The Ideal Candidate
A seasoned nonprofit executive with demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and build meaningful relationships of mutual trust, during times of change and growth. A values-based Christian leader who can remain grounded in mission while bringing an entrepreneurial spirit that thoughtfully challenges the status quo, including the ability to see the big picture and achieve results. A collaborator who sees the board as a partner, staff as valued team members, and who knows achieving long-term change and sustainable growth is done best in partnership with and through other people and institutions. A relationship-based fundraiser who invites individuals and organizations to share their financial resources in achieving a meaningful vision greater than themselves.
Episcopal Charities and Community Services
Episcopal Charities brings to a broken world the hope for lasting change, rooted in Episcopal vision, faith, and experience expressed through collective community efforts. Founded in 1960, ECCS, the Christian social outreach of the Diocese of Chicago, accomplishes its life-changing impact through an annual grantmaking program; a vibrant Capacity Building Program; and leveraging its expertise, relationships, and resources in innovative community-led partnerships to effect long-term social change in response to some of today’s most important, unmet societal needs. With a bold new strategic plan, ECCS is well-positioned for impactful growth.
The Opportunity
The ECCS Executive Director, reporting to the Board of Trustees, is the chief executive responsible for achieving vision and strategy. The ED will demonstrate strong leadership skills along with expertise in creating coalitions, developing and promoting a vision, communicating that vision, and empowering a staff, all while establishing a sense of urgency to achieve goals. With a growing focus on community-based efforts that create lasting social change, the ED will be adept at identifying broad-based partnerships and leaders who are developing innovative solutions to systemic local issues. A continuous learner driven by a questioning spirit of inquiry that challenges the status quo, the ED will be entrepreneurial and able to see things through to completion, including important administrative tasks. Serving as the public face of the organization, the ED will demonstrate ECCS values of Christ-Centered, Integrity, Making a Difference, and Collaboration, with a solid commitment to fundraising and relationship-building.
Desired Requirements
- A track record of success in leading nonprofit organizations that is applicable to ECCS
- At least 15 years proven success in nonprofit management, in a variety of settings and organizations, managing people and budgets
- A track record of fundraising success, including direct participation in fundraising
- Experience working with a Board and other volunteers to achieve agency objectives
- At least 5 years of experience with professional grantmaking ideally in a faith-based, social-change focused setting
- Master’s degree preferred
In addition to a salary commensurate with the role, the ECCS offers exceptional benefits including four weeks vacation (after the first year of employment,) employer subsidized health insurance (BC/BS options), a generous contribution to employee retirement savings, and opportunities for ongoing professional development.