Director of Community Service Partnerships

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Director of Community Service Partnerships

🔹 Company: Interfaith America

🔹 Location: Chicago, IL (with remote options for specific states)

🔹 Job Type: Full-time, On-site (with remote flexibility)

🔹 Category: Non-profit, Interfaith Cooperation

🔹 Date Posted: July 14, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (Chicago preferred, remote options for specific states)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading the Team Up Project, focusing on strategy development, coalition management, and project implementation.
• Collaborating with partners to enhance interfaith cooperation and service initiatives.
• Building and growing the Team Up infrastructure, including leader networking strategies, resource development, and curricular tool development.
• Managing external consultants and liaising with national leaders, institutions, and networks in bridgebuilding and service.
• Supervising a program manager and overseeing learning strategy development for Team Up communities of practice.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of religious literacy, strong project management skills, and the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have experience working with complex coalitions and building new partnerships.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Lead the Team Up Project, including strategy development, coalition management, and project implementation.

✅ Collaborate with partners to enhance interfaith cooperation and service initiatives.

✅ Build and grow the Team Up infrastructure, including leader networking strategies, resource development, and curricular tool development.

✅ Manage external consultants and liaise with national leaders, institutions, and networks in bridgebuilding and service.

✅ Supervise a program manager and oversee learning strategy development for Team Up communities of practice.

✅ Facilitate training for new partners, new cohorts, affiliate sites, and conferences.

✅ Cultivate relationships with new external strategic partners and incubate new partnerships in the bridging and service space.

✅ Understand funding and support fundraising for bridgebuilding and service efforts.

ASSUMPTION: The responsibilities listed above are subject to change based on organizational needs and cultural realities. The ideal candidate will be adaptable and responsive to evolving priorities.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree (advanced degree preferred)

Experience: Nine or more years of professional experience in a related field, including interfaith work, consulting, democracy and bridgebuilding, education, etc.

Required Skills:

• Proven project management and organizational skills in managing collaborative projects with multiple stakeholders.
• High level of religious literacy and fluency in diversity, pluralism, and inclusion.
• Authorization to work in the United States.

Preferred Skills:

• Advanced degree in Religious Studies, Civic Education, Nonprofit Management, or related disciplines.
• Demonstrated ability to hold others accountable while also being adaptable.
• Experience in in-person and online training, facilitation, consulting, education, assessment and/or related skill sets.
• Experience with networking and building relationships or coalitions.

ASSUMPTION: The required and preferred qualifications listed above are intended to give a sense of the experience and skills that will be most successful in this role. However, Interfaith America is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds who may not check every box but are eager to bring their unique perspectives and skills to the organization.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $100,000 - $110,000, plus excellent benefits. Please read more about our benefits here.

Benefits:

• Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Flexible work arrangements and remote work options.
• Professional development opportunities and tuition reimbursement.

Working Hours: Full-time, with occasional travel required (up to 20% of the time).

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in non-profit organizations. The actual salary may vary based on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Interfaith America is a national non-profit organization based in Chicago, focused on inspiring, equipping, and connecting individuals and institutions to unlock the potential of America’s religious diversity.

Company Size: Interfaith America has 11-50 employees, providing a collaborative and close-knit work environment.

Founded: 2002, with a history of growing and adapting to meet the evolving needs of a diverse and changing society.

Company Description:

• Interfaith America is the nation’s leader in interfaith cooperation, equipping individuals and institutions with the knowledge and resources to redefine the role of religion in society.
• The organization convenes allies and partners, helping them discover shared values and guiding them through collaboration toward a common cause.
• Interfaith America provides curriculum and resources on religious pluralism, empowering leaders to advance diversity and inclusion and build community.
• The organization builds capacity for institutions and organizations by awarding grants and support that enable them to leverage interfaith cooperation as a proven approach in solving challenges.

Company Specialties:

• Higher education
• Interfaith work
• Religion
• Dialogue
• Faculty resources
• Campus resources
• Civic engagement
• Bridge building
• And interfaith

Company Website: http://www.interfaithamerica.org

ASSUMPTION: Interfaith America is committed to building a nation that utilizes religious diversity for the common good. The organization values religious literacy, diversity, and inclusion, and seeks to attract and retain a team of staff comprised of a wide variety of views and backgrounds.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is a Director-level position, reporting directly to the Senior Director of Democracy Initiatives.

Reporting Structure: The Director of Community Service Partnerships will have one direct report, a Program Manager.

Work Arrangement: This role is hybrid, with a preference for the candidate to be based in Chicago, IL. Remote work options are available for specific states.

Growth Opportunities:

• As Interfaith America continues to grow and adapt, there may be opportunities for the Director of Community Service Partnerships to take on additional responsibilities or lead new initiatives.
• The organization values internal promotion and provides professional development opportunities to support employee growth.
• This role offers the opportunity to work closely with senior leadership and collaborate with a wide range of partners, providing ample opportunities for learning and growth.

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate for this role will be a strategic thinker with a strong commitment to interfaith cooperation and a passion for building bridges across deep differences.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Interfaith America's headquarters is located in Chicago, IL, with remote work options available for specific states.

