Associate Vice President, WIC Grocery

Catholic Charities Of The Archdiocese Of Chicago

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago partners with mission-driven people and organizations across Cook and Lake counties to witness a message of mercy and hope to a world in need by improving lives and nourishing spirits; strengthening and empowering people, families, and communities; and committing to being present to our times through the eyes of faith.

Role Overview

Job Responsibilities

• Manage toward operational excellence. Ensure mom-centered services meet their dynamic needs and consistently advance CCAC's purpose, values, and vision. Provide steady oversight and leadership for WIC Grocery Stores, Mobile Market, Nutrition Education, and Warehouse & Logistics. Drive implementation of continuous improvement and innovation in service delivery models. Establish and maintain productive relationships with CCAC programs, WIC Clinics, and key stakeholders to ensure seamless coordination and program excellence.
• Oversee program performance, outcomes, and impact to ensure continuous improvement and accountability. Use data, feedback, and key metrics to identify trends, address challenges, and celebrate successes. Monitor data and coach team to course correct operations using key daily, weekly, and monthly metrics. In partnership with Finance and Procurement, ensure strong fiscal management, forecasting, reporting, and adherence to performance targets. Ensure compliance with organizational policies, professional standards, and funder and regulatory requirements.
• Engage clients and communities. Working closely with CCAC's client and community marketing lead, bring strategic direction and hands-on leadership to CCAC's WIC team, guiding their work to ensure consistent, high-quality engagement with individuals, families, and the broader community. Develop and oversee implementation of outreach and marketing strategies that raise awareness of WIC, leveraging community events, digital channels, and partnerships to reach and retain clients and drive meaningful participation.
• Working closely with community partners and stakeholders, lead collaborative initiatives that expand access to services and strengthen the organization's visibility and credibility within the communities it serves. Build staff capacity and sustain a person-centered approach across all engagement and outreach efforts. Listen to leaders and client-facing staff to ensure programs deliver meaningful support to pregnant women, mothers and caregivers, and young children in their care. Represent Catholic Charities WIC Access program in community forums, coalitions, collaborations, and events.
• Develop and coach individuals and team. Inspire team excellence by modeling accountability, collaboration, and solution-oriented thinking, and ensure team members are supported, empowered, and high-performing while fostering a positive, purpose-driven culture. Set clear goals and expectations, monitor performance, and provide regular praise, feedback and guidance.
• Cultivate a culture of continuous learning and improvement to strengthen employee engagement, retention, and impact. Develop staff capability through ongoing training, mentorship, and professional development opportunities. Support team members to identify and resolve operational issues and address crises and emergent issues in a timely and compassionate manner. Address staff concerns and demonstrate effective conflict resolution approaches. Empower direct reports to strengthen employee engagement and deliver high-quality, impactful services. Additional duties as assigned.

Please note: Essential functions include all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• Kneel and move from sitting, bending, kneeling, or standing multiple times a day
• Lift, push, and pull up to 25 lbs
• Climb up and down up to 4 flights of stairs at a time.

Other requirements: Comply with program and/or requirements related to:

• Background check
• including any program specific requirements

Additional requirements:

• Driver's license
• Reliable transportation
• Automobile insurance

Education and experience requirements:

• Minimum Bachelor's Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) public administration, business, social services, nutrition or related field Minimum of 7+ years relevant experience. Experience leading multiple sites and complex operations.
• Preferred Master's degree in Arts/Sciences (MA/MS) public administration, business, social services, nutrition or related field 10+ years relevant experience
• Preferred Direct experience with WIC programs, food access initiatives, nutrition services, or government-funded human services programs
• Preferred Experience developing and executing community engagement, outreach, or marketing strategies to increase awareness, access, and participation
• Preferred Experience working within faith-based or values-driven organizations

Salary

Pay transparency

In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003 (820 ILCS 112/5, et seq.), Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago is required to provide the wages and benefits that it reasonably expects in good faith to offer for any specific job positions posted. Please note that the exact compensation package ultimately offered to an applicant may vary based on skills, experience, and location, amongst other permissible factors.