Director of The Autism Program Salary Range: $90,000 - $100,000 annually Shift: Weekdays Only - Day Shift (8am - 4pm)

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR The Director of The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP), administered by Hope, is responsible for providing strategic leadership, program oversight, and advancement of TAP’s statewide autism initiatives. This role involves supervising TAP personnel, cultivating relationships with stakeholders, and driving innovation and sustainability in autism services across Illinois. WHAT YOU WILL DO Strategic Leadership & Program Oversight: Lead the strategic direction, planning, and evaluation of TAP in collaboration with network partners and state agencies. Identify trends, emerging needs, and opportunities for growth across the autism service network. Program Development & Expansion: Develop and implement initiatives to expand TAP’s statewide reach and service capacity. Establish and grow partnerships with clinical, academic, and community organizations to enhance program offerings and outcomes. Supervision & Team Management: Provide administrative leadership and support to TAP staff, including Regional Coordinators and Headquarters Staff. Ensure effective team operations, staff development, and performance evaluation. Stakeholder & Government Relations: Act as Hope’s representative and liaison to external stakeholders, task forces, and state agencies on matters concerning TAP. Foster collaborative relationships with policymakers, advocacy organizations, and funders to influence and support autism-related initiatives. Contract and Grant Oversight: Manage TAP’s contractual relationships, including sub-awardees for the IDHS Statewide Autism Grant. Monitor compliance with GATA and other grant requirements; oversee fiscal and programmatic reporting. Communications & Brand Management: Collaborate with Hope’s Executive and Communications teams to promote TAP’s mission, visibility, and statewide impact. Ensure consistency in TAP’s messaging, branding, and outreach strategies. Program Monitoring & Reporting: Prepare comprehensive internal and external reports as requested by the President, COO, or state entities. Utilize data to inform strategic decisions and demonstrate program effectiveness. Innovation and Best Practices: Stay informed of research and evidence-based practices in autism services and integrate findings into program operations. Lead efforts to pilot innovative models and practices that improve service delivery and client outcomes. Resource Development: Collaborate on grant writing and funding proposals to support program sustainability and expansion. Identify and pursue additional funding sources to diversify TAP’s financial base. Serve as a mandated reporter per agency policy for incidents involving suspected abuse or neglect. Perform additional duties as required or assigned. WHAT YOU WILL BRING Master’s degree in Social Services, Human Relations, Public Health, Education, or a related field required. Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a social service or nonprofit leadership role. Experience in grant writing and program evaluation Proven experience in strategic leadership, coalition building, and stakeholder engagement. Deep understanding of autism services, best practices, and state/federal systems of care. Strong communication, presentation, and public speaking skills. Skilled in navigating nonprofit and public-sector environments. Demonstrated success in program development and sustainability initiatives. Knowledge of GATA requirements and experience managing government contracts/grants. WHAT YOU WILL GET Health Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Flexible Spending Account (Health and Dependent) Health Savings Account Life Insurance 401(k) Retirement Plan, Profit Share, and Match Paid Time Off and Holidays Missouri Sick Leave Employee & Dependent Tuition Reimbursement Assistance Great Work Environment! WORK ENVIRONMENT Office-based with regular statewide travel required. Overnight travel and alternative transportation may be necessary and will be supported by the organization. Hope is an Equal Opportunity Employer. #INDHP