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SENIOR, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Gateway Foundation, Inc.
vision insurance, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, 403(b), retirement plan
United States, Illinois, Chicago
Mar 05, 2026

SENIOR, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Post Date:

Mar 5, 2026
Location:


Chicago, IL, US, 60690


Position Type:

Full Time
Requisition Number:

33910
Work Schedule:

Hybrid (Minimum 3 days onsite in downtown office)

Who is Gateway Foundation?

Gateway Foundation, Inc. is a national non-profit dedicated to helping individuals with substance use and mental health disorders. Established in 1968, Gateway provides essential tools and knowledge for recovery, positively impacting hundreds of thousands of lives. Operating through its Community Services, Corrections Divisions, and Corporate Headquarters, the organization is recognized for innovative, effective treatment approaches and maintaining high standards.

Why join us?

Consider joining our team, where your impact can be truly meaningful. Our organization focuses on delivering high quality clinical services as a recognized leader in evidence-based treatment proven to get results. By joining our team, you'll have the chance to provide essential services to underserved populations, all while working for an organization that values you and aims to be an employer of choice. You can expect to be part of a vibrant culture that emphasizes teamwork and professional growth. When you join us, you have the opportunity to find both personal and professional fulfillment by aligning your career with your values.

The Senior Director of Operations leads and directs the growth plans, special projects, budgets, and operations across the Community Services Division. Provides support for the implementation of strategic initiatives, including complex partnership integrations, mergers and acquisitions, and serves as a key program leader in executing long-term business growth objectives.

Responsibilities:



  • Responsible for developing, securing approval of and implementing plans, projects and budgets related to oversight, management and provision of comprehensive and high-quality substance use and mental health disorder services to clients within assigned organizational components.
  • Works collaboratively with Division President to identify and execute strategic initiatives to drive business operations, streamline operations and enhance program results.
  • Directs the evaluation, development, implementation and coordination of policies and procedures necessary to ensure effective program services and overall management control.
  • Establishes and maintains operating procedures and quality standards necessary for ensuring compliance with licensure and accreditation requirements. Responsible for directing and ensuring contractual, refunding source and licensure compliance by monitoring and evaluating program services and results and initiating corrective actions to ensure same meet specifications for quality, quantity, schedule and cost. Ensures operations and activities comply with all applicable business, health, safety, environmental and employee relations regulations and laws.
  • Serves as leader to assigned directors, managers and staff and promotes commitment to organization philosophy and mission and continuous professional growth and development. Exercises authority as supervisor to interview, hire, evaluate work performance, discipline and discharge subordinate directors and managers. Assists managers in resolving complex employee relations problems for their subordinates, and approves appropriate recommendations for personnel actions.
  • Develops and implements appropriate fiscal management systems, and operating procedures and limits to maintain sound financial structure, adequate flow of information and management control. Directs continual and valid studies of clinical outcomes of existing programs and appropriate responses to enhance results and quality assurance.
  • Reviews records and reports concerning operations, financial results and adherence to budgets of assigned programs and sites, assesses extent to which objectives are being met, and identifies areas requiring further inquiry or corrective actions. Ensures coordination and timely submission of required reports and analyses to funding sources and corporate offices.
  • Serves as key representative of program services to various internal committees and influential persons or organizations such as donors, board members, community leaders, legislators, government agencies, funding sources and so forth. Uses contacts to promote and secure support of plans and objectives for areas of responsibility and contribute to positive public relations posture.
  • Identifies new business opportunities which include research and investigation, preparing comprehensive proposals and securing necessary approvals. Carries out approved projects which include formulating overall program concept, selecting appropriate site, preparing proposed budgets and operating plans and negotiating contracts.
  • Regularly tours and visits program sites and centers to obtain first hand review of operations and results and ensure effective management control.
  • Keeps current regarding trends and developments in management techniques and theories, administration and planning of substance use and mental health treatment programs, and applicable laws and regulations, through reading of professional literature and attendance at appropriate seminars, conferences and workshops.



REQUIREMENTS



  • Bachelor's degree in health, business, public administration, or a related field; Master's degree preferred
  • Ten (10) plus years of program operations and/or project management experience, with progressively more responsibility
  • Ability to build effective relationships and influence others
  • Strong management and organizational skills
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
  • Strong analytical skills
  • Knowledge of electronic health record systems from design to practical use
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications


Compensation: $133,253 - $165,000

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS



  • Regularly travels to community facilities to observe programing. Exerts up to 40 pounds of force occasionally.
  • Frequently communicates and exchanges information regarding assigned programs.


Benefits at Gateway Foundation:

Health and Wellness:



  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents
  • Employee wellness program promoting health and fitness and offering cash-saving premiums
  • Employee assistance programs focused on mental health



Financial Wellbeing:



  • 403(b) Retirement Plan with 3% employer match
  • Short-term and Long-term Disability and Life and AD&D Insurance paid for by Gateway
  • Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)



Flexibility and Time Off:



  • 18 paid time off days per year - accrual rates increase with years of service
  • 9 paid company holidays
  • Work-life-balance



Personal Development:



  • Training & Development Programs
  • Tuition Reimbursement - up to $5,250 per calendar year
  • eLearning access to online courses that provide CEU's and job-related training
  • Clinical Supervision: Formal and informal guidance



Gateway Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/ Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets. Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCPhere.





Nearest Major Market: Chicago

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