Senior Director of Community Programs. Wheaton, IL, USA.

Sick Cells is hiring a mission-driven Senior Director of Community Programs to join its team. Sick Cells is a national advocacy nonprofit dedicated to amplifying the voices of the sickle cell disease (SCD) community and driving systemic change. Through storytelling, advocacy, and policy engagement, we elevate the lived experiences of those affected by SCD, influence health policy, and promote health equity.

The Senior Director of Community Programs is responsible for leading, designing, and implementing Sick Cells community-focused programs. This position will oversee a team focused on community engagement, outreach, education, and advocacy programming that amplifies patient voices and drives equitable health outcomes. The senior director reports to the chief of staff and operations.

This is a hybrid position, with two days per week spent in the Wheaton, IL, office. Occasional travel, weekend, and evening work may be required.

Key Responsibilities: Community Engagement & Partnerships. Build and maintain strong relationships with patients, caregivers, advocacy organizations, and community leaders. Represent Sick Cells in coalitions, forums, and partnerships to advance community-led solutions and health equity. Ensure that the Ambassador and Faces of SCD programs reflect and respond to the lived experiences and diverse needs of the SCD community.

Strategic Leadership & Program Development: Develop and execute a long-term strategy for community programs aligned with Sick Cells’ mission and strategic goals. Lead the design and implementation of innovative programs that support individuals living with SCD and their families.

Supervise and mentor a growing team of program managers and coordinators.

Advocacy & Outreach: Guide outreach campaigns, educational workshops, and advocacy trainings that increase awareness and civic engagement within the community. Draft and edit blog posts, and lead social media outreach and campaigns. Collaborate on policy and research efforts in alignment with programming and mission.

Operations & Management: Track budgets, timelines, and deliverables for all community programs. Work with the chief of staff and operations to develop tools and frameworks to measure impact, track engagement, and report on outcomes. Support grant proposals and reports related to community initiatives.

Qualifications: 7+ years of experience in nonprofit management, public health, social work, community organizing, or a related field, with at least 3 years in a leadership role. Demonstrated ability to translate complex concepts into clear, accessible language for various audiences. Experience in communications and marketing campaigns. Proven success in designing and scaling community-based programs, especially for underserved populations. Proficiency with data-driven program evaluation and reporting. Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills. Strong knowledge and passion for sickle cell disease, rare diseases, or health equity preferred.

Benefits: This is a full-time, direct-hire position. The salary for this position is commensurate with experience, ranging from $100,000 to $110,000. The benefits package includes health, vision, and dental insurance; a 403b 1% match; professional development; and generous paid leave.

With “Senior Director of Community Programs” in the subject headline. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

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To apply, send a current resume and cover letter to employment@sickcells.org