Chicago Women in Philanthropy
Executive Director | 826CHI
Chicago Women in Philanthropy, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
Job Title
Executive Director | 826CHI
Organization Chicago Women in Philanthropy
Location & Details Date Posted:
8/12/2025
Date Needed:
9/15/2025
Location:
Chicago, IL, United States
Primary Category:
Non-Profit
Type of Position:
Full-Time, exempt
Experience Requirement:
5+ years
Salary:
$85,000 – $100,000 per year
Job Overview 826CHI is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting students ages 6 to 18 with their creative and expository writing skills, and to helping teachers inspire their students to write. By employing a one‑on‑one and community‑based approach, our programs prioritize BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, neurodiverse, and English‑language learners.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Vision: Realize 826CHI’s mission and vision and work to achieve strategic goals by leading the board in developing and maintaining a strategic planning process with long‑range and short‑range objectives; ensure the strategic plan aligns with the overall mission.
Operationalize priorities and goals with staff and contractors.
Build and maintain community partnerships to amplify the impact of 826CHI’s programs.
Lead 826CHI’s work in advancing racial equity, inclusion, and diversity.
Fundraising & Communications: Lead all fundraising goals in partnership with the board; manage corporate, foundation, government support, special events, individual and board giving, and in‑kind contributions.
Manage contractors who support grants, communications, event planning, and other fundraising initiatives.
Ensure income is comprehensive and diversified; actively seek new funding opportunities.
Work with the Board of Directors to identify, cultivate, and solicit donors and funders.
Oversee communications initiatives and serve as the primary contact for press coverage.
Oversee all external relations, including communications, website, newsletters, annual appeals, and PR.
Serve as the public face and voice for 826CHI.
Seek out nonprofit, government, and corporate partners and raise the visibility of 826CHI in the community.
Financial Management: Ensure sound fiscal management, ensuring the organization is financially viable and sustainable with the resources to meet current and projected program growth.
Ensure financial protocols are followed.
Be responsible for budgeting, cash flow, and financial reporting, in collaboration with the Treasurer of the Board.
Oversee annual financial audit and the publication of 826CHI’s Annual Report.
Maintain compliance with the terms of the 826 National chapter agreement and city, state, and federal policies.
Liaison to the 826 National and serve as a chapter representative to the 826 National Board.
HR & Personnel Management: Actively model and reinforce organizational culture and values.
Ensure HR policies are updated, reviewed, and followed as appropriate, including compliance, compensation, and benefits administration.
Develop and review a staffing plan; build strong, collaborative relationships with staff; hire, supervise, mentor, evaluate, and conduct necessary personnel actions.
Recruit, screen, train, and manage volunteers and teaching artists.
Operate an inclusive environment where staff, volunteers, stakeholders, and students thrive.
Operations & Facilities Management: Manage 826CHI’s Partner‑In‑Residence relationship with Steppenwolf Theater.
Handle rental contracts and agreements for all 826CHI partners.
Ensure safety and emergency preparedness.
Manage contracts and MOUs with key partners and agencies.
Board of Directors: Serve as primary liaison to the Board, including building relationships with new and prospective members and assisting in board development.
Facilitate the board’s decision‑making by providing accurate and timely information; recommend actions and implement policy.
Work closely with the Chair to prepare quarterly board meetings and produce financial statements.
Ensure adequate staff support for board committees and stewardship of official documents and records.
Program Development & Evaluation: Oversee all educational programs, ensuring the mission is carried out effectively.
Work with the Program Manager to ensure delivery of high‑quality programs for targeted students.
Assist in establishing community partners for program delivery across diverse Chicago communities.
Collaborate with the Publications Manager to ensure high‑quality publications are produced and widely distributed.
Ensure regular evaluation of programs and incorporate results to inform future delivery.
Qualifications & Skills
Enthusiastic belief in the mission of 826CHI and commitment to youth development, writing, and arts education.
Proven ability to create a compelling vision and inspire others to action.
