Executive Director

826CHI - Chicago, IL; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A nonprofit organization in Chicago seeks an experienced Executive Director to lead its initiatives and operations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in nonprofit management, proven fundraising capabilities, and a commitment to community engagement. Responsibilities include strategic planning, overseeing financial management, and fostering partnerships to enhance mission impact. A Master's degree in nonprofit management or a related field is preferred. This role also emphasizes advancing racial equity, inclusion, and diversity within the organization.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in a leadership role within a nonprofit organization.
• Proven track record in fundraising and community engagement.
• Strong financial management skills and understanding of fiscal accountability.

Responsibilities

• Lead the organization’s strategic planning and implementation processes.
• Oversee fundraising efforts and manage donor relationships.
• Ensure effective financial management practices and reporting.

Skills

Leadership in nonprofit organizations

Fundraising expertise

Financial management

Community partnership building

Human Resources management

Strategic planning

Education

Master's degree in nonprofit management or related field

Job description

826CHI is seeking an inspired leader who embodies 826CHI’s values and motivates the larger community to execute the mission. The Executive Director (ED) has overall strategic and operational responsibility for 826CHI’s staff, programs, expansion, and execution of its organizational goals.

Responsibilities include:

Leadership & Strategy (25%)

• Continues to realize 826CHI’s mission and vision and works to achieve strategic goals by leading the board in developing and maintaining a strategic planning process with long-range and short-range objectives. Ensures that the strategic plan aligns with the overall mission
• Works with the staff and contractors to operationalize organizational priorities and goals
• Builds and maintains community partnerships to amplify the impact of 826CHI’s programs
• Leads 826CHI’s work in advancing racial equity, inclusion, and diversity

Fundraising & Communications (25%)

• Leads all fundraising goals in partnership with the board, including corporate, foundation, and government support, special events fundraisers, individual and board giving, and in-kind contributions
• Manages contractors who support grants, communications, event planning, and other fundraising initiatives
• Ensures that income is comprehensive and diversified. Actively seeks new opportunities for funding
• Works with the Board of Directors to identify, cultivate, and solicit donors and funders
• Oversees communications initiatives and serves as the primary contact for press coverage
• Oversees all external relations, including communications, website, newsletters, annual appeals, and PR
• Serves as the public face and voice for 826CHI
• Seeks out nonprofit, government, and corporate partners and raises the visibility of 826CHI in the community

Financial Management (10%)

• Ensures sound fiscal management, ensuring the organization is financially viable and sustainable with the resources to meet current and projected program growth
• Ensures financial protocols are followed
• Responsible for all budgeting, cash flow, and financial reporting, in collaboration with the Treasurer of the Board
• Oversees annual financial audit and the publication of 826CHI’s Annual Report
• Works to ensure compliance with the terms of the 826 National chapter agreement
• Works to ensure compliance with city, state, and federal policies
• Liaison to the 826 National and reports on 826CHI’s progress, and serves as a chapter representative to the 826 National Board

HR & Personnel Management (15%)

• Actively models and reinforces organizational culture and values
• Ensures that HR policies are updated, reviewed, and followed as appropriate. Ensures that legal HR requirements are followed, including compliance, compensation, and benefits administration
• Develops and reviews a staffing plan. Builds strong, collaborative relationships with staff and develops staff, ensures that talent is identified, coached, and made ready for leadership and opportunities
• Sets high expectations for an inclusive environment where staff, volunteers, stakeholders, and students from all backgrounds thrive
• Hires, supervises, and mentors direct reports, prepares evaluations, conducts necessary disciplinary actions, terminations, and other personnel actions per personnel policies
• Works with staff to recruit, screen, train, and manage volunteers and teaching artists

Operations & Facilities Management (5%)

• Manages 826CHI’s Partner-In-Residence relationship with Steppenwolf Theater
• Responsible for rental contracts and agreements for all 826CHI’s partners
• Ensures the safety and emergency preparedness of all 826CHI staff, students, and volunteers
• Manages contracts and MOUs with key organizational partners/agencies

Board of Directors (10%)

• Serves as primary organizational liaison to the Board of Directors, including building relationships with new and prospective members. Assists in board development, including board succession planning
• Facilitates the board’s decision-making by providing accurate and timely information, recommending appropriate action, and implementing policy and program
• Works closely with the Chair to prepare quarterly board meetings and produce regular financial statements
• Ensures adequate staff support for board committees
• Ensures stewardship of official documents and records

Program Development & Evaluation (10%)

• Oversees all educational programs, ensuring the mission is carried out effectively
• Works with Program Manager to ensure delivery of high-quality programs to serve 826CHI’s targeted student populations
• Supports the Program Manager in establishing community partners, including schools and community centers, for program delivery in a diverse range of communities across Chicago
• Works with the Publications Manager to ensure high-quality publications are produced and widely distributed to the community
• Ensures the regular evaluation of programs and the effective incorporation of results to inform future program delivery