Job Descriptions:
Title: Executive Director, Resilient Chicago FundReports to: President & CEODirect Reports: ManagerClassification: Regular; Full-timeFLSA Status: ExemptSalary Range: $155,000-$180,000
Position Summary:
Resilient Chicago Fund (RCF) is a new philanthropic initiative that focuses on reimagining how nonprofits and government meet basic human needs across Cook County amid a shifting federal funding and policy landscape. The Executive Director will work in close coordination with RCF funding partners to support nonprofit organizations responding to policy and funding changes with innovative approaches to meeting basic human needs. The RCF will coordinate with government partners and operate as complementary to ongoing support foundations will offer through a variety of strategies.
The Executive Director of the Resilient Chicago Fund will provide strategic leadership to advance the fund's agenda to reimagine how nonprofits and government collaborate to meet basic human needs. The Executive Director will work closely with philanthropic partners and community stakeholders to invest in new practices, partnerships, or capabilities to build long-term resilience and sustainability to efforts to address basic human needs, such as health care, food, housing, safety and justice. This role requires a leader adept at managing complex multi-stakeholder initiatives, fostering innovation, cultivating external relationships. . The Executive Director will enable philanthropic leadership in developing a strategic response to a sector experiencing unprecedented uncertainty.
Position Responsibilities
Strategy and Program Delivery
Lead implementation for Resilient Chicago, developing a strategic grantmaking roadmap to enable transformation of basic human service delivery in Cook County.
Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of grantmaking and other program activities to meet the initiative's goals.
Develop and oversee implementation milestones, providing timely updates to Trust leadership, the RCF steering committee, and funders.
Ensure that the grant portfolio aligns with the initiative's objectives, managing the full grantmaking lifecycle from requests for proposals to reporting on outcomes.
Governance
Staff and manage Resilient Chicago Fund advisory and steering committees, leading agenda-setting, member engagement, and facilitating decision-making.
Provide regular financial updates and forecasts, ensuring alignment with budgetary goals.
Communications and Partner Relations
Serve as the principal spokesperson for Resilient Chicago Fund, building relationships with local organizations, policymakers, government and philanthropic partners.
Represent the program in external meetings, conferences, and media engagements to promote the initiative and drive awareness of key issues.
Lead thought leadership activities, staying current on challenges and innovations, and share insights with partners and stakeholders.
Fundraising and Resource Development
Work with fundraising teams to set and achieve Resilient Chicago Fund fundraising goals, identifying and pursuing new opportunities for resource development.
Oversee grant proposal development, ensuring the initiative remains well-resourced to achieve its ambitious goals.
Grantmaking and Innovation
Develop and implement grant making approach that delivers on the RCF commitment to identifying a small number of
Manage communications and relationships with grant recipients, providing technical assistance and support to ensure project success.
Develop and implement tools to track and assess the impact of Resilient Chicago Fund initiatives, continuously improving processes based on feedback from partners and data.
Project Management
Lead the execution of Resilient Chicago Fund initiatives.
Oversee the management of project plans, tracking milestones, and achieving deliverables.
Required Experience:
Position Qualifications:
Minimum 8-10 years' experience delivering results in the community and relevant sectors; previous grantmaking experience is desirable.
Experience leading and developing a team.
Experience managing budgets, steering committees, and implementing strategic roadmaps.
Understanding of the challenges facing local organizations, and the dynamics of public policies and current thinking relevant to the work.
Ability to collaboratively lead through networking, facilitating, and problem-solving
Experience advancing policy and or structural changes in the public or private sectors
Strong orientation and commitment to racial equity, equitable results, and community voice
Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to collaborate with nonprofit organizations, community leaders, funders, and government officials.
Exceptional project management skills with a proven ability to manage complex initiatives across multiple stakeholders.
Building an Inclusive Economy
We embrace Chicago's diversity as a core strength and are committed to creating a more inclusive economy where opportunity and prosperity are within reach for everyone.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The Trust is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. The Trust does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, parental status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply. If you are a qualified candidate with a disability, please e-mail us at careers@cct.org if you require a reasonable accommodation to complete this application.
The Trust does not consider demographic data when making employment decisions. Nor does the Trust discriminate based on race, gender, age, sexual orientation, or any other protected category when making employment decisions. The Trust uses nondiscriminatory measures to pursue diversity, and this demographic data should not be interpreted as mandating, encouraging, or permitting decisions based on protected characteristics.
The History of The Chicago Community Trust
The Chicago Community Trust was founded in 1915 by Norman and Albert Harris, father and son duo of the Harris Trust and Savings Bank (now BMO Harris Bank). The Trust was the fourth community foundation ever created. There are now 750 community foundations in Canada and the U.S.
As a community foundation, the Trust is committed to effect lasting change that moves our entire region forward. Our approach centers on tackling the region's immediate needs and addressing challenges that stand in the way of a thriving Chicago region. As part of that mission, the Trust will always support meeting people's critical needs such as secure housing and healthy food, public safety, and regional response to crises. We also know our region's racial and ethnic wealth gap is a major contributing factor to issues including health disparities, gun violence, and uneven economic growth. We are committed to reducing this gap so that our region and its residents can meet their potential.
For 110 years, The Chicago Community Trust has convened, supported, funded, and accelerated the work of community members and changemakers committed to strengthening the Chicago region. From spearheading our response to the Great Depression and Great Recession to building up our civic infrastructure to the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Trust has brought our community together to face pressing challenges and seize our greatest opportunities. Today, that means creating pathways that build wealth and well-being for all Chicagoans.
With assets of more than $6 billion, the Trust, in partnership with its donors, distributed more than $1.5 billion in the last fiscal year. The Trust team seeks to match the passion and commitment of donors, grant recipients, residents, and community leaders who continue to work tirelessly to make the Chicago region one where everyone has opportunities.
Keyword: (Hybrid) Executive Director, Resilient Chicago Fund
From: The Chicago Community Trust
