Executive Director

Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship; Illinois; On-site; USD 98,000 - 132,000; Full time

Job summary

The Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship seeks an Executive Director to lead strategy, strengthen operations, and drive growth across its national network.

Reporting to the Board, the Executive Director will guide staff, manage resources, cultivate donor relationships, and serve as the Institute’s external representative.

The position requires strong business discipline, fundraising experience, willingness to travel 30–50%, and a deep commitment to entrepreneurship education for youth.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of executive or senior leadership experience.
• Ability to set strategy, lead teams and manage complex operations.
• Experience with fundraising and donor relations preferred.
• Travel 30%–50% and willingness to travel.

Responsibilities

• Set organizational strategy with the Board and expand CEO Program into new communities.
• Oversee operations, develop staff, and strengthen culture.
• Lead fundraising, revenue strategy and external representation.

Job description

The Moran Company is pleased to partner with the Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship to recruit the organization’s Executive Director.

Founded in 2010, the Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship (MIE) partners with communities throughout the United States to establish and maintain quality CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) programs. Headquartered in Effingham, Illinois, MIE grew out of a movement that began in Effingham County in 2008, when educator Craig Lindvahl — now known as the "+Architect of CEO+" — facilitated the very first CEO class with 20 high school students. What that class created proved so powerful that neighboring communities quickly took notice, and in 2010 the Midland Institute was formed to support the national expansion of CEO's proven model.

Today, MIE provides tools, training, and technological support to roughly 82 CEO programs across ten states — Alabama, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Utah. The CEO Program partners with business and community leaders to equip high school students with real-world entrepreneurial skills. Rather than learning in a classroom, participants spend each day immersed in local businesses, guided by community mentors as they create and run real ventures. MIE's vision is to be the standard for entrepreneurship education in the United States, delivered through world-class customer service, guidance, and content to its CEO communities.

MIE supports its communities through a proven launch process, ongoing facilitator and board support, regional support teams, the proprietary CEO+ technology platform, and national opportunities for students and alumni. The Executive Director serves as the chief executive of the Institute, leading a dedicated staff and reporting to a volunteer Board of Directors.

The Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship seeks a seasoned executive leader to guide strategy, strengthen operations, and drive organizational growth across its expanding national network. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will lead staff, oversee financial stewardship, and ensure the CEO Program continues to scale, innovate, and deliver measurable impact. The role requires strong business discipline, operational rigor, and the ability to build relationships with donors, investors, government entities, corporate partners, and community leaders. This is an opportunity to lead a respected, mission-driven organization that equips young people with entrepreneurial skills and strengthens communities nationwide.

The Executive Director will set organizational strategies with the Board, expand the CEO Program into new communities, and ensure alignment around priorities, processes, and performance expectations. This leader will oversee operations, develop staff, strengthen organizational culture, and use key performance indicators to evaluate program effectiveness. The Executive Director will also serve as the Institute’s primary external representative, cultivate business and donor relationships, lead fundraising and revenue strategy, and manage financial resources responsibly.

The successful candidate will have at least five years of executive or senior leadership experience, with a demonstrated ability to set strategy, lead teams, manage complex operations, build strong relationships, and represent an organization publicly. Preferred qualifications include experience with fundraising and revenue development, multi-site or franchise-style program models, and nonprofit board governance, along with a willingness to travel 30% to 50% and a commitment to strengthening opportunities for young people and local communities.

The Midland Institute offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience and qualifications. The salary for the Executive Director position is $115,000 annually. MIE offers a benefits package designed to support employees’ health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. Eligibility may vary based on employment classification and plan requirements.

The search for the Midland Institute Executive Director is being conducted by The Moran Company.