Open Position

Director of Programs

About the Foundation

Healthy Communities Foundation (HCF) is a private health conversion foundation dedicated to improving health and well-being in the western Cook County area. Established after the sale of MacNeal Hospital in 2000, the Foundation was reconstituted in 2017, renewing its commitment to health equity and a community-informed approach. HCF concentrates its efforts within a five-mile radius of its legacy site, covering 27 ZIP codes across Chicago and its western suburbs, which serve over 900,000 residents. Its overarching goal is to foster the development of healthy, thriving communities where all residents have the opportunity to lead healthy lives.

To achieve this goal, HCF understands the importance of addressing root causes and systemic inequities that contribute to health disparities. Guided by its commitment to health equity, HCF invests in organizations and partners with community-led initiatives that create opportunities for residents of its service area to attain health and well-being, regardless of their circumstances or ZIP codes. Rooted in principles of equity and partnership, HCF believes that those closest to community challenges are best positioned to develop effective and sustainable solutions, as they have a vested interest in the health and well-being of their communities.

Recently, HCF deepened its community-centered, trust-based approach by committing over $20 million over five years in unrestricted general operating support to over 30 strategic partners. This multi-year funding strategy is grounded by three core goals: 1) to foster strong, sustained partnerships with communities, leaders, and organizations; 2) to invest in community-defined solutions; and 3) to support intersectional strategies that advance health equity. The Foundation also recognizes that it has various tools beyond grantmaking—such as advocacy, convening, capacity building, network strengthening, and mission-aligned investment strategies—to help address root causes and dismantle systemic inequities across the HCF service region. We are proud to provide this platform and work alongside community partners who share a commitment to learning, change, and impact.

The Opportunity

To advance its vision and respond to a significant opportunity for transformation, HCF is seeking a collaborative, humble, and dedicated leader to serve as its Director of Programs (DOP). Reporting to the President, the DOP will lead the Foundation’s programmatic strategy and oversee the development, implementation, and evolution of its grantmaking approach. This role prioritizes a trust-based, community-centered philosophy grounded in collaboration, equity, and partnership.

The DOP will manage and support an interdisciplinary team of skilled and mission-aligned staff, ensuring that all programmatic work aligns with HCF’s mission, values, and strategic priorities. The DOP will create opportunities for reflection among staff, the Board of Directors, and community stakeholders and lead planning for resource allocation and monitoring. Additionally, the DOP will ensure that community voice meaningfully informs program design and decision-making. A key focus of this role is to embed health equity and racial equity across all aspects of the Foundation’s work while continuously integrating fiscal, programmatic, and community-informed best practices.

The ideal candidate will bring vision and operational expertise to strengthen the Foundation’s ability to support and drive systems-level, community-led change. The DOP will be a member of the Foundation’s leadership team, collaborating with the President, Communications Director, and Chief Financial Officer to ensure that all departments at HCF are aligned and coordinated in their efforts.

Key Responsibilities

Program Development and Refinement

Lead and enhance the Evaluation and Learning Framework through programming, convenings, coordination, and reporting.
Serve as the primary coordinator with program staff, consultants, funders, and external organizations to oversee planning, review, and responses to funding requests.
Manage the curation and dissemination of learning resources, including literature reviews, research, evaluations of grantmaking, and insights from partners.
Design and implement special initiatives, as needed, to fund organizations and projects aligned with strategic goals, with a focus on promoting equitable practices.
Collaborate and lead efforts to develop, test, and refine performance indicators to monitor and measure the foundation’s efforts.

Strategy

Champion the strategic framework and oversee related communication and impact data of grantmaking activities and performance to colleagues, senior management, and Board of Trustees.
Co-Lead the Board Program Committee with Board Committee Chair by setting quarterly agenda, developing high-level communication and materials for board learning and decision-making.
Serve as internal advisor to the Foundation President on comprehensive strategy and planning.
Review trends, best practices, and environmental perspectives that may influence the work.

Operations

Staff Management and Development

Oversee program staff structures, including hiring, roles, responsibilities, performance management, and job descriptions.
Foster and lead a diverse, collaborative, and inclusive work environment that welcomes points of view that are inclusive of each person’s professional, cultural, social, ethnic, and experiential backgrounds as well as tenure in the workforce.
Manage program staff learning and development.
Assure the development of work plans for each program team member to support performance and professional development.
Conduct annual program staff evaluations.
Lead and oversee program team development to achieve strategic objectives.
Create and support a transparent and collaborative work environment.

External Relations and Strategic Partnerships

Use the tools of philanthropy, including connecting, coordinating, convening, communicating, and funding programs to help catalyze systems-level change toward health equity in the HCF region.
Cultivate relationships, develop and execute strategic partnerships with nonprofits, networks of grassroots and advocacy groups, public systems, employers, researchers and other foundations to support progress toward the Foundation’s mission and goals.
Enhance regional impact by working with partners to inform decision-makers at local and state levels.
Build relationships with a network of grantees and external partners to learn, advance the foundation’s strategies and amplify the work of grantee partners.

