Director of Auxiliary Program (Education)
The Frances Xavier Warde School (FXW) is a Catholic elementary school in downtown Chicago that provides an excellent academic, values-oriented education to students of all ethnic, religious, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds in a child- centered urban environment. As a keystone of its diverse community, FXW provides need-based scholarships to thirty percent of its students. FXW partners with its families, nurtures faith development for its Catholic students, and engages all its students to learn about and respect other faith traditions. FXW uses a rigorous curriculum that enables students to grow, clarify their values, and develop decision-making skills and a sense of responsibility for themselves and the world they will inherit.
Position Purpose / Summary
At FXW, Auxiliary Programs extend the school's mission by offering students meaningful opportunities for social growth, creative exploration, and hands-on learning. The Director of Auxiliary Programs oversees all aspects of FXW's Summer Programs, After-School Programs, Closed School Day offerings, and Transportation Services. This role also manages a team of three direct reports, coordinates closely with multiple departments, and is responsible for both strategic growth and operational efficiency within auxiliary programs. This position reports to the Head of School.
Essential Functions
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Program Development & Expansion
- Lead, enhance, and expand Summer, After-School, and Closed School Day programs.
- Oversee the development of new program offerings based on community needs, market research, and educational trends, ensuring alignment with FXW's mission and core values.
- Collaborate with outside vendors and FXW teachers to ensure programs are relevant, innovative, and enriching for students.
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Financial Planning & Budgeting
- Develop, manage, and monitor the budget for all auxiliary programs, including forecasting, expense tracking, and monthly reporting.
- Collaborate with the CFO and Controller to ensure financial performance aligns with the school's goals, adjusting for anticipated variances and identifying opportunities for increased program revenue.
- Prepare and present financial summaries and projections to school leadership, ensuring transparency and accountability.
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Marketing & Community Engagement
- Work with the Director of Advancement and other school departments to create and execute a comprehensive marketing plan that promotes program visibility through print, digital, and in-person outreach.
- Serve as the primary contact for all inquiries about auxiliary programs, ensuring positive relationships with parents, students, and external community partners.
- Engage with parents and community members to build program awareness and encourage participation.
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Operations & Logistics
- Oversee the efficient registration, tracking, and management of all program enrollment and billing processes, in collaboration with the Finance Office.
- Ensure smooth operation and safety of Transportation Services, coordinating schedules, routes, and vehicle maintenance in collaboration with the Facilities and Security teams.
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Staffing & Supervision
- Manage three direct reports within the Auxiliary Programs and Transportation Services departments, providing leadership, guidance, and support for program success.
- Partner with Human Resources for the recruitment, interviewing, and hiring of all auxiliary program staff, ensuring compliance with the school's hiring policies and child safety standards (including background checks and VIRTUS training).
- Conduct regular performance evaluations, support professional development, and foster a positive team culture.
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Safety & Compliance
- Coordinate with the Facilities and Security departments to ensure all staff receive appropriate training in health, safety, and emergency procedures.
- Implement and oversee attendance tracking, emergency response plans, and health protocols to maintain a safe environment for students and staff.
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Data & Reporting
- Maintain databases for all programs, tracking enrollment, staffing metrics, and financial performance.
- Prepare and present data-driven reports for leadership, including enrollment trends, staffing summaries, program performance, and safety compliance.
- Monitor attendance and incident records to ensure program integrity and participant safety.
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On-campus Supervision
- Provide direct, on-site oversight of day-to-day operations for all in-house camps and programs, ensuring quality control, quick issue resolution, and adherence to FXW standards.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Experience in strategic program development and operations within education or youth services, including experience with transportation oversight
- Strong financial acumen, with demonstrated ability in budgeting, forecasting, and revenue management
- Proven experience in marketing, brand management, and community engagement for program growth
- Excellent project management skills with a strong ability to lead, organize, and inspire a team
- Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including students, families, and staff
- Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification (can be obtained post-hire)
- Familiarity with SPARC (Summer Programs and Auxiliary Revenue Collaborative) is a plus
- Compliance with FXW's child safety policies, including background screening, fingerprinting, and VIRTUS Training
- Proficient in data management, budgeting software, and word processing tools
- Experience with Campbrain preferred
- Ability to handle emergencies, fire drills, and safety communications effectively
