The Opportunity—Serve at the Helm of our Flagship Office
Mikva Challenge’s board of directors has embarked upon a search for a dynamic, inspiring, and talented leader to serve as the Chicago Executive Director. This is an exciting opportunity to grow Mikva’s Chicago area footprint and amplify its status as a regional and national model, while Mikva expands into other markets. S/he must feel at ease engaging both C-Suite and city school stakeholders to take part in Mikva’s mission. This position was created as part of Mikva’s restructuring to accommodate its strategic expansion blueprint.
S/he will report to the National Director and work on institutional strategies that promote Mikva’s unique brand and model of programs that include: the Center for Action Civics, Project Soapbox and Democracy in Action, Youth Councils, Election Judges, and Campaign Internships. As part of Mikva Challenge’s leadership team, the Executive Director must be a relationship builder, strategic thinker, active in organizing and executing plans, and possess political savvy.
The Chicago Executive Director must have in-depth knowledge of and experience working with youth-focused civic or education based organizations. The Executive Director must have a strong ethical leadership style and s/he will act as Mikva’s “public face” by maintaining and developing relationships with not for profit organizations, public officials, corporations, schools, media, staff and donors including networking, meetings, site visits, and public speaking.
S/he is responsible for the stewardship of the Chicago Office that includes implementing strategic fundraising, programmatic, and operational goals.
In addition, the Executive Director’s scope of responsibilities and roles include:
- Collaborate with board and staff to grow and improve Mikva’s cutting edge action civics programming
- Fundraise from multiple donor sources to support Mikva’s programming in the Chicagoland area, particularly with Chicago area foundations and corporations
- Responsible for program evaluation and program results
- Exhibit a strong business acumen to manage expenses and operations for the Chicago office
- Cultivate current and prospective relationships with stakeholders, including funders, public officials, government agencies, media, and other NFP leaders
- Assist in leading efforts to develop annual program goals, budgets, and communication plans
- Supervise and collaborate with Mikva Challenge Chicago’s dynamic team of staff members
Desired Skills and Experience
Candidate Profile Requirements
- Belief in the talent and skills of Chicago’s young people and a passion for developing young leaders and great citizens
- Must have Bachelor’s Degree. Master’s degree preferred or equivalent experience
- At least 10 years of experience working with a civics or educational organization
- At least 7 years of previous management and supervisory experience
- Understands the importance of non-partisanship civic education and able to build relationships with leaders across the political spectrum
- Thoughtful and dynamic communicator with exemplary writing skills
- Proven success and history of fundraising for budgets over $1 million
- Collaborates effectively with others to reach common goals and objectives
- Impeccable integrity, judgement, and discretion along with a professional demeanor and interpersonal style that elicits trust from leadership, peers, staff, and board members
- Viewed as a leader by his/her peers/colleagues
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
To express your interest in this opportunity, please submit your resume to humanresources@mikvachallenge.org. Potential candidates of interest will be contacted by Mikva Challenge. All inquiries and discussions will be considered strictly confidential. Mikva Challenge is an equal opportunity employer and we highly value diversity in our workplace. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience. Candidates chosen to be interviewed should be prepared to offer three professional references. Candidates will be required to complete a background check in order to work in Chicago Public Schools. This is a full-time position. No phone calls will be accepted! Deadline for application is May 15th, 2015.
Please send a resume and cover letter to:
humanresources@mikvachallenge.org
Reference: Chicago Executive Director