President, Board of Directors

About KEEN Chicago:

KEEN Chicago is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) and affiliate of KEEN USA, headquartered in Washington, DC. Our local Board of Directors—comprised of community leaders, parents, and volunteers—helps ensure we stay true to our mission of providing free, fun, and noncompetitive recreational opportunities for youth with disabilities through one-on-one volunteer pairings.

KEEN’s Mission: Empower youth with disabilities and impact volunteer coaches through participation in free, non-competitive, one-on-one programs of physical activity and fun, supporting the overall health and well-being of all participants.

KEEN’s Vision: Create communities in which individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities for recreation, fitness, and friendship; provide families with respite and a supportive network; foster a lifelong commitment to positive change for volunteers through their engagement with KEEN athletes; develop partnerships to actively promote disability awareness.

For more information, please visit KEEN Chicago’s website: KEEN Chicago.

Opportunity:

Join a passionate Board committed to creating joyful, inclusive opportunities for youth with disabilities. KEEN Chicago’s Board of Directors is currently seeking a President to help guide our growing organization.

We’re looking for a leader who can contribute expertise in financial oversight, fundraising, volunteering, or nonprofit management. Board members attend monthly meetings, serve on committees, support our annual fundraiser, and occasionally volunteer with our athletes. This is a volunteer role with a meaningful impact—helping KEEN athletes and their families thrive.

The Board President is the Primary Executive Officer of KEEN Chicago. Primary duties and responsibilities of the President, Board of Directors include:

o Chairing Meetings: The President presides over the full Board, hosts executive committee meetings as needed, facilitates BOD votes, sets agendas and sends reminders for monthly BOD meetings.

o Leading the Board: The President provides leadership to the Board and supports the Board's role in planning and execution necessary to fulfill their responsibilities.

o Representing the Board: The President represents the Board and is a face of the organization to stakeholders, such as donors, collaborators, vendors, and the media. The President also represents the local KEEN Chicago affiliate on the KEEN USA Board of Directors or otherwise delegates this responsibility to an appropriate BOD Member.

o Coordinating Work: The President coordinates the work of the Board, officers, and committees, delegating responsibilities as appropriate and necessary. The President also connects with the Executive Director on a biweekly basis to ensure programmatic initiatives are running smoothly.

o Recruiting Members: The President collaborates with the governance committee to recruit new Board members in order to fill skill gaps and plays a key role in succession planning.

o Developing Relationships: The President develops and maintains positive relationships with Board members, KEEN staff, volunteers, participating youth, and the community as a whole.

o Assessing Performance: The President assesses the performance of the Board and its committees as well as paid staff members.

o Overseeing Staff Matters: The President, subject to approval of the Board and consistent with Board priorities, has authority to (i) hire and fire employees), (ii) hire outside services, and (iii) execute contracts as authorized by the Board. Convenes Board discussions on evaluating the staff and negotiating compensation and benefits package. If there is a staff vacancy, establish a search and selection committee (usually acts as chair) for hiring.

o Nominating Committee Chairs: The President nominates committee chairs in coordination with the governance committee.

o Establishing Task Forces: The President establishes task forces for specific and focused priority areas for the organization.

o Policies Adherence: The President ensures the Board has approves and follows policies to help ensure sound governance and management.

o Strategic Planning: The President works with the Executive Director and BOD to develop and execute an organizational strategic plan of action.

o Financial Oversight: The President oversees the organization's finance committee, including developing financial plans and monitoring the budget to ensure the organization has sufficient resources to fulfill its mission.

o Culture: The president creates and promote a positive, collaborative, accepting work environment.

Time Commitment: 10-20 hours per month.

Please apply here: Join our Board of Directors! | KEEN Chicago.