Office Location(s): 141 W Jackson Blvd, Suite 3200, Chicago, IL 60604, US

Geographic Context:

• Chicago, IL is a diverse and vibrant city with a rich history of interfaith cooperation and community engagement.
• The city offers a wide range of cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities.
• Interfaith America's office is located in the heart of downtown Chicago, providing easy access to public transportation and nearby amenities.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with occasional travel required (up to 20% of the time).

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate for this role will be comfortable working in a dynamic and evolving environment, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities and work collaboratively with a diverse range of partners.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Initial phone or video screen with the hiring manager or HR representative.
• In-depth interview with senior leadership, focusing on the candidate's experience, skills, and fit with the organization's mission and values.
• Final interview with the CEO or other senior leadership, focusing on the candidate's long-term vision and potential for growth within the organization.

Key Assessment Areas:

• Cultural fit and alignment with Interfaith America's mission and values.
• Experience and skills in project management, coalition building, and strategic planning.
• Ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and build relationships across ideological, religious, and racial divides.
• Commitment to interfaith cooperation and religious literacy.

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
• Be prepared to discuss your experience with interfaith cooperation and your commitment to building bridges across deep differences.
• Demonstrate your understanding of Interfaith America's mission and values, and how your work aligns with the organization's goals.

ATS Keywords: Interfaith cooperation, project management, coalition building, strategic planning, religious literacy, diversity, inclusion, bridgebuilding, service, non-profit, community engagement, civic engagement, higher education

ASSUMPTION: Interfaith America is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds who are passionate about interfaith cooperation and committed to building a more inclusive and equitable society.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
• Video conferencing tools (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet)
• Database management software (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser's Edge)
• Social media platforms (e.g., LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook)

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate for this role will be comfortable using a wide range of tools and technologies to support their work, and be open to learning new tools as needed.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Interfaith America values religious literacy, diversity, and inclusion, and is committed to building a nation that utilizes religious diversity for the common good.
• The organization values collaboration, adaptability, and a commitment to learning and growth.
• Interfaith America is committed to creating a work environment that is inclusive, respectful, and supportive of all employees.

Work Style:

• Interfaith America values a dynamic and evolving work environment, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities and work collaboratively with a diverse range of partners.
• The organization values a strong commitment to interfaith cooperation and a passion for building bridges across deep differences.
• Interfaith America values a work style that is focused on results, with a commitment to excellence and a high level of personal responsibility.

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a strong commitment to interfaith cooperation and a passion for building bridges across deep differences?
• Are you comfortable working in a dynamic and evolving environment, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities and work collaboratively with a diverse range of partners?
• Do you have a strong commitment to religious literacy and a high level of cultural competency?

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate for this role will be a strong cultural fit with Interfaith America's mission, values, and work style, with a deep commitment to interfaith cooperation and a passion for building bridges across deep differences.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• The ideal candidate for this role will be comfortable working with complex coalitions and building new partnerships, with a high level of religious literacy and cultural competency.
• This role may require occasional travel, with up to 20% of the time spent traveling on behalf of Interfaith America.
• The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in a dynamic and evolving environment, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities and work collaboratively with a diverse range of partners.
• The ideal candidate will have a strong commitment to interfaith cooperation and a passion for building bridges across deep differences.

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate for this role will be comfortable working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, with a high level of personal responsibility and a strong commitment to excellence.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to other Director-level positions in non-profit organizations, with a focus on project management, coalition building, and strategic planning.
• However, this role is unique in its focus on interfaith cooperation and religious literacy, with a commitment to building bridges across deep differences.
• This role offers the opportunity to work closely with senior leadership and collaborate with a wide range of partners, providing ample opportunities for learning and growth.

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate for this role will have experience working in a non-profit or related field, with a strong commitment to interfaith cooperation and a passion for building bridges across deep differences.

📝 Sample Projects

• Leading the Team Up Project, including strategy development, coalition management, and project implementation.
• Collaborating with partners to enhance interfaith cooperation and service initiatives, including the development of new tools and resources to support growth.
• Managing external consultants and liaising with national leaders, institutions, and networks in bridgebuilding and service, including the development of new partnerships and the cultivation of high-quality storytelling.

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate for this role will have experience working on similar projects, with a strong commitment to interfaith cooperation and a passion for building bridges across deep differences.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the organization's priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
• How does this role fit into the organization's long-term strategy and vision for growth?
• What are the key challenges and opportunities facing the Team Up Project, and how can this role help to address them?
• How does Interfaith America support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What is the organization's approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how does this role contribute to those efforts?

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate for this role will be curious and engaged, with a strong commitment to learning and growth. They will be comfortable asking questions and seeking clarification as needed.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
• Prepare for your interview by researching Interfaith America's mission, values, and priorities, and be ready to discuss your fit with the organization.
• Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative within one week of your interview to express your continued interest in the role.
• If selected for the final round of interviews, be prepared to provide references and complete a background check.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.