Talent.com
Executive Director - Chicago

Executive Director - Chicago

College Possible Leadership TeamChicago, IL, US
job_description.job_card.variable_days_ago
serp_jobs.job_preview.job_type
  • serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
job_description.job_card.job_description

Executive Director - Chicago

As one of the first and largest college access and success organizations in the country, College Possible has spent 25 years helping students turn their college dreams into reality. We've supported over 100,000 students nationwide - and counting - and have been recognized by Inside Higher Education, Time, Forbes, USA Today, and The Wall Street Journal for our impact and innovation.

At College Possible, we believe talent is universal. For many students, the path to college can feel overwhelming or out of reach. That's where you come in. We provide students with personalized coaching, guidance, and resources. When you join our team, you help students navigate admissions, overcome challenges, and earn their degrees - making college access and success a reality.

Your Role as Executive Director

As Executive Director of College Possible Chicago, you will lead the site's fundraising, programs, and operations, driving local impact and ensuring an exceptional experience for students, families, donors and community partners. While ensuring Chicago regional priorities and initiatives are successfully implemented, you will also serve on College Possible's Senior Leadership Team, contributing to national strategy and alignment. Building on the organization's strong regional foundation from the past 11 years, you will serve as the external face of College Possible. This includes leading all fundraising activities, community outreach efforts and collaboration with the local advisory board to :

  • Develop and execute strategies that advance the organization's mission, ensuring College Possible students earn admission to and graduate from college at the same rate as their high-income peers.
  • Cultivate relationships from a wide range of stakeholders, to secure a $4.3M annual budget for fiscal year 2026 and growing year-over-year.
  • Inspire and lead a high-performing Chicago team of 45, including 23 AmeriCorps members, ensuring the staff have the support and guidance needed to achieve ambitious outcomes for students.

The Executive Director is integral to the culture, effectiveness, and impact of College Possible :

  • Provide strategic and operational leadership for College Possible Chicago, ensuring programs, staff and systems are aligned to advance the mission and deliver impact.
  • Collaborate with national centralized services to handle human resources, information technology, finance / accounting and other national departments as needed to ensure smooth execution of local operations.
  • Drive regional outcomes and appropriate evaluation across fundraising, programming and staff engagement by focusing on high-priority goals, championing continuous improvement and using data to guide decision-making.
  • Bridge local and national perspectives by maintaining strong collaboration with the National team, aligning regional work with broader organizational priorities and long-term goals.
  • Inspire and motivate staff, board members, donors, and community partners through clear vision, effective communication, and relationship-building. Build and sustain strategic partnerships with stakeholders to expand the organization's reach and impact.
  • Provide financial oversight by managing budgets, monitoring performance and ensuring responsible resource allocation.
  • Lead and support a diverse team, fostering collaboration, accountability, and a strong, inclusive and mission-driven culture to achieve ambitious results. Ensure staff feel connected, empowered and motivated.
  • Guide the organization through growth and change with innovation, adaptability and strong change-management practices.

    • Fundraising and External Relations

  • Lead fundraising efforts for College Possible Chicago, partnering with the Development Team to design and execute strategies that achieve both immediate revenue targets and long-term sustainability.
  • Partner with the Chicago Advisory Board to leverage their networks and expertise in cultivating relationships, securing resources and expanding organizational visibility across Chicago.
  • Engage and activate your own professional and personal networks to broaden the organization's reach, amplify fundraising opportunities and strengthen community connections.
  • Oversee marketing and communications and serve as the primary external ambassador to elevate the brand : represent the organization at community events, engage with key stakeholders and media efforts and position College Possible as a thought leader on education and college access.
  • Build and steward strong, lasting relationships with individual donors, foundations and corporate partners, securing substantial and multi-year commitments to advance the mission.

    • Who Should Apply

    The Executive Director of College Possible Chicago will be a bold, innovative, and mission-driven leader who is energized by the opportunity to expand educational access and success for students. The ideal candidate will be an authentic, ethical and collaborative leader who possesses :

  • A bachelor's degree and authorization to work in the United States.
  • At least 810 years of relevant leadership experience, including success as a senior leader and demonstrated ability to build and sustain a positive organizational culture.
  • A proven record of achieving ambitious goals and driving measurable results through strong management and strategic execution.
  • Skilled people manager : adept at recognizing strengths, investing in professional growth and fostering accountability while motivating teams to achieve results.
  • Demonstrated fundraising success, including securing a six-figure gift, expanding and diversifying an organization's donor base across individual, corporate and foundation funding streams; experience with the Chicago funder community is strongly preferred.
  • Adept at cultivating and sustaining relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, including staff, board members, community partners, schools and higher education institutions.

    • Computer / Software Skills

  • Strong computer skills, including demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Office, and experience in database management. SalesForce experience a plus.

    • Physical Requirements

  • Ability to lift up to 15 pounds when needed.
  • Office environment with limited travel.
  • Ability to stand and / or sit for a minimum of 7 hours a day

    • What We Offer

  • A competitive salary commensurate with experience.
  • Excellent benefits including complete health, dental, life, short-term and long-term insurance.
  • 401(k) retirement plan.
  • Encouraged sustainability through a generous paid time off program.
  • Personalized professional development and growth opportunities.
  • An opportunity to have a tremendous impact both internally and across the country.

