Director of Programs

Director of Programs Grow Your Own Teachers Illinois invites applications and nominations for the position of Director of Programs. We seek an accomplished, collaborative, and strategic leader who will build upon the organization’s programmatic strengths while providing direction to advance program development, effectiveness, and growth. The successful candidate will lead efforts to strengthen program quality, enhance impact, promote integration across programs and initiatives, and ensure that programs are aligned with the organization’s broader mission, goals and priorities. GYO-IL is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with headquarters in Chicago, Illinois. We are a statewide initiative dedicated to strengthening Illinois’ educator workforce by developing a diverse, community-rooted pipeline of teachers and expanding access to the teaching profession. Through strategic partnerships among school districts, higher education institutions, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders, we recruit, support, prepare and retain aspiring educators who are committed to serving the communities where they live and work. The Director of Programs provides oversight for GYO-IL’s portfolio of programs and will be responsible for strengthening program implementation, integration, and impact. As a member of the state administration team alongside four other directors (Director of Community Partnership and Advocacy; Director of Recruitment, Marketing and Communications; Director of Research and Administration; and Director of Finance to be hired) and a University Deans’ Liaison, the Director of Programs contributes programmatic expertise and perspective to organizational planning and decision-making. The Director of Programs reports to the Executive Director. To view the full leadership profile please visit our website: https://www.dsgco.com/search/23627-grow-your-own-teachers-illinois-md-of-programs/ Candidate review will begin immediately. To apply for this role, please submit a letter of interest and resume through the Talent Profile . Candidates are encouraged to submit application materials by December 11, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted and reviewed until the position is filled. Salary is competitive and commensurate with level of experience. The anticipated salary range is $120,000-135,000 and includes a generous benefits package. Candidates are required to reside in Illinois. This is a hybrid position and will require a regular presence in the Chicago office. Nominations and inquiries can be directed to: Arpan Narayan, Managing Director, Consulting Beth McCarthy, Managing Associate gyo_il@dsgco.com GYO-IL is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.