Executive Director

Type:

• 1- year Contract with three possible 1-year extensions (totaling 4 years)

Full Time or Part Time:

• Full-Time

Pay Rate:

• TBD

Location:

• Chicago, IL 60602– Onsite

Language Requirements:

• Write, read, and speak English

Language Preferences:

• N/A

Job Overview

We are seeking a high-impact Executive Director to lead a critical department or initiative serving a nonprofit organization at scale. This senior leader will be responsible for setting strategic direction, managing cross-functional teams, and ensuring effective execution.

You will serve as a key driver of implementation, translating system-wide goals into actionable plans that deliver measurable results. This role requires a balance of strategic thinking, operational excellence, and strong stakeholder engagement in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced leader motivated by public service, equity, and continuous improvement. Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience Requirements:

• Minimum of 8–12 years of progressive professional experience
• At least 3–5 years in a senior leadership or management role
• Demonstrated experience leading teams and managing complex projects or initiatives
• Proven ability to operate effectively in large, matrixed organizations
• Strong track record of implementing strategy and achieving measurable results
• Provide strategic leadership for a major department, portfolio, or initiative
• Translate priorities into operational plans, timelines, and outcomes
• Lead, coach, and manage managers and professional staff
• Use data and performance metrics to monitor progress and drive improvement
• Collaborate across departments to ensure alignment and effective service delivery
• Manage budgets, resources, and vendor or partner relationships as applicable
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders, and community partners

Experience Preferences:

• Experience in public sector, education, nonprofit, or mission-driven organizations
• Background working in large, urban, or highly regulated environments
• Experience managing cross-functional teams and multiple stakeholders
• Familiarity with data-driven decision-making and performance management
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and community-centered leadership

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in a professional office environment
• Regular travel to meetings
• Prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and walking
• Ability to attend evening or extended meetings as needed

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Public Administration, Business, Policy, or a related field/equivalent work experience.

Education Preferences:

• Master’s degree (e.g., MPA, MBA, MPP, MS, or Education Leadership)
• Specialized training or certification relevant to functional area
• Advanced coursework in leadership, organizational management, or policy

Training Schedule:

• TBD

Schedule:

• TBD

Dress Code:

• Business Casual/ Professional

Benefits:

• Yes

Additional Information:

Drug screening, background, and reference checks are performed if required. Valid identification and reliable transportation are required. We are an E-Verify employer. We will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. Our employees are authorized to work in the United States.