Director of Operations

Description

EMBRACING ABILITIES. EXPANDING POSSIBILITIES.

At Easterseals Chicago & Rockford Regions (ECR), we are committed to transforming the lives of early learners and individuals of all abilities through access to expert educational, family, and community support. As an affiliate of America’s largest nonprofit health care organization, we have proudly served the communities and families of the Chicago and Rockford regions since 1936. For more information, visit www.eastersealschicago.org.

The Director of Operations provides strategic leadership for Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford's facilities, safety, security, risk management, and operational infrastructure. This role is responsible for ensuring the safety, functionality, compliance, and long-term sustainability of ECR's physical environments while supporting organizational growth and operational excellence.

Working closely with program leaders and functional department heads, the Director of Operations develops and implements systems, processes, and standards that promote safety, efficiency, compliance, and continuous improvement. This position also serves as a key organizational leader in facilities planning, risk management, insurance administration, lease management, and operational innovation, including the exploration and implementation of AI-enabled process improvements.

This position is located at Easterseals Chicago Location at 1939 W 13th Street, Chicago, IL 60608
.

• Provide day-to-day oversight of ECR's Facilities Team, ensuring effective operations across all agency locations.
• Work closely with ECR’s Vice President of Communications & Operations to develop and implement professional development and growth plans for Facilities Department staff that establish clear performance expectations, accountability measures, and career development pathways for team members.
• Facilitate cross-training among facilities personnel to ensure continuity of operations and organizational resilience.
• Oversee the development and implementation of preventive maintenance programs for all ECR-owned and leased facilities.
• Ensure facilities systems, equipment, and infrastructure are maintained in accordance with industry best practices.
• Oversee facility improvement, renovation, and capital projects as assigned.

• Chair ECR's Health & Safety Committee, facilitating ongoing dialogue among departments regarding organizational risks, vulnerabilities, compliance requirements, and opportunities for improvement.
• Spearhead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of agency-wide health, safety, and security policies and protocols.
• Oversee development and maintenance of standard operating procedures related to safety, security, emergency preparedness, and facilities operations.
• Coordinate and document required safety drills and emergency preparedness exercises.

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, local, licensing, OSHA, and other applicable safety and facilities regulations.
• Facilitate the annual review and revision of ECR's Health & Safety Manual in partnership with operational and program leaders.

• Lead ECR's annual insurance renewal process: coordinate with ECR’s program leaders, Finance team, People & Talent Culture team, and external insurance broker to gather required information and assess coverage needs.
• Recommend risk mitigation strategies that reduce organizational liability and strengthen operational resilience.
• Maintain documentation necessary to support audits, insurance renewals, compliance reviews, and…