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Job Title: Chief of Programs
Organization: United Congregations of Metro-East (UCM)
Location: Metro-East Region, Illinois
Salary: $55,000 – $70,000, commensurate with experience
Benefits: Full benefits package; relocation assistance up to $5,000 available
Application Deadline: Position to be filled by July 2025

About UCM:

United Congregations of Metro-East (UCM) is a faith-based, multicultural community organizing nonprofit dedicated to building power and developing leadership to advance justice in the Metro-East region. UCM works with congregations, civic groups, and residents to confront social, racial, and economic inequities and advocate for systemic change.

Position Summary:

UCM is seeking a dynamic, mission-driven Chief of Programs to oversee the development, coordination, and performance of our organizing team, which currently includes more than five staff organizers. The Chief of Programs will play a central leadership role in advancing UCM’s campaigns and community impact while fostering a strong internal culture rooted in justice, accountability, and collaboration.

This position requires a seasoned community organizer with at least five years of direct organizing and leadership experience. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to mentor organizers, coordinate strategy across diverse issues, and work effectively in multicultural and interfaith settings.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supervise and support organizing staff in strategic planning, campaign execution, and leadership development.
• Lead programmatic planning to ensure alignment with organizational goals and community needs.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with faith-based, community, and civic partners.
• Develop and implement systems for evaluating program effectiveness and staff performance.
• Represent UCM in public forums, coalitions, and with key stakeholders as needed.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and other senior staff to align organizing work with funding and communications strategies.
• Work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends; Sunday is a required workday. A floating day off during the week will be provided.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in community organizing, including team leadership or program management.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships across race, religion, and class.
• Experience in multicultural and interfaith environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• High level of initiative, accountability, and follow-through.
• Passion for justice and commitment to the mission and values of UCM.
• Education is not a determining factor—we value lived experience and organizing skill over formal credentials.

Additional Information:

• Full benefits package provided (health, vacation, etc.).
• Relocation assistance up to $5,000 available for candidates moving to the Metro-East area.
• Target start date: July 2025.

How to Apply:

Please submit a resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and interest in the position to darnelltingle@ucmetroeast.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.