Executive Director

Job Posting: Chicago HOPES for Kids – Executive Director Reports to: Executive Board

Organization Overview:

Chicago HOPES for Kids is a nonprofit organization serving the Chicago community since 2012 with a full time staff of eight people. The organization has unique expertise in addressing childhood homelessness and holds potential for growth and increasing impact.

Chicago HOPES for Kids provides comprehensive support to Chicago students and families experiencing homelessness. We are committed to our children’s educational development and long-term empowerment through academic support, dedicated mentorship and basic needs services. With over a decade of service, we are the only organization in Chicago that provides educational and specialized support directly to children experiencing homelessness. We proudly serve more than 325 students and their families annually and look forward to many more years of collaboration with our community!

Position Overview:

The Executive Director provides strategic, financial, and organizational leadership to advance the mission and long-term sustainability of the organization. The Executive Director will work closely with the Executive Board of Directors, staff, and external partners to ensure alignment with Chicago HOPES for Kid’s vision and mission. The Executive Director ensures that we are partnering with other organizations so that Chicago HOPES can sustain and expand services to the children and families we support. This role offers the opportunity to work with a committed team focused on creative problem-solving and continuous improvement in service of children and families.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and sustain a welcoming, inclusive, and collaborative organizational culture that respects and values staff, volunteers, and clients. Build and lead a strong, mission-driven team by fostering clarity, organization, accountability, and professional growth.

• Pursue and maintain grantor and major donor relationships for the financial benefit of the organization. Provide disciplined financial leadership that promotes long-term sustainability and responsible growth. Develop an annual budget with a positive operating margin in collaboration with the Finance Committee and Board of Directors. Deliver regular, accurate, and timely financial reports to the Board, clearly communicating financial performance relative to the approved budget.

• Operate the organization in full compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, as well as Board-approved Bylaws and policies. Proactively identify and manage organizational risks.

• Model integrity, respect, and professionalism in all interactions. Foster teamwork across the organization and provide a clear vision and aligned strategic direction for staff, volunteers, and the Board.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree (nonprofit management, business administration, public administration, education, social work)
• 5–7+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience, preferably within nonprofit organizations
• Demonstrated success building, leading, and retaining high-performing teams
• Experience with strategic planning
• Ability to develop and sustain community partnerships
• Excellent verbal, written and public speaking communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree (nonprofit management, business administration, public administration, education, social work)
• 7–10+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience, preferably within nonprofit organizations
• Experience developing and managing programs for children and families experiencing homelessness
• Experience working with or reporting to a Board of Directors
• Experience managing internal and external communications during periods of transition

Additional Information

• Hybrid role: work in office at least 3 days a week
• Some evening and weekend commitments required
• Main office is located downtown close to public transportation

Compensation:

Salary commensurate with experience. This is an exempt position with a salary range of $80k - $100k and benefits. Benefits include employer cost share for voluntary health, dental and vision benefits through Blue Cross Blue Shield IL; ten days vacation and ten days personal/sick time annually (prorated based on start date); and simple IRA retirement plan with up to 3% of salary organizational match.

How to Apply:

Please submit your cover letter and resume to Andy Flynn, Executive Board President, by February 6, 2026, to:

Email: Aflynn620@gmail.com

Please include Your Name and “Chicago HOPES for Kids” in the subject line of your email.

Chicago HOPES for Kids is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.

Salary commensurate with experience. This is an exempt position with a salary range of $80k - $100k and benefits. Benefits include employer cost share for voluntary health, dental and vision benefits through Blue Cross Blue Shield IL; ten days vacation and ten days personal/sick time annually (prorated based on start date); and simple IRA retirement plan with up to 3% of salary organizational match.