Executive Director

Organizational Leadership and Strategy:

• Articulate Literacy Works' vision and unique value proposition, working with staff and board to develop long-and short-term goals and strategies to achieve aligned outcomes benefitting clients and membership organizations
• Support staff in implementing goals, responding to the needs of clients and member organizations, and designing and implementing high-quality programs, trainings, and deliverables within the Community Literacy and Clear Language Lab programs
• Monitor, evaluate, and guide the adjustment of strategies as needed

Fundraising:

• Serve as the lead fundraiser for Literacy Works, which currently has an annual goal of $500K+ and a desire to grow and diversify revenue
• Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward donors, building and growing long term and authentic partnerships with existing and new potential donors
• Attract funding from new foundation sources including those that have not previously funded adult education or communication equity work

External Relations and Business Development:

• Identify and develop partnerships with new member organizations for the Community Literacy program
• Identify and develop partnerships with new fee-for-service clients for the Clear Language Labs and Community Literacy Programs
• Collaborate with Directors to explore various pricing strategies for fee-for-service program offerings
• Serve as an advocate and coalition leader for adult education and plain language issues

Operational Oversight:

• Oversee a team of seven full-time (four direct reports) plus additional part-time staff and volunteers
• Build on Literacy Works' collaborative and trust-based culture, where leadership has traditionally been distributed and decisions made collaboratively
• Develop and implement staff professional development and performance management processes that align with organizational culture
• Supported by the Director of Operations, build, execute, and monitor Literacy Works' budget with fiscal prudence

Board Management:

• Serve as the liaison to the board of directors, supporting board governance and related activities including meetings, committees, and compliance
• Engage board members in fundraising and strategy, making full and effective use of their time, talent, and treasure
• Report to the board on key updates including progress to goals
• Serve as the bridge between board and staff so that the board understands the on-the-ground work and staff understands the governance role of the board

This role advances equity by promoting literacy education and clear language, supporting adult literacy education and communication equity through Community Literacy and Clear Language Lab programs, making communications more clear, accessible, and equitable for nonprofit and governmental organizations across various sectors.

• 5+ years' experience of strategic team management (must include some direct supervisory experience)
• Proven experience leading teams using equity-based frameworks, including experience with or openness to collaborative leadership and decision-making approaches
• Demonstrated success leading comprehensive fundraising efforts that center authentic relationship building and long-term donor partnerships
• Bachelor's degree (advanced degree is a plus)
• Experience successfully navigating technology (including shared drives, virtual meetings, and other collaborative tools) and building organizational culture in a hybrid or remote setting
• Mission-focused - authentic commitment to the mission and values of Literacy Works
• Values-oriented builder - desire to build and grow Literacy Works programming while maintaining organizational integrity, identity, and values
• Strong internal and external communication and relationship building skills

No specific compensation, perks, or culture highlights mentioned in the job description. The organization has an annual budget of $500K+ and the role involves leading a team in a remote environment based in and around the Chicagoland area.

Literacy Works' mission is to advance equity by promoting literacy education and the use of clear language. The organization supports adult literacy education and communication equity through Community Literacy and Clear Language Lab programs, serving as a key resource to community-based literacy programs and offering training, consulting, and coaching services to nonprofit and governmental organizations.