EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CHICAGO JOBS COUNCIL
The Chicago Jobs Council is conducting a search for an Executive Director to lead the next stages of its work improving employment opportunities for people living in poverty in the Chicago region.
About CJC
CJC is a coalition of more than 100 community-based training organizations, advocacy groups, and individuals that work together to advance employment and career advancement opportunities for people living in poverty. CJC’s expertise lies in its ability to bring the voices and experiences of providers, public agencies, people living in poverty and other stakeholders to bear on workforce development and related policies and programs. Over many years, CJC has been at the forefront of influencing how workforce, public benefits and education systems intersect to prepare disadvantaged populations to enter and be successful in employment. The organization runs on a budget of approximately $1.25 million. 80% of its funding comes from foundations and corporations and 20% from other sources, including earned income.
The Opportunity
The next Executive Director will lead an agenda of capacity building, member engagement and policy advocacy in a rapidly changing landscape. To sustain the organization’s work over the long term, the Executive Director will build a more diversified portfolio of funding sources, with a priority to secure funding from new sources such as social enterprise activities. The E.D. will also be responsible for managing finances and overseeing a cost-effective and responsive organizational structure that maximizes the contribution of CJC’s professional staff. This is an ideal opportunity for a leader committed to social justice, experienced in the workforce development field, entrepreneurial and business-minded in approach, and with an understanding of the people and communities in the Chicago region that benefit from CJC’s work.
Key Responsibilities:
The Chicago Jobs Council is conducting a search for an Executive Director to lead the next stages of its work improving employment opportunities for people living in poverty in the Chicago region.
About CJC
CJC is a coalition of more than 100 community-based training organizations, advocacy groups, and individuals that work together to advance employment and career advancement opportunities for people living in poverty. CJC’s expertise lies in its ability to bring the voices and experiences of providers, public agencies, people living in poverty and other stakeholders to bear on workforce development and related policies and programs. Over many years, CJC has been at the forefront of influencing how workforce, public benefits and education systems intersect to prepare disadvantaged populations to enter and be successful in employment. The organization runs on a budget of approximately $1.25 million. 80% of its funding comes from foundations and corporations and 20% from other sources, including earned income.
The Opportunity
The next Executive Director will lead an agenda of capacity building, member engagement and policy advocacy in a rapidly changing landscape. To sustain the organization’s work over the long term, the Executive Director will build a more diversified portfolio of funding sources, with a priority to secure funding from new sources such as social enterprise activities. The E.D. will also be responsible for managing finances and overseeing a cost-effective and responsive organizational structure that maximizes the contribution of CJC’s professional staff. This is an ideal opportunity for a leader committed to social justice, experienced in the workforce development field, entrepreneurial and business-minded in approach, and with an understanding of the people and communities in the Chicago region that benefit from CJC’s work.
Key Responsibilities:
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Provide leadership to fulfill CJC's mission, guiding the development and implementation of
strategic visions, goals, and activities, in collaboration with and at the direction of the Board of
Directors.
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Develop and implement a sustainable fundraising strategy incorporating as diversified a portfolio
of revenue sources as possible, including new types of funding.
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Promote communications and relationships with all of CJC’s stakeholders, including members,
job seekers, employers, advocates, service providers, public officials, funders and other relevant
audiences.
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Maintain an effective and cost-efficient organizational structure.
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Direct and manage staff.
- Manage the organization's financial responsibilities within available resources, and ensure accountability for all financial affairs of the organization.
Candidate Qualifications:
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Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in a related field preferred.
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At least 10 years professional experience related to CJC’s mission, with progressive levels of
responsibility. Past leadership roles essential.
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Demonstrated commitment to issues related to social justice and a track record of related
accomplishments.
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Knowledge of the workforce development field in general, and the Chicago region and state of
Illinois in particular.
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Evidence of an action-oriented, entrepreneurial, adaptable and innovative approach to
business planning.
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Strong fund raising experience, including experience generating revenues of at least
$500,000 a year from diverse sources.
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Successful track record engaging and representing diverse, community-based constituencies.
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Excellence in organizational management, with the ability to design sustainable
organizational structures, manage finances, and supervise and support staff.
Salary and benefits commensurate with experience.
If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit a cover letter describing your interest and suitability, along with a resume, no later than November 12, 2014 to jobapplications@RedfieldSolutions.com. No phone calls please.
The Chicago Jobs Council is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, people with disabilities, women, and LGBT candidates.