardship and bison rematriation. The director will help this work grow in response to community priorities while ensuring programs are organized, culturally grounded and carried through.

This is a working leadership role. The director will supervise program and operations staff while also developing and leading programs of their own. They will bring ideas, staff experience and community feedback to program planning, make day-to-day decisions and guide programs from development through delivery.

Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesProgram Development and Leadership

  • Work with the Executive Director, staff and community members to develop program plans and an annual calendar within AIC’s organizational priorities.
  • Identify opportunities for new programs and improvements to existing work.
  • Personally develop and lead community programs, from initial concept and relationships through planning, facilitation and follow-up.
  • Guide staff in planning and delivering programs that reflect AIC’s mission and meet commitments to the community and funders.
  • Coordinate schedules, staffing, space and resources across programs and events.
  • Review participation, community feedback and program outcomes to improve AIC’s work.
Staff and Operations
  • Supervise staff through clear expectations, regular communication, coaching and performance feedback.
  • Lead staff meetings, coordinate priorities and address barriers to completing work.
  • Oversee daily operations, including the systems and logistics that support AIC’s building, programs and events.
  • Establish practical ways to track responsibilities, deadlines, decisions and program records.
  • Coordinate routine purchases and supplies needed for programs and operations, following AIC’s approval procedures and bringing significant needs to the Executive Director.
  • Keep the Executive Director informed of progress, concerns and decisions that need their attention.
Community Relationships and Cultural Responsibility
  • Build respectful relationships with Native community members, elders, cultural practitioners, knowledge holders, nations and partner organizations.
  • Ensure programs are informed by and accountable to Chicago’s urban Native community.
  • Recognize the distinct histories, practices and protocols of Native nations rather than treating Native culture as uniform.
  • Work with staff and knowledge holders to respect permissions and boundaries around cultural knowledge, stories, images and Traditional Ecological Knowledge.
  • Represent AIC in program-related settings with care, sound judgment and an understanding of when to seek guidance.
Working With the Executive DirectorAIC’s Board of Directors and Executive Director guide the organization’s strategic direction. The Executive Director sets organizational and program priorities, leads grant commitments and makes final decisions on significant changes in direction.

The Director of Programs and Operations brings ideas, staff experience and community feedback to that work. Within AIC’s established direction, the director has the authority to lead staff, make day-to-day decisions and carry programs and operations forward. The Executive Director retains responsibility for board relations, finances, fundraising, grants, funder relationships and major external partnerships.

QualificationsAIC recognizes that people develop knowledge and leadership through community work, cultural practice, lived experience, professional roles, education and training. A college degree is not required.

Strong candidates will bring

  • Substantial experience developing and leading programs with Native communities.
  • Knowledge of urban Native communities and the responsibilities involved in working with elders, cultural practitioners and knowledge holders.
  • Experience both running programs personally and supervising staff who lead programs.
  • The ability to develop ideas collaboratively and turn them into plans, assignments and completed work.
  • Sound judgment, strong communication skills and dependable follow-through.
  • Experience coordinating multiple programs and operational needs at once.
  • Familiarity with program records, community feedback and grant-funded commitments.
Work Environment and ScheduleThis position combines office, community and field-based work. Some evening and weekend work is required for programs and events. Travel within Chicago and the surrounding region is required.

Compensation and BenefitsThe salary range is $68,000 to $75,000 annually, depending on experience. AIC offers health, dental and vision insurance; employer-paid basic life and AD&D insurance; paid holidays; an unlimited paid time off policy; periodic organization-wide wellness breaks; and an employee assistance program. Additional voluntary benefits may be available.

How to ApplyInterested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to careers@chicagoaic.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Equal Opportunity StatementThe American Indian Center is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage Native people, Indigenous people, people of color, women, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, veterans and people with lived experience connected to this work to apply.

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