Program Manager

Job Description

The Westside Justice Center is a community-centered organization that promotes a holistic

approach to justice by: 1) Facilitating legal literacy to reduce recidivism; 2) Providing legal and
quasi- legal assistance to individuals; and 3) Establishing and nurturing community trust
through participatory deliberations and restorative justice practices, to collaboratively mitigate
the consequences of incarceration on criminalized communities.

The Program Manager is responsible for the development, implementation, management,

supervision and evaluation of the organization’s programs. The Program Manager participates
in strategic planning and budgeting initiatives in addition to problem solving. He/she works
within the guidelines, policies and mission of the organization and will be accountable and
responsible for specific projects as assigned.

Reports to: Deputy Director

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
● Development and Planning:
○ Plan the delivery of programs and activities in accordance with the mission and
the goals of the organization
○ Develop new initiatives to support the strategic direction of the organization
○ Develop and implement long-term goals and objectives to achieve the successful
outcome of programs
○ Develop a program evaluation framework to assess the strengths of a program
and to identify areas for improvement
○ Ensure activities operate within the policies and procedures of the organization
○ Ensure activities comply with all relevant legislation and professional standards
○ Develop forms and records to document activities
○ Oversee the collection and maintenance of records for statistical purposes
according to the confidentiality policy of the organization

● Human resource management

○ Direct, plan and coordinate the work of the program staff including supervision
and evaluation, training and team building
○ Direct supervision and mentorship to a team of direct services staff. Provide
individual supervision to staff, as well as group supervision.
○ Organize and attend weekly departmental meetings to maintain effective

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 communication
○ Ensure adequate and qualified staff to carry out the program activities
○ Establish and implement a performance management process for all program
staff
○ Engage volunteers for appropriate program activities using established volunteer
management practices

● Program delivery
○ Responsible for the implementation, management, supervision and evaluation of
all activities of programs
○ Supervise program staff by providing direction, input and feedback
○ Responsible for the supervision and management of the data management
software
○ Prepare periodic program reports for internal use, as well as for WJC
stakeholders
○ Analyze trends in programs, identifying issues and developing and
recommending solutions to the Deputy Director
○ Develop, implement and evaluate recruitment strategies to expand the number
of volunteers to support programming
○ Develop, implement and evaluate recruitment strategies to expand the number
of clients participating in programming
○ Communicate with clients and other stakeholders to gain community support for
the program and to solicit input to improve the program
○ Communicate with funders as outlined in funding agreements
○ Monitor the program activities on a regular basis and conduct an annual
evaluation according to the program evaluation framework
○ Report evaluation findings to the Deputy Director and recommend changes to
enhance the program, as appropriate

● Budgetary Responsibilities
○ Ensure that the program operate within the approved budget
○ Monitor and approve all budgeted program expenditures
○ Manage all project funds according to established accounting policies and
procedures
○ Ensure that all financial records for the program are up to date
○ Ensure financial reports and supporting documentation for funders are prepared
as outlined in funding agreements
○ Provide required information to have invoices generated and submitted to
funders according to the established timelines

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 ● Other Duties:
○ Builds and sustains relationships with colleagues with leaders, actors and
organizations in relevant fields, including the public and commercial sectors
○ Represents the Westside Justice Center at conferences and other public events,
including as a speaker or panel participant
○ Performs other duties as assigned

Skills​:
● A minimum of five years of experience in nonprofit management, operations, or
development and fundraising;
● Master’s degree or equivalent (7+ years) work experience; Licensed to practice law in
Illinois is a strong advantage.
● Transparent and high integrity leadership;
● Solid, hands-on, budget management skills, including budget preparation, analysis,
decision-making and reporting;
● Experience in organizational development, strategic planning, capacity building, and/or
financial management of nonprofit organizations
● Strong organizational abilities including planning, delegating, program development and
task facilitation;
● Ability to convey a vision of Westside Justice Center strategic future to staff, board,
volunteers and donors; Experience in training and community outreach preferred.
● Strong written and oral communication skills;
● Ability to interface and engage diverse volunteer and donor groups;
● Demonstrated ability to oversee and collaborate with staff;
● Strong public speaking ability;
● Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion within the organization;
and
● Ability to address and resolve conflict effectively.

Application Process​:
Please send your resume, a detailed cover letter explaining your interest in the position and
contact information of 3 references to ​admin@westsidejustice.org​. Please note what position
you are applying for in the subject line. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling
basis.
Start Date​: As soon as possible

The Westside Justice Center is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. People of color,
women, LGBTQI-GNC people, and formerly incarcerated people are strongly encouraged to
apply.

Commensurate with experience and other qualifications.

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