Executive Director

826CHI; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

826CHI seeks an Executive Director to provide strategic and operational leadership, guiding staff, programs, and expansion in alignment with our mission in Chicago. You will work with the board to advance racial equity, build partnerships, and secure diverse funding streams.

The role emphasizes fiscal stewardship, HR leadership, and program evaluation to ensure high-quality educational experiences for students across the city, while maintaining strong community ties and inclusive practices.

Responsibilities

• Leads strategic planning with the board to set long-range and short-range objectives, aligning with 826CHI's mission.
• Oversees fundraising goals across corporate, foundation, government, events, and donor relations.
• Maintains sound financial management, budgeting, cash flow, audits, and compliance.
• Models and reinforces organizational culture, HR policy compliance, staffing, and talent development.
• Manages partner relations, facilities contracts, safety, and MOUs with key partners.
• Acts as liaison to the Board of Directors, supporting governance, meetings, and reporting.
• Oversees educational program development and evaluation with community partners to reach diverse Chicago student populations.

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