Demonstrated leadership with transparency, integrity, and accountability.
Minimum five years of senior non‑profit management experience.
Experience supervising and managing staff, including setting priorities and holding teams accountable.
Successful track record in fundraising, including individual giving, major gifts, and donor stewardship.
Prior experience working with a Board of Directors and/or volunteer‑led organizations.
Strong financial management skills, including budget preparation, analysis, and reporting.
Excellent organizational, multitasking, and problem‑solving abilities.
Exceptional written, verbal, and public speaking communication skills.
Ability to work independently, meet tight deadlines, and manage multiple priorities.
Strong collaboration skills across stakeholders, including staff, board, partners, schools, funders, and corporations.
Skilled in community outreach, advocacy, and sector leadership.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and CRM software (Salesforce or equivalent).
Familiarity with QuickBooks or equivalent financial software.
Proficiency in social media platforms.
Spanish language skills are a plus.
Work Environment
Hybrid position: work from home part‑time with expectation to work in‑person at Steppenwolf.
Local travel required; must possess a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation; occasional field work required.
National travel required – attend two 826 National Board meetings (May and November) and an annual four‑day staff development conference.
Use of standard office equipment (computers, phones, fax, copiers, scanners, filing cabinets).
Tasks may involve manual handling of objects up to 25 lbs (occasionally 40 lbs).
Flexible schedule; occasional nights and weekends required.
Compensation & Benefits 99% employer‑paid health premiums, 75% employer‑paid vision and dental premiums, optional 401(k) retirement plan, life insurance, and generous paid time off. Salary range: $85,000 to $100,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications.
How to Apply To apply, please complete the online form. No cover letter is required; answer the provided questions, upload your resume and a list of three references, and submit. The application deadline is September 15, 2025. For questions, email edsearch@826chi.org. Phone calls are not accepted.
Equal Opportunity Statement 826CHI is an equal‑opportunity employer. We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for this and all posted positions. We commit to inclusion and will not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio‑economic status, nationality, marital status, English fluency, parental status, military service, or disability.
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Organization Chicago Women in Philanthropy
Location & Details Date Posted:
8/12/2025
Date Needed:
9/15/2025
Location:
Chicago, IL, United States
Primary Category:
Non-Profit
Type of Position:
Full-Time, exempt
Experience Requirement:
5+ years
Salary:
$85,000 – $100,000 per year
Job Overview 826CHI is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting students ages 6 to 18 with their creative and expository writing skills, and to helping teachers inspire their students to write. By employing a one‑on‑one and community‑based approach, our programs prioritize BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, neurodiverse, and English‑language learners.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Vision: Realize 826CHI’s mission and vision and work to achieve strategic goals by leading the board in developing and maintaining a strategic planning process with long‑range and short‑range objectives; ensure the strategic plan aligns with the overall mission.
Operationalize priorities and goals with staff and contractors.
Build and maintain community partnerships to amplify the impact of 826CHI’s programs.
Lead 826CHI’s work in advancing racial equity, inclusion, and diversity.
Fundraising & Communications: Lead all fundraising goals in partnership with the board; manage corporate, foundation, government support, special events, individual and board giving, and in‑kind contributions.
Manage contractors who support grants, communications, event planning, and other fundraising initiatives.
Ensure income is comprehensive and diversified; actively seek new funding opportunities.
Work with the Board of Directors to identify, cultivate, and solicit donors and funders.
Oversee communications initiatives and serve as the primary contact for press coverage.
Oversee all external relations, including communications, website, newsletters, annual appeals, and PR.
Serve as the public face and voice for 826CHI.
Seek out nonprofit, government, and corporate partners and raise the visibility of 826CHI in the community.
Financial Management: Ensure sound fiscal management, ensuring the organization is financially viable and sustainable with the resources to meet current and projected program growth.
Ensure financial protocols are followed.
Be responsible for budgeting, cash flow, and financial reporting, in collaboration with the Treasurer of the Board.