Grantmaking and Evaluation

As principal grantmaking coordinator, evaluate proposals for alignment with the Foundation’s strategic framework and strategic priorities, including health equity and racial justice dimensions, potential impact, value for dollars requested, and the applicant organization's capacity and stability.
Implement and promote practices to ensure all proposals are reviewed fairly, expeditiously, and are consistently aligned with Foundation strategic priorities, and equitable grantmaking processes and policies.
Review and recommend responsive grants to the President as part of an ongoing process to provide agile, community-informed support for urgent needs and innovative events between grant cycles, fostering learning, collaboration, and long-term impact.

Candidate Characterization

Skills

Passion and commitment to the Foundation’s mission, vision, values, and community partners.
Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, with an understanding of structural racism, systemic biases, and social determinants of health; proficient in identifying barriers to advancing equitable community conditions.
Understanding and experience in building coalitions and equitable, community-led partnerships through transparency and power building/sharing.
Awareness of how research and data analysis can be leveraged to mobilize investments and financing tools in alignment with the mission.
Demonstrated understanding of and experience in applying systems-level change including trust-based philanthropy.
Experience applying equitable philanthropic principles and practices within an institution committed to diversity and inclusion, fostering an inclusive environment, and working effectively with people of all backgrounds.
Strategic leadership skills are necessary to lead the grantmaking portfolio, develop results-focused strategies, and understand the key dynamics of the field influencing the portfolio’s strategies.
Significant experience leading professional teams committed to service, positive change, and community empowerment.
Experience aligning organizational values with equity practices.
Broad knowledge of health disparities and equity issues in the HCF service region.
Ability to travel, including site visits and representing the Foundation at external meetings and events.

Candidate Fundamentals

Education and experience equivalent to an advanced degree (e.g., MA, MPH, MJ, MBA, PhD) with a deep understanding of social and structural determinants of health.
Ten or more years of relevant work experience, with at least six years in progressive management and leadership roles that include project management and staff development; grantmaking experience strongly preferred.
Experience supporting organizational leaders to achieve strategic goals; preference for those with leadership roles in power-building organizations focused on policy, advocacy, strategy, organizing, or fundraising.
Knowledge of systems and agencies influencing health outcomes in the HCF service region.
Experience and knowledge of the concepts, practices, principles, and procedures of empowering community partners.
Proven ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment, including managing uncertainty and organizational change.
Able to lead teams through delegation, skill development, performance management, conflict management, and collaboration.
Expertise in creating and managing budgets.
A results-oriented capacity for achieving goals and successful outcomes.
Lead with emotional intelligence and resilience, inspiring others while fostering a workplace atmosphere that includes humor, connection, and fun.
Exhibit sound judgment by making informed decisions, justifying recommendations, and communicating responsively and clearly.
Exceptional written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to synthesize and present complex information clearly and persuasively.
Ability to identify innovative opportunities that facilitate peer funding partnerships.
Demonstrate trustworthiness and ability to maintain confidentiality regarding Foundation, Board, staff, and grantmaking processes.

Position Requirements

As part of its adaptive workplace policy, HCF provides expenses related to remote work, including equipment, software, and internet access. The position requires commuting to partner organizations and work-related meetings, for which a valid driver’s license is necessary; mileage reimbursement is provided for personal vehicle use. Travel to attend conferences, retreats, and meetings outside regular business hours will be required. HCF is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. If accommodations are needed to participate in the application process, please specify those needs in your cover letter.

Location

HCF staff are expected to work at its headquarters in Riverside, IL, in shared spaces in Chicago, IL, and/or with community partners. Remote work may be available at the discretion of the President and based on situational needs.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range for this position is $130,000 to $170,000. Benefits include:

Medical and dental benefits for the employee and their immediate family.
Retirement savings account with matching company contributions.
Generous paid time off.
Professional development initiatives for growth.
Parental leave (maternal and paternal) during new child’s first year (born into the family or adopted).

Healthy Communities Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants of any race, creed, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, income class, political affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, and veteran status or marital status. We are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion throughout the organization and believe strongly in the increased effectiveness that comes from a diverse workforce, and strongly encourage those from historically underserved, underrepresented communities to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

Application Process

Applications should include:

A cover letter describing your interest, knowledge of the HCF service region, an articulated understanding of the position, and description of how your experience aligns with the position. Also include a brief statement of how this position aligns with your professional purpose.
A resume that includes a chronological description of experience and education.

Chears & Associates (www.chearsassociates.com) has been exclusively retained for this engagement led by Dr. Victor E. Chears who will manage all communication and contact through the recruitment process.

Note: Please refrain from any phone calls, emails and/or direct communication with HCF Board and Staff.

Submit the requested materials via email to careers@hcfdn.org. For consideration, please type your name (Last, First) and Director of Programs in the subject line of your email.

Application Period

Interviews with qualified candidates will occur on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Therefore, candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.