EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - IL at America Needs You – SPRINGFIELD, Illinois

Full-time, hybrid, based in Chicago, IL

Today, more than half of all college students in the U.S. are first-generationthe first in their families to navigate college and forge a career path beyond graduation. But only 21% of first-generation college students graduate within six years. While there are a multitude of programs for first-generation college students, few offer the deep mentoring relationships and skill-building necessary to graduate and launch successful careers. This is where America Needs You (ANY) comes in. After completing our Fellows Program, 96% of ANY Fellows graduate college and go on to earn a median income significantly higher than their peers.

ANY is the national nonprofit connecting first-generation college students with transformative mentorship and intensive career development for economic mobility. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in New York City, ANY expanded to New Jersey in 2012, Illinois in 2015, and our operation continues to grow. In 2021, ANY launched FirstGenU, a flexible digital career development program designed to help first-generation college students across the country launch great careers. Visit americaneedsyou.org to learn more about our programs and their impact.

We are seeking an Illinois Executive Director (ED). The Illinois Executive Director is the face of ANY in the community, a champion for first-generation college students, and will lead and grow the market to achieve greater impact. A passionate mobilizer and results-oriented changemaker, the Illinois ED is responsible for the sites performance, growth, and funding as well as student and volunteer success. Reporting directly to the Chief Regional Officer and partnering with the local Advisory Board, the ED is tasked with setting and articulating a compelling site strategy in alignment with ANYs 2030 strategic plan and impact plan. The ED will have fundraising, relationship-building, and team management skills to ensure quality program outcomes for ANY students and Fellows.

The role will manage a current funding portfolio of approximately 100 major donors and prospects to support the current Illinois site of $600-700k annually. The ED will act as the lead fundraiser for the annual Illinois Gala ($250k+) and plan for additional smaller events to grow the profile and pipeline of major donors in the region in partnership with the Advisory Board. The ED will work with the Chief Growth & Strategy Officer and Chief Executive Officer on site expansion locations and fundraising to support 2-3 new site launches as part of growing the Midwest region. The ED will be a member of the ANYs Management Committee of senior leaders.

This inspirational leader is passionate about ANYs mission, is highly collaborative, has a hunger for developing strong partnerships and raising critical funds, has a recognized track record of achieving excellence, and demonstrates proven success in managing the day-to-day operations of a growing organization. The ED will have a growth mindset and execute ANYs current program, while focusing on market opportunities, to include regional expansion in the Midwest within the next 2-3 years.

Strategic Leadership: Leads with vision and clarity, aligning site strategy with ANYs 2030 strategic plan and impact goals. Anticipates challenges, seizes opportunities, and makes data-informed decisions that advance long-term growth and student success. Builds strong governance practices by engaging and leveraging the Advisory Board to support strategic priorities.

Quality, Performance, & Impact Leadership: Ensures the delivery of high-impact, high-quality programs and operations across multiple sites. Establishes clear performance standards, uses data to guide improvement, and ensures alignment with organizational strategy, values, and student success outcomes.

Fundraising and Resource Development: Drives revenue growth through diverse funding streams, cultivating deep relationships with individual, corporate, foundation, and government partners. Champions ANYs mission to inspire investment and meet ambitious annual and long-term revenue goals. Partners with the Advisory Board to expand fundraising networks and open doors to new prospects.

Stakeholder Engagement: Builds and sustains meaningful partnerships with higher education, corporate, and community organizations. Represents ANY as a trusted and credible leader, strengthening the network that supports first-generation college students.

Team Leadership and People Development: Creates an inclusive, collaborative environment where staff are supported to excel. Coaches and develops team members, recognizes strengths, and sets clear expectations to achieve high performance and professional growth.

Communication and Influence: Inspires and motivates diverse audiences through compelling storytelling, public speaking, and written communication. Serves as a persuasive advocate for ANYs mission with students, staff, donors, and community partners.

Please submit cover letter and resume. Please note that your application will not be considered without a cover letter. No

phone calls, please.

The salary for this position is in the range of $120,000 to $135,000.