Center Director Jobs in Chicago, IL
Center Director jobs in Chicago are in strong demand, concentrated in neighborhoods like the Loop, Lincoln Park, and Hyde Park across early childhood education, healthcare, and community services. Employers hiring right now include EWC Growth, Mathnasium, and Rush University Medical Center. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
Find Center Director JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 69+ Center Director jobs
Location: Aurora, Lisle and Yorkville, Illinois
Business Unit: RUSH MD Anderson Cancer Center at Rush Copley & Rush Lisle
Work Type: Full-Time - 40 Hours per week (1.0 FTE)
Rush offers exceptional rewards and benefits learn more at our Rush benefits page (https://www.rush.edu/rush-careers/employee-benefits).
Pay Range: $131,248 - $195,562 per year
Rush salaries are determined by many factors including, but not limited to, education, job-related experience and skills, as well as internal equity and industry specific market data. The pay range for each role reflects Rush’s anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position. Offers may vary depending on the circumstances of each case.
This role oversees operations of the RUSH Cancer Centers in Aurora, Yorkville and Lisle.
Summary:
As a formal clinical leader, the Director of Nursing – Cancer Service Line, is responsible for driving excellence in clinical operations and ensuring optimal patient outcomes within the Rush MD Anderson Cancer Center. This pivotal role involves developing and implementing population-specific innovative clinical strategies, fostering a culture of patient-centered care, and leading quality improvement initiatives. The Director of Nursing – Cancer Service Line will work closely with the Service Line leadership team and hospital operations leadership teams to shape the future of healthcare, ensuring that Rush remains at the forefront of clinical excellence. This role is responsible for improving patient outcomes across the care continuum.
This person exemplifies the Rush mission, vision, and values and acts in accordance with Rush policies and procedures.
The position reports to the System AVP of Nursing – Cancer Service Line.
Position primary work location is determined by Service Line leadership. This position may encompass any treatment or screening areas inclusive of: clinic, infusion, radiation, lab, imaging, and others. Formal rounding, which includes travel to each site across the service line, is required.
Required Job Qualifications:
- Current State of Illinois registered nurse license.
- Master’s degree in nursing, or a plan to obtain within 12 months.
- 10 years’ progressive health care leadership experience.
- Demonstrated leadership capability, relationship development, financial and analytic skills.
- Ability to lead and manage projects, including selecting, developing, motivating, and retaining people to support clinical and financial objectives.
- Success in leading high performing teams; a strong team player. A demonstrated track record of leading people and achieving results through collaboration.
Preferred Job Qualifications:
- 2+ years of successful ambulatory leadership
- Experience in an academic medical center
- Significant experience working with the cancer patient population
Physical Demands:
Physical, mental (specify amount and duration)
Competencies:
Disclaimer:
The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements.
Evidence-Based Intervention
- The Director of Nursing evaluates current research and clinical guidelines to refine evidence-based protocols which enhance patient outcomes across the patient population.
- The Director of Nursing uses data-driven analysis of patient outcomes to assess the effectiveness of evidence-based interventions, refining and adjusting practices to improve care quality and meet evolving healthcare standards.
- Align clinical practices with organizational goals by identifying opportunities for growth, efficiency, and service expansion.
- Implement strategies to enhance patient safety, minimize complications, and maintain the highest standards of care.
Relationships and Caring
- Build strong relationships with multidisciplinary and cross-functional teams by promoting open communication, mutual respect, and collaboration, ensuring that all staff work cohesively to provide patient-centered care.
- Prioritize patient experience by identifying and addressing pain points in the care delivery process.
- Cultivate a culture of care and compassion by mentoring and supporting clinical staff, recognizing their contributions, and fostering a sense of belonging.
- Demonstrate knowledge of select change theories and apply principles to support change within the organization.
Critical Thinking
- Analyze patient care data and performance metrics to identify trends, anticipate challenges, and implement evidence-based solutions that enhance outcomes and efficiency.
- Evaluate complex patient cases; collaborate with clinical teams to develop innovative treatment plans that address unique needs and improve patient outcomes.
- Identify opportunities to align clinical practices with the organization’s goals, identify areas for expansion, improve workflows, and ensure sustainable growth in services and patient care.
- Implement strategies to minimize complications, improve safety protocols, and maintain high standards of care within the organization.
Technical Expertise
- Leverage advanced healthcare technologies, such as electronic health records (EHR) and clinical decision support systems, to streamline workflows, improve data accuracy, and enhance patient care outcomes.
- Utilize data analytics tools to track patient outcomes, identify areas for improvement, and inform evidence-based decisions that optimize clinical practices and resource allocation.
- Analyze technological solutions that support continuous quality improvement initiatives, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and enhancing patient safety and care quality.
Leadership
- Plan, develop, and implement specific programs, processes, policies, and methods to achieve access, growth, and productivity targets, in collaboration with Service Line and MD Anderson leadership.
- Define performance measures, monitor on a regular basis, and communicate results.
- Provide leadership related to staffing and performance standards and scope of practice.
- Lead and participate in the Professional Nursing Structure for Rush.
- Participate in the development of short- and long-term strategic planning objectives to ensure the continued growth in areas of responsibility; implement plans as approved.
- Demonstrate accountability for own professional practice, including progress toward achievement of annual goals.
- Actively lead clinic and department quality improvement/ quality assurance initiatives and leader standard work. Examples of the Director of Nursing Leader Standard Work include:
o Completion of Quality Assurance/ Performance Improvement (QAPI) audits
Rush is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.
Location: Aurora, Lisle and Yorkville, Illinois
Business Unit: RUSH MD Anderson Cancer Center at Rush Copley & Rush Lisle
Work Type: Full-Time - 40 Hours per week (1.0 FTE)
Rush offers exceptional rewards and benefits learn more at our Rush benefits page (https://www.rush.edu/rush-careers/employee-benefits).
Pay Range: $131,248 - $195,562 per year
Rush salaries are determined by many factors including, but not limited to, education, job-related experience and skills, as well as internal equity and industry specific market data. The pay range for each role reflects Rush’s anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position. Offers may vary depending on the circumstances of each case.
This role oversees operations of the RUSH Cancer Centers in Aurora, Yorkville and Lisle.
Summary:
As a formal clinical leader, the Director of Nursing – Cancer Service Line, is responsible for driving excellence in clinical operations and ensuring optimal patient outcomes within the Rush MD Anderson Cancer Center. This pivotal role involves developing and implementing population-specific innovative clinical strategies, fostering a culture of patient-centered care, and leading quality improvement initiatives. The Director of Nursing – Cancer Service Line will work closely with the Service Line leadership team and hospital operations leadership teams to shape the future of healthcare, ensuring that Rush remains at the forefront of clinical excellence. This role is responsible for improving patient outcomes across the care continuum.
This person exemplifies the Rush mission, vision, and values and acts in accordance with Rush policies and procedures.
The position reports to the System AVP of Nursing – Cancer Service Line.
Position primary work location is determined by Service Line leadership. This position may encompass any treatment or screening areas inclusive of: clinic, infusion, radiation, lab, imaging, and others. Formal rounding, which includes travel to each site across the service line, is required.
Required Job Qualifications:
- Current State of Illinois registered nurse license.
- Master’s degree in nursing, or a plan to obtain within 12 months.
- 10 years’ progressive health care leadership experience.
- Demonstrated leadership capability, relationship development, financial and analytic skills.
- Ability to lead and manage projects, including selecting, developing, motivating, and retaining people to support clinical and financial objectives.
- Success in leading high performing teams; a strong team player. A demonstrated track record of leading people and achieving results through collaboration.
Preferred Job Qualifications:
- 2+ years of successful ambulatory leadership
- Experience in an academic medical center
- Significant experience working with the cancer patient population
Physical Demands:
Physical, mental (specify amount and duration)
Competencies:
Disclaimer:
The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements.
Evidence-Based Intervention
- The Director of Nursing evaluates current research and clinical guidelines to refine evidence-based protocols which enhance patient outcomes across the patient population.
- The Director of Nursing uses data-driven analysis of patient outcomes to assess the effectiveness of evidence-based interventions, refining and adjusting practices to improve care quality and meet evolving healthcare standards.
- Align clinical practices with organizational goals by identifying opportunities for growth, efficiency, and service expansion.
- Implement strategies to enhance patient safety, minimize complications, and maintain the highest standards of care.
Relationships and Caring
- Build strong relationships with multidisciplinary and cross-functional teams by promoting open communication, mutual respect, and collaboration, ensuring that all staff work cohesively to provide patient-centered care.
- Prioritize patient experience by identifying and addressing pain points in the care delivery process.
- Cultivate a culture of care and compassion by mentoring and supporting clinical staff, recognizing their contributions, and fostering a sense of belonging.
- Demonstrate knowledge of select change theories and apply principles to support change within the organization.
Critical Thinking
- Analyze patient care data and performance metrics to identify trends, anticipate challenges, and implement evidence-based solutions that enhance outcomes and efficiency.
- Evaluate complex patient cases; collaborate with clinical teams to develop innovative treatment plans that address unique needs and improve patient outcomes.
- Identify opportunities to align clinical practices with the organization’s goals, identify areas for expansion, improve workflows, and ensure sustainable growth in services and patient care.
- Implement strategies to minimize complications, improve safety protocols, and maintain high standards of care within the organization.
Technical Expertise
- Leverage advanced healthcare technologies, such as electronic health records (EHR) and clinical decision support systems, to streamline workflows, improve data accuracy, and enhance patient care outcomes.
- Utilize data analytics tools to track patient outcomes, identify areas for improvement, and inform evidence-based decisions that optimize clinical practices and resource allocation.
- Analyze technological solutions that support continuous quality improvement initiatives, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and enhancing patient safety and care quality.
Leadership
- Plan, develop, and implement specific programs, processes, policies, and methods to achieve access, growth, and productivity targets, in collaboration with Service Line and MD Anderson leadership.
- Define performance measures, monitor on a regular basis, and communicate results.
- Provide leadership related to staffing and performance standards and scope of practice.
- Lead and participate in the Professional Nursing Structure for Rush.
- Participate in the development of short- and long-term strategic planning objectives to ensure the continued growth in areas of responsibility; implement plans as approved.
- Demonstrate accountability for own professional practice, including progress toward achievement of annual goals.
- Actively lead clinic and department quality improvement/ quality assurance initiatives and leader standard work. Examples of the Director of Nursing Leader Standard Work include:
o Completion of Quality Assurance/ Performance Improvement (QAPI) audits
Rush is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.
See All 69 Center Director Jobs in Chicago
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Find Center Director JobsCenter Director Job Market in Chicago
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Sports & Recreation
- Healthcare & Medical Services
Center Director Jobs in Chicago: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a center director job in Chicago?
Target Chicago's dense network of early childhood education providers, federally funded Head Start programs, community health centers, and nonprofit social services organizations, which drive the bulk of local openings. Neighborhoods like Pilsen, Englewood, and the Near West Side have high concentrations of community-based employers. Candidates with experience managing licensed facilities, staff teams of ten or more, and public funding compliance stand out in this market.
Which companies hire center directors in Chicago?
Employers hiring center directors in Chicago right now include EWC Growth, Mathnasium, and Rush University Medical Center, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Chicago's hiring pool skews toward large nonprofit networks, hospital-affiliated family programs, and city-contracted childcare and community service operators.
Are there remote center director jobs in Chicago?
Yes, though center director work is inherently on-site for most organizations since the role typically involves direct facility oversight, staff supervision, and in-person compliance. About 0% of center director openings tied to Chicago are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those positions tend to involve program administration, grant management, or regional oversight rather than day-to-day site management.
How can I get a center director job in Chicago with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Chicago is through assistant director or program coordinator roles at larger nonprofit operators and Chicago Park District facilities, which regularly develop internal candidates into director positions. Chicago's network of Head Start grantees and city-funded early learning centers also hire lead teachers and site coordinators who can move up with demonstrated leadership. Familiarity with Illinois DCFS licensing standards and experience with city contract reporting processes gives entry-level candidates a concrete edge locally.
Which industries hire the most center directors in Chicago?
Chicago center director roles concentrate in Education, Sports & Recreation, and Healthcare & Medical Services, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Chicago's role as a hub for large hospital systems, federally funded antipoverty programs, and one of the country's largest public school districts sustains consistent hiring demand across those sectors.
Related Jobs in Illinois
See All 69 Center Director Jobs in Chicago
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