Talent.com
Executive Director -Chicago

Executive Director -Chicago

College Possible Leadership TeamChicago, IL, USA
job_description.job_card.variable_days_ago
serp_jobs.job_preview.job_type
  • serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
  • serp_jobs.filters_job_card.quick_apply
job_description.job_card.job_description

Executive Director

College Possible- Chicago

This Work Is Our Mission

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.

College Possible National Impact

At College Possible, the work you do directly contributes to measurable student and alumni success :

  • Since 2000, we've supported 100,000+ students , helping them navigate the path to and through higher education.
  • Students and alumni have attended 866 colleges and universities across the U.S.
  • Students are 3X more likely to earn a bachelor's degree within six years.
  • Strong alumni outcomes : based on an alumni survey, 95% are employed, 83% feel fulfilled in their careers, and 79% have improved their financial future.

Why Join Our Team?

Working at College Possible isn't just a job - it's a mission. You'll play a direct role in helping students achieve their educational goals, paving the way for brighter futures, and being part of a national movement to expand college access and success.

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 :

    Site Management and Leadership

  • 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.
  • Provide financial oversight by managing budgets, monitoring performance and ensuring responsible resource allocation.
  • 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 8–10 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

    As a committed, diverse, values-based organization, we offer :

  • A competitive salary commensurate range : $125,000-$150,000 based on 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 which includes submitting your resume and cover letter.

    Job Posted by ApplicantPro

    serp_jobs.job_alerts.create_a_job

    Executive Director • Chicago, IL, USA

    Job_description.internal_linking.related_jobs
    • 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
    Account Executive (Chicago)

    Account Executive (Chicago)

    PartySlateChicago, IL, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    PartySlate is the premier marketplace that connects people planning all types of events with venues and vendors.More than 3 million people used PartySlate for their weddings, galas, corporate event...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_30
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Executive Director - Chicago

    Executive Director - Chicago

    College Possible Leadership TeamChicago, IL, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    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
    Director

    Director

    IMGChicago, IL, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    The Director will lead on all aspects of EXPO CHICAGO, determining a vision for the fair and ensuring its successful delivery. It will involve working with all internal fair teams, as well as buildi...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_30
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    • serp_jobs.job_card.new
    Executive Director

    Executive Director

    Bay Area Video Coalition, Inc.Chicago, IL, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Community TV Network seeks a qualified, passionate Executive Director who is dedicated to youth empowerment through video production. About Community TV Network / CTVN.Community TV Network, empowers u...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

    SmithBucklinChicago, IL, US
    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 th...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
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    • serp_jobs.job_card.new
    Executive Director

    Executive Director

    KENTUCKY SOCIETY OF ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVES INCChicago, IL, US
    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 th...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_variable_hours
    • 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
    Director of Public Sector Business Development, Central USChicago, IL

    Director of Public Sector Business Development, Central USChicago, IL

    ViaChicago, IL, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Director Of Public Sector Business Development, Central Us.Via is using technology to transform transportation around the world. From changing a single person's daily commute to reducing humanity's ...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_30
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Director, Consumer Industries SectorChicago, Illinois, United States

    Director, Consumer Industries SectorChicago, Illinois, United States

    Brunswick GroupChicago, IL, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Director, Consumer Industries Sector.Brunswick Group, a strategic advisory firm focused on critical issues, is seeking a director in Chicago with expertise in counseling consumer companies and busi...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_30
    • 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
    • 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

    Executive Director

    ASAEChicago, IL, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Executive Director, Financial & Insurance Conference Professionals (FICP).Smithbucklin, a 650-person, employee-owned professional services company with more than 70 years of success serving the...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_variable_hours
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Executive Director

    Executive Director

    Capital Consultants Management CorporationChicago, IL, United States
    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_30
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    • serp_jobs.job_card.new
    Executive Director - Chicago

    Executive Director - Chicago

    College PossibleChicago, IL, US
    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_hours
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    • serp_jobs.job_card.new
    Sales Director (Chicago)

    Sales Director (Chicago)

    Decision Engines, Inc.Chicago, IL, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    The Director of Sales will be driven and entrepreneurial with a successful track record of consistently overachieving sales quotas within fast pace and high-growth Enterprise Software environments....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, 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
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    • serp_jobs.job_card.new
    Executive Director

    Executive Director

    Covenant Ability Network of IllinoisOak Forest, IL, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Covenant Ability Network of Illinois (CANIL).Vice President of Operations, CIC.Full-Time, Exempt, Benefits Eligible.Covenant Ability Network of Illinois (CANIL) is seeking a licensed.Nursing Home A...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_variable_hours