Organization Overview: Community Support Services
Founded in 1981, Community Support Services (CSS) is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families to live lives of independence, connection, and purpose. For more than four decades, CSS has served as a trusted community partner across western Cook and eastern DuPage Counties, helping individuals build meaningful relationships, develop life skills, access opportunities, and fully participate in community life. Today, the organization serves approximately 1,000 individuals and families annually across more than 50 communities throughout the region.
CSS provides a comprehensive continuum of services designed to support individuals throughout every stage of life. Programs include residential and independent living services, community day programs, respite care, case management, supported employment, counseling, nursing services, and CSS Academy, an inclusive learning environment that brings together individuals with and without disabilities through educational, recreational, and life enrichment opportunities. Through these programs, CSS helps individuals achieve greater independence while supporting families and strengthening communities.
At its core, CSS is committed to ensuring that every individual is valued, included, and empowered to reach their full potential. Guided by a person-centered philosophy, a dedicated team of more than 100 employees, and a longstanding reputation for quality and innovation, the organization continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of those it serves. With a 95% participant and family satisfaction rate and the highest level of CQL accreditation, CSS remains a recognized leader in advancing opportunity, dignity, and belonging for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Role Summary: Vice President of Programs
Community Support Services (CSS) is seeking a Vice President of Programs to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the organization’s diverse portfolio of services supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. Reporting directly to the President & CEO, the Vice President will oversee the majority of the organization’s direct service programs, including residential services, independent living supports, respite and family services, case management, community day programs, and employment services. With oversight of four program leaders and an overall team of approximately 60 employees across multiple service lines and locations, representing nearly 70% of the organization, this individual will play a critical role in ensuring that services remain person-centered, high quality, financially sustainable, and responsive to the evolving needs of the communities CSS serves.
Success in this role begins with building trust, developing relationships, and gaining a deep understanding of CSS’s programs, funding structures, and culture. The Vice President will serve as a mentor, coach, and thought partner to a team of experienced program leaders, helping strengthen communication, accountability, and consistency across service lines. This leader will be expected to make sound decisions, address challenges directly, and provide the level of support and supervision needed to help both programs and people thrive. Equally important, the Vice President will bring a continuous improvement mindset, evaluating existing operations, identifying opportunities for greater efficiency and impact, and helping position CSS for thoughtful, sustainable growth.
The Vice President of Programs will serve as a key member of the executive leadership team and a trusted partner to the President & CEO in shaping the future of the organization. Current priorities include strengthening community-based service contracts, enhancing program performance and enrollment, supporting organizational culture and staff engagement, and exploring opportunities for strategic program expansion. This role offers the opportunity to influence the future direction of a highly respected organization with a strong reputation, stable financial foundation, and a longstanding commitment to empowering individuals with I/DD to live lives of independence, dignity, and belonging.
Key Responsibilities
Program Operations & Service Delivery
• Provide strategic and operational oversight for all program areas, ensuring services are delivered effectively, consistently, and in alignment with organizational goals and participant needs.
• Lead program planning, implementation, and evaluation efforts, ensuring services remain person-centered, responsive, and positioned for long-term success.
• Continuously assess service models, operational performance, and community needs to identify opportunities for improvement, innovation, and growth.
• Ensure programs achieve established outcomes while maintaining a strong focus on quality, participant experience, and mission impact.
Leadership, Supervision, & Team Development
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of program directors and managers, providing coaching, guidance, and accountability to support strong performance and leadership growth.
• Establish clear expectations, performance standards, and communication practices that foster collaboration, transparency, and operational excellence.
• Address personnel and operational challenges proactively, making timely decisions and supporting leaders through complex situations.
• Build a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and shared ownership across all program areas.
Quality Assurance, Compliance, & Risk Management
• Oversee organizational quality assurance initiatives, ensuring programs consistently meet regulatory, contractual, accreditation, and licensing requirements.
• Monitor program performance, participant outcomes, and satisfaction metrics, utilizing data to drive decision-making and service enhancements.
• Lead accreditation activities, program audits, incident reviews, and corrective action planning to support organizational excellence and compliance.
• Ensure policies, procedures, and operational practices effectively protect participant rights, health, safety, and well-being.
Community Partnerships & Strategic Growth
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with funders, community partners, government agencies, referral sources, and other key stakeholders.
• Partner with organizational leadership to identify, evaluate, and implement opportunities for program expansion, increased utilization, and new service offerings.
• Support outreach, advocacy, and community engagement efforts that strengthen CSS’s visibility, reputation, and impact throughout the region.
• Serve as a strategic ambassador for the organization, advancing partnerships that support both mission achievement and organizational sustainability.
Leadership & Competency Expectations
The Vice President of Programs will be mission-driven leader who takes personal ownership of program excellence, fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement to ensure high-quality services and meaningful outcomes for the individuals and families CSS serves.
While no single candidate is expected to possess every competency, the strongest candidates will demonstrate the following skills, qualities, and experiences:
Leads with Courage and Conviction
Brings confidence and sound judgment to complex situations. Makes decisions when needed, addresses challenges directly, and helps the organization move forward with clarity.
Builds Leaders, Teams, and Culture
Cultivates an environment where people feel supported and approaches the role with humility and curiosity. Bringing the credibility and accountability necessary to build trust, navigate complexity, and effectively lead experienced teams through change.
Shapes What’s Next
Operates with forward-thinking approach that balances today’s operational realities with tomorrow’s opportunities. Continuously looks for ways to strengthen programs, expand impact, and position the organization for future success.
Grounded in Mission, Driven by Impact
Demonstrates a deep commitment to improving the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Leads with empathy and a belief in the power of person-centered services to create meaningful and lasting impact within the community.
Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree required; Advanced degree in human services, social work, psychology, public administration, nonprofit management, or a related field preferred. LCSW, LCPC, or other relevant clinical credentials preferred.
• Progressive leadership experience within human services, developmental disabilities, behavioral health, healthcare, or related mission-driven environments; experience serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of program operations, regulatory compliance, quality standards, and service delivery within a publicly funded or highly regulated environment; eligibility to serve as a Qualified Service Professional (QSP) under Illinois regulations preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leading multiple programs, service lines, or departments within a complex organization.
• Proven ability to lead, develop, and mentor managers and teams while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated success building relationships with funders, community partners, government agencies, boards, and other key stakeholders.
• Strong communication, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to effectively influence and collaborate across all levels of an organization; experience with CQL accreditation, quality assurance, and continuous improvement initiatives preferred.
Location, Compensation and Benefits
This position is based in Brookfield, Illinois. Given the highly collaborative and people-centered nature of the role, the Vice President of Programs is expected to maintain a strong on-site presence, particularly during onboarding and relationship-building. A hybrid work arrangement may be available following a successful transition into the role and in alignment with organizational needs.
The salary range for this position is $100,000 to $120,000, commensurate with experience. CSS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer-paid life and long-term disability insurance; a 403(b)retirement plan with employer match; generous paid time off, holidays, and personal days; an Employee Assistance Program (EAP); and additional voluntary benefit offerings.
How to Apply
To express your interest in this opportunity, please submit your resume and cover letter via the Maneva website.
All inquiries and discussions will be handled with the utmost confidentiality. We are actively recruiting for this position, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the search is concluded.