    • To Join Our Growing College Possible Team

    Please apply online at www.CollegePossible.org / careers which includes submitting your resume and cover letter.

    serp_jobs.job_alerts.create_a_job

    Executive Director • Chicago, IL, US

    Job_description.internal_linking.related_jobs
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    • serp_jobs.job_card.new
    Executive Director, Built Environment Solutions

    Executive Director, Built Environment Solutions

    LVI AssociatesChicago, IL, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    This is a senior leadership opportunity for a sector strategist with deep expertise in healthcare, aviation, or sports infrastructure. Reporting to the national service line leader, the successful c...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_variable_hours
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    • serp_jobs.job_card.new
    Freelance, SVP, Executive Director, CreatorChicago, Illinois, United States

    Freelance, SVP, Executive Director, CreatorChicago, Illinois, United States

    GolinChicago, IL, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    We have recently become aware that individuals not associated with Golin have fraudulently used our name – to solicit applications for fake jobs, to conduct fake job interviews and to make fake job...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_variable_hours
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    • serp_jobs.job_card.new
    Executive Director

    Executive Director

    Capital Consultants Management CorporationChicago, IL, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Careers at Capital Consultants Management Corporation.Current job opportunities are posted here as they become available. Are you an experienced community leader committed to enhancing the homeowner...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_variable_hours
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    • serp_jobs.job_card.new
    Executive Director

    Executive Director

    Digital Library FederationChicago, IL, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Search for the Executive Director.The American Library Association (ALA) seeks a dynamic, innovative, and experienced leader to serve as its Executive Director. Libraries are an iconic feature of Am...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_variable_hours
    Executive Director -Chicago

    Executive Director -Chicago

    College Possible Leadership TeamChicago, IL, USA
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    serp_jobs.filters_job_card.quick_apply
    As one of the first and largest college access and success organizations in the country, College Possible has spent 25 years helping students turn their college dreams into reality.We've supported ...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_variable_days
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Executive Director

    Executive Director

    Tennessee Society of Association ExecutivesChicago, IL, United States
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Financial & Insurance Conference Professionals (FICP) - Executive Director.Smithbucklin, a 650-person, employee-owned professional services company with more than 70 years of success serving the as...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_variable_days
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    FCM - Director of Enterprise Sales - Chicago, IL

    FCM - Director of Enterprise Sales - Chicago, IL

    Flight Centre Travel GroupChicago, IL, United States
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time +1
    FCM takes a holistic approach to corporate travel, specializing in managing national and global travel programs for medium and large businesses. Ranked as one of the world's top five travel manageme...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_variable_days
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Executive Director - Chicago

    Executive Director - Chicago

    College PossibleChicago, IL, United States
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    This role leads College Possible Chicago, guiding fundraising, programs and operations to advance local impact and provide an exceptional experience for students, families, donors and community par...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_variable_days
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    • serp_jobs.job_card.new
    Executive Director (Chicago)

    Executive Director (Chicago)

    Valid8 Financial, Inc.Chicago, IL, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    We are a 25-year-old nonprofit workforce development organization dedicated to preparing individuals from underserved communities for rewarding careers in technology. With a passionate team of 35+ p...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_variable_hours
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    • serp_jobs.job_card.new
    Executive Director

    Executive Director

    Smithbucklin CorporationChicago, IL, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Financial & Insurance Conference Professionals (FICP) Executive Director at Smithbucklin, a 650-person, employee-owned professional services company with more than 70 years in the association m...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_variable_hours
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    • serp_jobs.job_card.new
    Executive Director (Senior Living)

    Executive Director (Senior Living)

    Senior Living ResidencesChicago, IL, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Executive Director (Senior Living).Ridgefield Station is professionally managed by Senior Living Residences, who enjoys an exceptional reputation among both families and professionals for providing...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_variable_hours
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Sr Chicago Account Executive

    Sr Chicago Account Executive

    LevelocitiChicago, IL, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Regional Account Manager – Chicago, IL.National Technology Solutions Provider | Cisco Premier Partner.Levelociti is partnered with a nationally recognized, fast-growing VAR that is expanding ...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_30
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Director of Development - Chicago

    Director of Development - Chicago

    Common ThreadsChicago, IL, United States
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Common Threads seeks a highly motivated Director of Development to oversee the organization’s development division.This position will lead the organization’s fundraising strategy, execution, and pe...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_variable_days
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Executive Director, Chicago Racial Justice Pooled Fund

    Executive Director, Chicago Racial Justice Pooled Fund

    Bold VenturesChicago, IL, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Executive Director Position Announcement.Location : Chicago, IL (hybrid).Reports to : Steering Committee.Application Deadline : October 15, 2025. Desired start date : March 2026.About the Chicago Racial...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_variable_days
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Account Director, Chicago

    Account Director, Chicago

    Recorded FutureChicago, IL, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    With 1,000 intelligence professionals, over $300M in sales, and serving over 1,900 clients worldwide, Recorded Future is the world's most advanced, and largest, intelligence company!.As an Account ...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_variable_days
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Executive Director

    Executive Director

    SamprasoftBuffalo Grove, IL, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.temporary
    Executive Director Contract To Hire.This is a contract to hire role (approximately 3-6 months contract).Hybrid is preferred at one of the following locations : Buffalo Grove, Dallas, and Scottsdale.serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_30
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Executive Director, AMA Foundation (Hybrid)

    Executive Director, AMA Foundation (Hybrid)

    American Medical AssociationChicago, IL, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    As the AMA's charitable arm, the AMA Foundation brings together physicians and communities to improve our nation's health. AMA Foundation is part of the American Medical Association (AMA), a nonprof...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_variable_days
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    • serp_jobs.job_card.new
    Executive Director, Great Lakes Region

    Executive Director, Great Lakes Region

    CannonDesignChicago, IL, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    We have an exciting opportunity for an Executive Director, Great Lakes Region.The Great Lakes Region includes our Buffalo, NY, Chicago, IL, Pittsburgh, PA and Toronto, ON, Canada offices.Preference...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_variable_hours