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Ahlam Jbara

@ahlamjbara

Chief of Staff at the Illinois Department of Human Services, coordinating operations across nearly 20 statewide human-services programs.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I am looking for my next opportunity, from tutoring and customer service to mid-level operations and management. I bring 20+ years leading teams and programs, strong communication and problem-solving skills, and fluency in Arabic and English. Open to full-time or part-time work, ready to start immediately.

At the Illinois Department of Human Services, I lead executive operations and cross-functional delivery for the Division of Family & Community Services, supporting approximately 5,000 staff and nearly 20 statewide programs. I advise executive leadership on operational performance, resource allocation, and policy implementation, and use Excel and PowerPoint to analyze information and prepare decision materials.

Previously, as Interim Executive Director at the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago, I led organizational transformation and grew the organization from 1 to 8 staff and from a $120K to a $3.8M budget. At the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant & Refugee Rights, I directed strategic-plan execution as Deputy Director and grew the Immigrant Family Resource Program from approximately $1.5M to $5M as Program Director.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Chief of Staff

Illinois Department of Human Services

Aug 2019 - Oct 2026 (7 years 2 months)

Lead executive operations and cross-functional delivery for a division of approximately 5,000 staff and nearly 20 statewide programs. Advise executive leadership on operational performance, resource allocation, and policy implementation.

Staff Management Human Resources Labor Relations Labor Relations (CBA)Executive Engagement Policy Development Policy Compliance Policy Analysis Policy Administration Process Management Process Development Process Improvement Change Management Supervision Training and Development Training Materials Development

Independent Consultant

Dec 2014 - Dec 2019 (5 years)

Led consulting engagements focused on strategic planning, organizational assessment, program evaluation, and capacity building for mission-driven organizations.

Strategic Planning Organizational Assessment Program Evaluation Capacity Building Revenue Strategy Stakeholder Engagement Customer Relationship Management Philanthropy Organizational Development Organizational Change Management Board Governance Channel Management Executive Communication Policy and Procedures Development

Deputy Director

Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights

Dec 2011 - Dec 2015 (4 years)

Directed organizational operations and strategic-plan execution, converting priorities into timelines, accountable owners, and performance expectations.

Operations Management Strategic Planning Performance Management Program Oversight Compliance Training and Development Curriculum Development Policy Development Policy and Procedures Development Project Management Program Development Capacity Planning capacity management Capacity Building

Interim Executive Director

Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago

Jan 2010 - Dec 2012 (2 years 11 months)

Led organizational transformation and growth from 1 to 8 staff and from a $120K to $3.8M budget. Created compensation plans, organizational structures, and new programs.

Organizational Transformation Strategic Planning Human Resources Financial Management Program Development

Immigrant Family Resource Program Director

Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights

Jan 2006 - Dec 2010 (4 years 11 months)

Managed statewide human-services programming, contracts, reporting, audits, and data collection. Grew program funding from approximately $1.5M to $5M.

Program Management Contract Management Data Collection Performance Management Budget Growth

Family Empowerment Program Director

Arab American Action Network

Jan 2002 - Dec 2006 (4 years 11 months)

Directed immigration, adult education, public-benefits, youth, and domestic-violence programs. Implemented performance management and supervised staff and volunteers.

Program Management Performance Management Supervision Compliance Fundraising