Oversee annual financial audit and the publication of 826CHI’s Annual Report.
Maintain compliance with the terms of the 826 National chapter agreement and city, state, and federal policies.
Liaison to the 826 National and serve as a chapter representative to the 826 National Board.
HR & Personnel Management: Actively model and reinforce organizational culture and values.
Ensure HR policies are updated, reviewed, and followed as appropriate, including compliance, compensation, and benefits administration.
Develop and review a staffing plan; build strong, collaborative relationships with staff; hire, supervise, mentor, evaluate, and conduct necessary personnel actions.
Recruit, screen, train, and manage volunteers and teaching artists.
Operate an inclusive environment where staff, volunteers, stakeholders, and students thrive.
Operations & Facilities Management: Manage 826CHI’s Partner‑In‑Residence relationship with Steppenwolf Theater.
Handle rental contracts and agreements for all 826CHI partners.
Ensure safety and emergency preparedness.
Manage contracts and MOUs with key partners and agencies.
Board of Directors: Serve as primary liaison to the Board, including building relationships with new and prospective members and assisting in board development.
Facilitate the board’s decision‑making by providing accurate and timely information; recommend actions and implement policy.
Work closely with the Chair to prepare quarterly board meetings and produce financial statements.
Ensure adequate staff support for board committees and stewardship of official documents and records.
Program Development & Evaluation: Oversee all educational programs, ensuring the mission is carried out effectively.
Work with the Program Manager to ensure delivery of high‑quality programs for targeted students.
Assist in establishing community partners for program delivery across diverse Chicago communities.
Collaborate with the Publications Manager to ensure high‑quality publications are produced and widely distributed.
Ensure regular evaluation of programs and incorporate results to inform future delivery.
Qualifications & Skills
Enthusiastic belief in the mission of 826CHI and commitment to youth development, writing, and arts education.
Proven ability to create a compelling vision and inspire others to action.
Demonstrated leadership with transparency, integrity, and accountability.
Minimum five years of senior non‑profit management experience.
Experience supervising and managing staff, including setting priorities and holding teams accountable.
Successful track record in fundraising, including individual giving, major gifts, and donor stewardship.
Prior experience working with a Board of Directors and/or volunteer‑led organizations.
Strong financial management skills, including budget preparation, analysis, and reporting.
Excellent organizational, multitasking, and problem‑solving abilities.
Exceptional written, verbal, and public speaking communication skills.
Ability to work independently, meet tight deadlines, and manage multiple priorities.
Strong collaboration skills across stakeholders, including staff, board, partners, schools, funders, and corporations.
Skilled in community outreach, advocacy, and sector leadership.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and CRM software (Salesforce or equivalent).
Familiarity with QuickBooks or equivalent financial software.
Proficiency in social media platforms.
Spanish language skills are a plus.
Work Environment
Hybrid position: work from home part‑time with expectation to work in‑person at Steppenwolf.
Local travel required; must possess a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation; occasional field work required.
National travel required – attend two 826 National Board meetings (May and November) and an annual four‑day staff development conference.
Use of standard office equipment (computers, phones, fax, copiers, scanners, filing cabinets).
Tasks may involve manual handling of objects up to 25 lbs (occasionally 40 lbs).
Flexible schedule; occasional nights and weekends required.
Compensation & Benefits 99% employer‑paid health premiums, 75% employer‑paid vision and dental premiums, optional 401(k) retirement plan, life insurance, and generous paid time off. Salary range: $85,000 to $100,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications.
How to Apply To apply, please complete the online form. No cover letter is required; answer the provided questions, upload your resume and a list of three references, and submit. The application deadline is September 15, 2025. For questions, email edsearch@826chi.org. Phone calls are not accepted.
Equal Opportunity Statement 826CHI is an equal‑opportunity employer. We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for this and all posted positions. We commit to inclusion and will not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio‑economic status, nationality, marital status, English fluency, parental status, military service, or disability.
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