Executive Director in Chicago, Illinois at Project Syncere

Position Overview

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director (ED) will provide overall leadership for Project SYNCERE’s strategy, operations, and growth. The ED will be responsible for advancing the organization’s mission, strengthening its financial sustainability, and ensuring high-quality program delivery and measurable impact. This role requires a strategic and collaborative leader who can effectively engage stakeholders, build partnerships, and lead a high-performing team.

Key Responsibilities

Board Governance and Leadership

• Lead Project SYNCERE in alignment with its mission and strategic priorities, in partnership with the Board of Directors.
• Work closely with the Board to support strong governance, including serving as an ex-officio member of committees and ensuring consistent engagement in organizational strategy and oversight.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Board members, committees, partners, and funders to support collaboration and long-term organizational growth.
• Ensure fiduciary responsibility by providing the Board with regular, clear updates on organizational performance, financial health, and key developments.

Financial Performance and Viability

• Lead the organization’s overall fundraising strategy, including major gifts, institutional funding, and corporate partnerships, while cultivating key donor and partner relationships.
• Develop and expand diversified revenue streams, including earned income opportunities and strategic partnerships, to support long-term sustainability and growth.
• Partner with staff, the Finance Committee, and the Board to develop the annual budget and ensure alignment with organizational strategic priorities.
• Provide high-level oversight of the organization’s financial management, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources, adherence to the approved budget, and long-term financial stability
• Identify and manage financial and operational risks, ensuring appropriate controls, strong internal processes, and organizational sustainability.

Organization Mission and Strategy

• Ensure the organization maintains a clear long-term strategy aligned with its mission, and drives consistent progress against defined goals and priorities.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPI) to assess organizational impact, operational effectiveness, and progress toward strategic goals.
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors and leadership team to develop programmatic, organizational, and financial plans, and ensure effective implementation of Board-approved strategies and policies.
• Identify and develop new growth opportunities, including program expansion and strategic partnerships, aligned with mission, capacity, and long-term sustainability.

Organization Operations

• Provide high-level oversight and alignment of operations and programs through the leadership team, ensuring execution supports the organization’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Strengthen and maintain the organization’s brand and visibility through external engagement, partnerships, and strategic positioning.
• Serve as a visible leader and advocate for STEM education, representing the organization in public forums, industry events, and key stakeholder engagements.
• Ensure appropriate systems and leadership are in place to maintain compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Ensure systems are in place to evaluate program effectiveness and communicate outcomes to the Board, funders, and stakeholders.
• Stay informed of relevant trends and developments to support strategic decision-making and organizational positioning.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with community organizations, schools, corporate partners, and institutional stakeholders.
• Represent the organization externally with partners, stakeholders, and the broader public.

Team Leadership and Culture

• Provide leadership and oversight to the organization’s leadership team, ensuring alignment, accountability, and effective execution of priorities.
• Support and develop senior staff through ongoing coaching, feedback, and leadership development.
• Foster a strong organizational culture grounded in accountability, collaboration, and inclusion.
• Ensure alignment across teams and functions to support effective execution of organizational priorities.
• Partner with leadership to support recruitment and retention of a diverse, high-quality team aligned with the organization’s mission and values.

Equity and Impact

• Advance the organization’s commitment to equitable access to STEM education, ensuring programs effectively serve historically underrepresented communities.

Required Competencies

• Demonstrated passion for Project SYNCERE’s mission and commitment to expanding access to STEM education
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to inspire, influence, and build trust across diverse teams and stakeholders
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess challenges, anticipate needs, and drive solutions
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively represent the organization to a range of audiences
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships in a multicultural and community-centered environment
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment
• Ability to lead through collaboration while driving accountability across teams
• Familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and comfort using data to inform decision-making
• Professionalism, integrity, and behavior consistent with organizational values

Working Conditions & Additional Information

• This position is primarily based in a professional office environment, with a combination of in-office and external engagements. The Executive Director is expected to maintain a regular work schedule aligned with organizational needs, typically Monday through Friday during standard business hours.

The role requires:

• Regular use of standard office equipment, including computers, phones, and virtual communication tools
• Occasional travel to partner sites, schools, community events, and stakeholder meetings
• Participation in evening or weekend activities, including board meetings, fundraising events, and community engagements, as needed
• Engagement with diverse stakeholders, including students, educators, funders, and community partners

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for extended periods
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds
• Ability to use a computer and other office equipment for extended periods
• Ability to communicate effectively in person and virtually

What We Offer

• Health Benefits
• Retirement Plan
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Paid Time Off, including major holidays
• Employee Incentives

Equal Opportunity Statement Project SYNCERE is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace.