Executive Director

We're hiring an Executive Director to lead transformative learning experiences for college students and build impactful partnerships with communities, colleges, and universities in Chicago and Philadelphia. With a mission rooted in equity, inclusion, and experiential education, this role offers the chance to drive strategic growth, innovate urban learning programs, and inspire a high-performing team. Ideal candidates will bring leadership experience in nonprofits or education, strong fundraising and strategic planning skills, and a deep commitment to fostering equity and community engagement.

For more information or to apply, email board@chicagocenter.org. Questions regarding the application process should be directed to the Board Chair

• at board@chicagocenter.org.

Executive Director of the Chicago Center

Overview of Role

The Executive Director of the Chicago Center for Urban Life and Culture (the Chicago

Center) serves as the visionary and operational leader, responsible for the Center’s

success in cultivating transformative learning experiences for college students and

fostering meaningful partnerships with urban communities, colleges, and

universities. This role will also oversee The Philadelphia Center (TPC), ensuring the

successful implementation of urban experiential learning programs that prepare

students to address societal inequities and understand the lived experiences of

marginalized communities.

Organizational Mission

For over 50 years, the Chicago Center has utilized the power of place and community

to deliver impactful, first-voice learning experiences that prepare students for global

citizenship, self-awareness, and career readiness. With the integration of TPC, the

organization’s mission expands to include innovative programs in Chicago and

Philadelphia, emphasizing equity, inclusion, and urban engagement.

Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will bring a participatory management style, a passion for urban education, and a commitment to advancing equity and inclusion. They will be a collaborative leader, skilled at building relationships and making sound decisions

that drive growth and impact. Joining an organization poised for robust growth, the

Executive Director will play a key role in shaping its future, fostering innovative

programs, and amplifying its mission to create a more just and inclusive world.

About You

You are a visionary leader with a deep commitment to urban education and social

justice. Your experience in nonprofit or educational settings has honed your skills in

strategic planning, fundraising, and team leadership. You are a relationship builder

who thrives in collaborative environments, with the ability to inspire and motivate

diverse teams. You are passionate about creating transformative learning

experiences and have a track record of fostering partnerships with communities,

academic institutions, and funders. Your knowledge of Chicago’s urban landscape

and its diverse communities positions you to make a meaningful impact in this role.

You are adaptable, resourceful, and ready to lead the Chicago Center and The

Philadelphia Center into a future of growth and expanded impact.

Qualifications

● Bachelor’s degree required; master’s or advanced degree strongly preferred.

● Five to seven years of experience in nonprofit or educational organizations,

including prior supervisory roles.

● Proven ability to fundraise and secure diverse revenue streams.

● Solid financial management skills, including budget preparation and

oversight.

● Experience working with college students and familiarity with urban

experiential learning.

● Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

● Strong understanding of Chicago’s history, communities, and cultural

legacies; knowledge of Philadelphia’s urban landscape is a plus.

● Flexibility to work evenings and weekends, with travel as required.

● Residency in the Chicago area with the ability to commute to Hyde Park

offices.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

● Provide vision, strategic leadership, and momentum to advance the Chicago

Center’s programs and partnerships.

● Collaborate with the Board of Directors to develop and implement a

long-range strategic plan focusing on revenue growth, organizational

sustainability, and expanded capacity.

● Build and strengthen relationships with colleges, universities, community

organizations, and other stakeholders to enhance the Center’s reach and

impact.

Fundraising and Financial Oversight

● Lead fundraising efforts, including identifying, cultivating, and securing new

sources of revenue through grants, donations, and strategic partnerships.

● Oversee financial management, including preparing and administering

budgets, ensuring financial sustainability, and maintaining transparency

through regular reporting to the Board.

Program Development and Management

● Oversee academic and administrative management of programs for Fall,

Spring, Summer, and short-term sessions in both Chicago and Philadelphia.

● Ensure innovative curriculum development, impactful pedagogy, and

successful program evaluation.

● Collaborate with faculty and academic communities to integrate

place-based learning and experiential education into program offerings.

● Facilitate cultural visits, field trips, and other experiential learning opportunities

that foster student growth and understanding of urban issues.

Community Engagement

● Strengthen partnerships with diverse communities in and around Chicago and

Philadelphia, emphasizing collaboration with historically marginalized groups.

● Serve as the organization’s spokesperson, promoting its mission and

programs to students, academic institutions, funders, and the broader public.

Organizational Leadership and Team Development

● Lead and manage a diverse team, fostering a culture of high performance,

collaboration, and innovation.

● Support professional development for staff and maintain a work environment

that attracts and retains talent.

● Supervise recruitment and enrollment processes, traveling as needed to

partner institutions to build relationships and recruit students.

Operational Management

● Oversee daily operations, including staff supervision, technological

infrastructure, and risk management.

● Ensure effective coordination of housing, facilities, and student placement

logistics.

● Expand alumni engagement to leverage a robust network in support of the Center’s mission.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)*

● Growth in student enrollment numbers across all program sessions.

● Increase in annual revenue through successful fundraising efforts, including

grants, donations, and partnerships

● Strengthened partnerships with colleges, universities, and community

organizations, as measured by new and renewed collaborations.

● Improved participant satisfaction, as reflected in feedback and evaluation

metrics.

● Achievement of strategic plan milestones within established timelines.

● Retention and development of a high-performing, diverse staff team.

● Growth and engagement within the alumni network, measured by

participation in events and contributions to fundraising initiatives.

● Maintenance of financial health, including meeting or exceeding annual

budget goals and maintaining transparency in financial reporting.

* Please note goals will be set per year.