Job Description
Depaul Usa, Inc Position Description TITLE: City Director, Chicago FLSA CLASSIFICATION: Exempt HOURS: Full Time RESPONSIBLE TO: Chief Operating Officer DIRECT REPORTS: Dax Staff LOCATION: Chicago, IL SALARY: $60,000 - $65,000 per year, paid bi-weekly Depaul USA is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace, and we are firmly committed to creating an equitable and inclusive environment for all employees. If you need reasonable accommodation in any part of the hiring process, please let us know. Position Description The Chicago City Director provides full leadership and oversight of the Dax Program, ensuring its effectiveness in helping students from DePaul University and the City Colleges of Chicago graduate by providing stable housing, individualized case management, life skills support, and financial assistance. The City Director is responsible for program strategy, day-to-day operations, public engagement, staff supervision, university and community partnerships, compliance, budget management, and fundraising. Program Summary The Dax Program provides housing and supports to approximately 38 college students experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity. Students are housed at three sites in Budlong Woods, Westtown and Ukrainian Village. Students are age 18-30 and are referred directly from DePaul University and City Colleges of Chicago. Housing, basic needs and financial assistance are provided to students within a trauma-informed, holistic and participant-oriented framework. Primary Duties And Responsibilities Essential Functions Provides overall leadership and strategic direction for the Chicago Dax Program, ensuring effective program operations, resident support, and alignment with organizational goals. Reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer, maintaining consistent communication through email, phone, Zoom, and Teams with daily and weekly interactions. Oversees the delivery of support services by managing a Case Manager and providing direct case management to assigned residents, including developing individualized support plans, coordinating monthly services, and maintaining case documentation in Neworg. Maintains regular communication with the Case Manager through email, phone, Zoom, and Teams, with daily interactions. Assesses residents’ needs and connects them with appropriate campus and communitybased services. Conducts referral interviews, intake assessments, and coordinates housing movein and discharge plans. Facilitates monthly House meeting with participants in conjunction with Case Manager. Maintains rent roll, ensuring participants pay rent on time and in full each month or coordinating with the students to develop a payment plan for rental arrearages. Coordinates life skills workshops for residents by collaborating with local businesses, congregations, universities, and service agencies to deliver both inperson and virtual sessions. Supervises program staff, including the Case Manager and House Managers, providing traumainformed coaching, training, professional development, and performance evaluations. Submits timely payroll information to the Director of People & Values. Identifies and recruits volunteers for the program. Manages volunteer program including regular recognition events and communication. Leads the development, monitoring, and management of the Chicago Dax Program budget. Ensures accurate financial planning, resource allocation, and compliance with organizational and funding requirements. Controls program operating expenses within budget while maintaining highquality service delivery. Maintains program records for outputs and outcomes and prepares reports, statistics, and documentation as required by senior leadership and funders. Designs and implements strategic fundraising initiatives, including donor cultivation, solicitation, and special events, in partnership with the Senior Director of Development and CEO. Builds and maintains strong relationships with local officials, university partners, funders, community organizations, and service providers to expand and enhance services for students facing homelessness. Coordinates and oversees all maintenance for project sites. Supports and engages the Local Advisory Council to provide strategic guidance and fundraising support for the program. Leads planning and implementation of longterm expansion strategies, including coordinating with external consultants and internal leadership on multiyear action plans. Ensures alignment with Depaul USA’s Vincentian values and adherence to internal quality assurance standards. Works collaboratively with the Management Team to continually improve the quality a