Manager, Community Employment in Hillside, Illinois at Aspire Chicago

Empower Inclusive Employment. Build Community. Change Lives.

At Aspire, we believe every person deserves the opportunity to work, grow, contribute, and thrive in their community. We are seeking a passionate, strategic, and people-centered Manager, Community Employment to lead innovative employment and community-based programs that create meaningful opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

This is more than a management role — it’s an opportunity to shape futures, strengthen employer partnerships, and build a more inclusive workforce.

About The Role

The Manager, Community Employment leads Aspire’s Community Employment program, ensuring high-quality, person-centered services that help individuals achieve meaningful employment, independence, and full community participation.

You’ll lead a dynamic team of Employment Specialists and Career Navigators while serving as a key connector between Aspire, employers, and the community. Your leadership will directly impact job placement success, workforce readiness, and long-term participant outcomes.

If you are energized by relationship-building, leadership, innovation, and mission-driven work — we’d love to meet you.

What You'll Do

Lead High-Impact Programs

• Oversee daily operations for Community Employment
• Drive measurable outcomes including job placements, retention, skill development, and participant engagement
• Ensure programs remain person-centered, compliant, and outcomes-focused
• Use data and performance metrics to continuously improve services and efficiency

Build Employer & Community Partnerships

• Develop strong relationships with inclusive employers across diverse industries
• Create warm employment pipelines for Aspire participants
• Represent Aspire at hiring fairs, workforce events, and community partnerships
• Align workforce opportunities with participant strengths and labor market needs

Oversee Aspire's Work Readiness Program

• Lead and enhance Aspire’s four-week Work Readiness Program
• Ensure curriculum supports workplace skills, communication, professionalism, and self-advocacy
• Support smooth transitions into employment services and long-term success

Inspire & Develop Teams

• Supervise and coach Employment Specialists, Career Navigators, and related staff
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and growth-oriented culture
• Support staff development, performance management, and professional learning Champion Participant Success

Champion Participant Success

• Ensure individualized, respectful, and coordinated services
• Support teams in addressing barriers to employment and community inclusion
• Serve as a leader for complex participant or service concerns Inspire & Develop Teams

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Business Administration, or related field
• 3+ years of program management experience, preferably in disability services, employment services, or life skills supports
• Previous people leadership experience
• Experience building employer or community partnerships
• Strong communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and willingness to obtain required

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree
• CRC licensure
• Experience with workforce development systems
• Background in quality improvement and data-driven program management

The Ideal Candidate Is:

• A collaborative and empowering leader
• Passionate about disability inclusion and equitable employment
• Skilled at building partnerships and driving outcomes
• Innovative, adaptable, and solutions-oriented
• Compassionate, accountable, and mission-driven

Leadership Competencies

We are looking for leaders who:

• Achieve Results
• Build Effective Teams
• Cultivate Innovation
• Make Quality Decisions
• Tackle Tough Issues

Why Aspire?

At Aspire, your work matters every single day. You’ll join a mission-driven organization committed to empowering individuals with disabilities to live full, self-directed lives. We foster a culture of inclusion, collaboration, growth, and impact — where team members are valued as much as the people we serve.

• Meaningful, mission-driven work
• Collaborative and supportive culture
• Opportunities for growth and leadership development
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• The chance to create lasting community impact

Ready to Make An Impact?

Join Aspire and help build a world where every individual has the opportunity to work, belong, and thrive!