Manager, Special Initiatives
Illinois Humanities
Status: Full Time, Exempt
Reports to: Artistic Director
Location: Chicago metropolitan area
Illinois Humanities, the Illinois affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, is a statewide nonprofit organization that activates the humanities through free public programs, grants, and educational opportunities that foster reflection, spark conversation, build community, and
strengthen civic engagement. We provide free, high-quality humanities experiences throughout Illinois, particularly for communities of color, individuals living on low incomes, counties and towns in rural areas, small arts and cultural organizations, and communities highly impacted by mass incarceration.
We envision an Illinois where the humanities are central to making the state more just, creative, and connected.
Our values:

The Manager, Special Initiatives is responsible for producing a portfolio of timely programs and projects in support of the organization’s strategic priorities and values. In collaboration with, and under the direction of the Artistic Director, this position develops and implements production plans to ensure relevant and engaging programs. The Manager, Special Initiatives serves as a critical liaison with program stakeholders and serves as an onsite staff lead/support staff for select programs and events. In 2024, programs will include a national convening focused on the intersection of the arts and humanities and mass incarceration, Illinois Humanities’ 50th anniversary, and a public discussion series. Strong candidates will have a passion for – and experience with – designing and producing welcoming, dynamic gatherings that leverage the arts and humanities to empower participants to explore relevant issues, spark new ideas and collaborations, and deepen existing connections.
Essential Responsibilities

The skills and experience needed to be successful in this job exist on a spectrum. Highly qualified and desirable candidates may not meet 100% of the skills and experience included in this description. We encourage all who are interested in this position to apply.
WHAT WE ARE OFFERING:

WHAT TO EXPECT:
Step one: All submissions will be reviewed, and the initial candidate pool will be formed after phone screenings. Not all submissions will make it into the candidate pool.
Step two: Candidates in the pool will take part in an interview with members of the Illinois Humanities Team via Zoom or in-person.
Step three: There will be additional rounds of interviews with the final candidates. Final candidates may be asked to provide additional information. Selection and placement of the final candidate will occur after these final rounds of interviews. Once the final candidate has accepted their offer of employment, all other applicants will be notified of their status. This posting will remain open until the position is filled.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Our Chicago Loop office is accessible. Work at off-site locations is required and those may not necessarily be fully accessible. Evening and weekend work is sometimes required. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and scanners. Employees are regularly required to talk, hear, see, and communicate effectively via computer. Illinois Humanities is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to employ qualified individuals based on individual merit. It does not discriminate against any individual with respect to the terms and conditions of employment based on that individual’s race, sex, age, religion, color, national origin, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, housing status, or any other non-merit factor protected under state, local or federal laws. Equal Employment Opportunity applies to all personnel actions such as recruiting, hiring, compensation, benefits, promotions, training, transfer, termination, and opportunities for training. Illinois Humanities is committed to a fair and equitable workplace where everyone is a respected and valued member of the team.
Illinois Humanities Chicago office is currently operating in a hybrid work environment with in-office days and optional remote workdays each week.
COVID-19 Vaccination Policy:
To support public health efforts to reduce the risk of COVID-19, Illinois Humanities has adopted a policy that requires all staff receive a complete COVID-19 vaccine based on the CDC’s current definition, which is subject to change. Employees must submit a full Record of COVID-19 Vaccination or have a fully signed Reasonable Exception approval by date of hire.
Illinois Humanities is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to employ qualified individuals based on individual merit. It does not discriminate against any individual with respect to the terms and conditions of employment based on that individual’s race, sex, age, religion, color, national origin, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, housing status, criminal record, or any other non-merit factor protected under state, local or federal laws. Equal Employment Opportunity applies to all personnel actions such as recruiting, hiring, compensation, benefits, promotions, training, transfer, termination, and opportunities for training. Illinois Humanities is committed to a fair and equitable workplace where everyone is a respected and valued member of the team.
To Apply: Please upload a cover letter and resume on our "Work With Us" page or through the relevant job website. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.