826CHI Executive Director

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

About 826CHI

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. Our services are structured around the understanding that great leaps in learning can happen with one-on-one attention, and that strong writing skills are fundamental to future success. More information can be found at www.826chi.org.

826CHI is committed to serving Chicago students, schools, and communities most impacted by systemic disinvestment in high-quality arts and literacy education. Our programs prioritize students who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous People of Color), LGBTQIA+, Neurodiverse learners, and English Language learners.

826CHI highly values collaboration, creativity, and inclusiveness. We take both pride and joy in our work and operate with a high degree of professionalism. Staff members work both independently and as part of a team. Our model is inherently community-based and responds to Chicago's history, dynamics, and culture. 

Commitment to Inclusion

As an organization dedicated to fostering youth creativity, personal growth, and academic success, 826CHI acknowledges the importance of diversity at all levels and in all aspects of our work. In order to build and maintain the safe, supportive 826 environment in which great leaps of learning occur, we commit to inclusion: We 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. 826CHI is an equal opportunity employer; We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for this and all posted positions. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

826CHI is seeking an inspired leader who embodies 826CHI’s values and motivates the larger community to execute the mission. The Executive Director (ED) has overall strategic and operational responsibility for 826CHI’s staff, programs, expansion, and execution of its organizational goals. Responsibilities include:

Leadership & Strategy (25%) 

• Continues to realize 826CHI’s mission and vision and works to achieve strategic goals by leading the board in developing and maintaining a strategic planning process with long-range and short-range objectives. Ensures that the strategic plan aligns with the overall mission
• Works with the staff and contractors to operationalize organizational priorities and goals
• Builds and maintains community partnerships to amplify the impact of 826CHI’s programs
• Leads 826CHI’s work in advancing racial equity, inclusion, and diversity

Fundraising & Communications (25%) 

• Leads all fundraising goals in partnership with the board, including corporate, foundation, and government support, special events fundraisers, individual and board giving, and in-kind contributions
• Manages contractors who support grants, communications, event planning, and other fundraising initiatives
• Ensures that income is comprehensive and diversified. Actively seeks new opportunities for funding
• Works with the Board of Directors to identify, cultivate, and solicit donors and funders

• Oversees communications initiatives and serves as the primary contact for press coverage
• Oversees all external relations, including communications, website, newsletters, annual appeals, and PR
• Serves as the public face and voice for 826CHI
• Seeks out nonprofit, government, and corporate partners and raises the visibility of 826CHI in the community

Financial Management  (10%)

• Ensures sound fiscal management, ensuring the organization is financially viable and sustainable with the resources to meet current and projected program growth
• Ensures financial protocols are followed
• Responsible for all budgeting, cash flow, and financial reporting, in collaboration with the Treasurer of the Board
• Oversees annual financial audit and the publication of 826CHI’s Annual Report
• Works to ensure compliance with the terms of the 826 National chapter agreement 
• Works to ensure compliance with city, state, and federal policies
• Liaison to the 826 National and reports on 826CHI’s progress, and serves as a chapter representative to the 826 National Board

HR & Personnel Management  (15%)

• Actively models and reinforces organizational culture and values 
• Ensures that HR policies are updated, reviewed, and followed as appropriate. Ensures that legal HR requirements are followed, including compliance, compensation, and benefits administration 
• Develops and reviews a staffing plan. Builds strong, collaborative relationships with staff and develops staff, ensures that talent is identified, coached, and made ready for leadership and opportunities
• Sets high expectations for an inclusive environment where staff, volunteers, stakeholders, and students from all backgrounds thrive
• Hires, supervises, and mentors direct reports, prepares evaluations, conducts necessary disciplinary actions, terminations, and other personnel actions per personnel policies
• Works with staff to recruit, screen, train, and manage volunteers and teaching artists

Operations & Facilities Management (5%) 

• Manages 826CHI’s Partner-In-Residence relationship with Steppenwolf Theater 
• Responsible for rental contracts and agreements for all 826CHI’s partners
• Ensures the safety and emergency preparedness of all 826CHI staff, students, and volunteers
• Manages contracts and MOUs with key organizational partners/agencies

Board of Directors (10%)

• Serves as primary organizational liaison to the Board of Directors, including building relationships with new and prospective members. Assists in board development, including board succession planning
• Facilitates the board’s decision-making by providing accurate and timely information, recommending appropriate action, and implementing policy and program
• Works closely with the Chair to prepare quarterly board meetings and produce regular financial statements
• Ensures adequate staff support for board committees
• Ensures stewardship of official documents and records

Program Development & Evaluation (10%)

• Oversees all educational programs, ensuring the mission is carried out effectively
• Works with  Program Manager to ensure  delivery of high-quality programs to serve 826CHI’s targeted student populations
• Supports the Program Manager in establishing community partners, including schools and community centers, for program delivery in a diverse range of communities across Chicago
• Works with the Publications Manager to ensure high-quality publications are produced and widely distributed to the community
• Ensures the regular evaluation of programs and the effective incorporation of results to inform future program 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

• This is a hybrid position with the flexibility to work from home part-time and the expectation to work in-person on site at Steppenwolf, where 826CHI is the Partner-In-Residence
• Local travel required; Must possess a valid driver’s license and have access to reliable transportation; this role is occasionally requires working from field locations where programs are held
• National travel required. Attends two 826 National Board of Directors meetings in 826 chapter cities (May and November) and an annual four-day Staff Development Conference
• This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, fax, copiers, scanners, filing cabinets. 
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently uses hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move objects up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 40 pounds
• Flexible schedule, occasional nights and weekends required

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

We offer a compensation package that includes 99% employer-paid health premiums and 75% employer-paid vision and dental premiums, an optional 401(k) retirement account, life insurance, and generous paid time off. The salary range for this position is $85,000 to $100,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

To apply, please complete this form. In place of a cover letter, please answer the questions provided. You will be prompted to upload your resume and a list of three references at the end of the form. The Application deadline is September 15, 2025. Please email edsearch@826chi.org with questions. No phone calls, please.