EVP Innovative Ideas & Strategy

About Restoring Our Youth Organization Inc. (R.O.Y.O.)

At Restoring Our Youth Organization Inc. (R.O.Y.O), we believe that every young person no matter their circumstances has the potential to thrive when given the right opportunities, guidance, and support. Our goal is to empower vulnerable youth to overcome challenges and begin their journey toward restoration and success. At Restoring Our Youth Organization, we believe in equal opportunity and inclusive growth. Our volunteers are expected to dedicate 8 to 10 hours a week. Every role here matters and every team member helps us move closer to a world where every young person feels seen, supported, and capable of success.

About the Role

Restoring Our Youth Organization (R.O.Y.O.) is seeking a visionary, collaborative, and forward-thinking volunteer leader to serve as Executive Vice President of Innovative Ideas & Strategy. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys shaping big ideas, turning strategy into action, and helping a mission-driven organization grow its impact.

As EVP of Innovative Ideas & Strategy, you will help guide the organization’s long-term direction bringing clarity to where we’re going, how we get there, and how teams across the organization align around shared goals. You’ll work closely with the Chief Executive Director, Board, and Executive Team to strengthen strategy, spark innovation, and build the systems that turn ideas into meaningful outcomes for youth and communities.

This is a hands-on, thought-leadership volunteer role with real influence, visibility, and impact.

What You’ll Do

Strategy & Organizational Direction

• Help design, formalize, and lead R.O.Y.O.’s strategic planning processes.
• Translate strategy into clear goals that teams across the organization can understand and act on.
• Ensure strategic initiatives align with the organization’s mission, values, and board-approved objectives.
• Partner with executive leaders to align departmental plans with overall organizational priorities.

Innovation & Growth

• Champion innovative thinking and new ideas across the organization.
• Identify emerging trends, unmet needs, and opportunities for differentiation in the nonprofit sector.
• Support the development of new programs, partnerships, and service models.
• Oversee pilot initiatives and innovation projects from concept through evaluation.

Execution & Impact

• Collaborate with leadership and finance to assess the impact and feasibility of strategic initiatives.
• Help establish metrics to track progress, performance, and outcomes.
• Support program evaluation efforts to ensure learning, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Encourage transparency, accountability, and shared ownership of strategic goals.

Culture, People & Leadership

• Serve as a key member of the Executive Team, helping shape organizational culture and vision.
• Coach, mentor, and support leaders and volunteers in an environment of trust and open communication.
• Foster collaboration across teams and help build strong working relationships internally and externally.
• Partner with the Board in shaping the organization’s future direction.

What You Bring

• Located in the United States (Chicagoland area preferred).
• Strong alignment with R.O.Y.O.’s mission, vision, values, and motto.
• Experience in identifying emerging trends and translating them into actionable plans.
• Strong ability to think outside the box and propose creative solutions to complex challenges.
• Familiarity with nonprofit operations, community engagement, or mission-driven organizations is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex ideas clearly.
• Strong research, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion, confidentiality, and diplomacy.
• Bachelor’s degree required; 10+ years of relevant professional experience is a plus.
• Comfort using Google Workspace and openness to learning new tools.
• Ability to remain calm and constructive in complex or high-stakes situations.
• Collaborative, adaptable, and self-motivated leadership style.
• Interest in learning, growing, and contributing within the nonprofit sector.
• Ability to build effective relationships with leadership, board members, donors, partners, and community stakeholders.

What We Offer as a Nonprofit Organization

At ROYO, we believe in giving as much as we receive. When you join our team, you become part of a community that values your time, energy, and heart. As a volunteer or team member, you’ll enjoy:

• Flexibility to work when it fits your life with clear communication around expectations.
• The chance to create real impact for youth, teens, and young adults across our programs.
• Remote work opportunities
• Training and mentorship from experienced leaders to help you grow personally and professionally.
• Volunteer hours and résumé-building experience that demonstrate your commitment to service.
• Reimbursement for approved travel or meals (for eligible roles).

Values We Live By

• Respect: We treat others and our communities with dignity and accountability.
• Open to Correction: We value honesty and feedback as essential to growth and ethical responsibility.
• Operational Excellence: We strive to deliver exceptional tools, skills, and training for all ROYO members, staff, and leaders.
• Teamwork: We collaborate with unity to achieve shared goals and empower others to join our mission.
• Striving for Success: We encourage pride, growth, and achievement for all members and leaders.

Restoring.Our.Youth.Organization Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified