Chief Executive Officer - Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago Requisition Number 2024-7970 Posting Category Field Operations Overview

Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago (BGCC) is seeking a dynamic President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to provide visionary leadership and strategic direction to an organization with a 122-year legacy of serving Chicago’s children and teens. The President and CEO is responsible for advancing the organization's mission and vision, with a focus on enhancing the youth experience while expanding and deepening our impact in more of Chicago’s communities. The President and CEO will lead, with partnership from the Board of Directors, the efforts to strengthen the organization and situate BGCC as Chicago’s premier youth development provider.

Founded in 1902, BGCC’s mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us the most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. With more than 20 Club locations throughout Chicago, we serve nearly 20,000 young people ages 5 to 20+ every year. BGCC equips members with the emotional, educational, physical, and cultural resources that allow them to enjoy their childhood and thrive in adulthood.
When young people visit their Boys & Girls Club, they find:

Safety – Strategically located in Chicago’s most underinvested communities experiencing higher rates of poverty and violence, our Clubs are a safe haven and second home for children who might otherwise have nowhere to go afterschool.Support – For many of our young people, their Club provides them the resources to help them be their best selves, including healthy meals, social emotional learning, interpersonal relationships, and a deep sense of belonging.Mentoring – Having an adult mentor who cares about you has an extraordinary impact, and that’s exactly what young people find when they engage with the youth development staff at our Clubs.Opportunities – Whether it’s through our Share Chicago field trip program or our numerous scholarship offerings, our Club members have access to resources to help expand their horizons as they build their bright future.Programming – Our programs focus on three priority outcomes: academic success, healthy lifestyles and character and leadership. Here are just a few of the programs our kids experience at the Clubs: STEM, early literacy, sports and recreation, academic support, music, college and career readiness.

By the Numbers

Board of Directors – 50 membersBoard Committees – 7Direct Reports – 5Audited FY23 Financial Revenue - $16.8MMAuxiliary Boards – 3; 150 membersFY25 Operating Budget – $18.1MM

BGCC’s Strategic Priorities

Improve the quality of experiences and outcomes for youthExpand and deepen our impact in Chicago’s communitiesStrengthen resource developmentRaise the organizational profile and visibility Responsibilities

A successful President and CEO will have the character and confidence to work comfortably in a highly visible role and to work effectively with a broad range of constituents, both within the organization and externally. They will work closely with the Board of Directors to execute and continually reassess the organization’s strategic plan.
The President and CEO will be expected to manage the organization’s resources with a strict eye on program quality and operational efficiency as well as an entrepreneurial approach to diversifying revenue streams. The President and CEO will lead the Board of Directors and advancement team in fundraising for the organization and strategically take the organization into its next chapter by focusing on sustainable growth. Using their understanding of the landscape of youth development, the President and CEO will provide vision and leadership for program delivery with special focus on evaluation and assessment to enhance the youth experience and program impact.
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO will serve as an ambassador, championing BGCC’s mission and leading initiatives that fulfill the organization’s ambitious strategic priorities and goals.

 

Reporting to the Board of Directors and working closely with BGCC staff, the President and CEO will be responsible for:

Quality and reach of programming and servicesFiscal health and resource developmentLong term strategyOperational successEmployee experienceBoard engagement and development

Key metrics for success for the President and CEO include:

Setting and communicating a clear vision for the senior leadership team and staff in a way that translates strategies into effectively executed plansProviding counsel and leadership to the Board of Directors to support the development of an effective and motivated board through identification, recruitment, and stewardship of new membersEnsuring delivery of the highest quality programming to fulfill BGCC’s on-going vision to be the premier youth development organization in ChicagoSetting goals and developing policies, procedures, practices, budgets, and programs that align with and advance BGCC’s missionManaging expenses to ensure the organization operates within a balanced budget on an annual basisAchieving fundraising success through major gifts, corporate and foundation engagement, and government grantsPositioning BGCC for long-term sustainable success through the promotion of a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization. Qualifications

The ideal President and CEO candidate will have/be:

 

Visionary and Strategic Leadership

A strategic thinker who collaboratively develops and communicates a compelling vision for the organization’s future, balancing innovation with respect for its rich history.Ability to anticipate challenges and opportunities, bringing new ideas and crafting strategies that align with the mission as they guide the organization through periods of change and transformation.

Expertise in Advancement and Fundraising

A proven track record in fundraising, with a strong focus on building partnerships and diversifying revenue streams.Experience working closely with a Board and staff to cultivate relationships with donors and partners, including the communication skills necessary to articulate the BGCC’s vision and mission to a diverse audience.

Business and Management Acumen

A decisive operations leader who prioritizes effectively, delegates responsibilities, and ensures accountability.Ability to manage various internal and external stakeholders in order to foster a culture of philanthropy and collaboration.A proven record of maintaining a financially sound organization with a mindset of the use of data analysis and metrics to drive decision-making.

Ambassador for BGCC

Strong communication and rapport-building skills to be used in a way that promotes BGCC’s mission and brand.A strong public speaker with a solid grasp of marketing and public relations strategies to cultivate broad community
support.A dynamic, energetic, and credible leader who has proven their ability to work effectively with people of varying philosophies, backgrounds, cultures, and identities.

Passion for the Mission

A genuine commitment to the youth of Chicago, with a focus on developing engaged, responsible, caring citizens.A respect for the history and culture of BGCC combined with the ability to foster a forward-looking approach that can adapt to changing environments.Exemplified integrity, ethics, and respect for all individuals, creating an inclusive atmosphere that encourages collaboration and community engagement.Ability to cultivate a culture of transparency, accountability and support throughout all areas of the organization.A bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree is preferred.

Salary Range

 

$310,000 - $350,000/year