POSITION DESCRIPTION

The CCAC seeks an experienced association management or non-profit professional to provide leadership as the next chief staff executive for the not-for-profit organization. This is a significant managerial position requiring the services of an individual with extensive and successful experience working with volunteer organizations and various personality types. There is an important fund-raising dimension to this position, as the CCAC has achieved a set of relationships in Chicago that afford expanded opportunities for public service and member benefits.

Reporting to the Executive Committee, the Executive Director of CCAC is responsible for managing operations, directing strategic initiatives, and obtaining funding for the professional organization. The individual is a resource for volunteer leaders and association staff regarding the implementation of best practices, generation of new ideas, effective execution of shared goals, and obtaining the resources necessary to realize them.

About the Organization

Formed in 1956, The Chicago Central Area Committee (CCAC) has long been a driving force in shaping Chicago’s growth, equity, and quality of place on behalf of our fellow citizens. CCAC is a public charitable trust legally constituted as an IRS approved not-for-profit. Proudly representing all facets of Chicago’s central city business district, our membership is comprised of civic, commercial, cultural, and other professional leaders who are dedicated to our collective future success as a business community. We are committed to being at the forefront of civic discussions aimed at strengthening the city’s identity as a global destination and helping set the right priorities for investment in both the Central City and the richly diverse fabric of Chicago’s neighborhoods.  The Chicago Central Area Committee is a premiere civic organization, poised to help Chicago build upon the strength of yesterday to prosper today and sustainably flourish tomorrow. For more information, please visit www.CCAC.org

Position Overview

This position requires significant leadership skills in planning strategically and collaboratively. It also requires keen business acumen, strong management practices, attentive customer service, and fund-raising prowess. Knowledge of – or special interest in – planning and development is important. Experience in effective fundraising and nonprofit membership organizations is critical. Most importantly, the Executive Director must be an excellent public speaker, listener, and writer – including grant writing – to communicate the value of planning and development to a broad and diverse community. 

The Executive Director manages the operations of CCAC –  providing leadership for the organization and staff, influencing policies, planning programs, supporting initiatives, directing communications, and enhancing outreach to build membership and obtain sponsorships and grants and other funding – to satisfy the expectations of members and maintain the viability of the organization.

Role and Responsibility

Leadership

• Provide leadership to the organization through the current governance structure including the Executive Committee and Burnham Council, serving as a working partner with the CCAC Chair.
• Interact with committee members (volunteers) to encourage positive working relationships with the membership and/or stakeholders and identify future leaders of the organization.
• Effectively present information to and respond to questions from volunteer leaders, members, public officials, media, and others.
• Supervise and mentor staff and consultants to foster teamwork and develop a strong office culture and productive workplace, in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.
• Develop the budget and manage the financial health of the organization, monitoring general administration, identifying new sources of revenue, and working with volunteers to achieve organizational goals and provide exceptional service to members.

Programs & Knowledge Sharing

• Plan, direct, coordinate, promote, and manage programs sponsored by CCAC, as well as membership campaigns, working with volunteers and committees and delegating responsibility and authority to staff as appropriate.
• Provide support and advice on program operations, monitoring effectiveness and recommending improvements to ensure programs are responsive to members’ needs.
• Serve as the chief executive of the CCAC and provide leadership oversight to CCAC’s ‘sister organization,’ the Alliance for Regional Development. The ARD is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation formed to implement the recommendations of the OECD Territorial Review conducted in 2012 across the Chicago greater metropolitan area. It is comprised of seven counties in southeast Wisconsin, seven counties in northeast Illinois, and seven counties in northwest Indiana.
• Participate on committees comprised of leaders from the Civic Committee, the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, and the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning Economic Development Committee, among others.

Communications & Public Awareness

• Direct and manage communications and the preparation of newsletters and other publications, delegating responsibility and authority to appropriate staff and/or consultants to ensure effective communications with members.
• Encourage open communication with members and allied organizations by interacting with members as well as Chicago’s colleges and universities.
• Convene like-minded organizations for opportunities of mutual benefit.
• Reach the public by enhancing awareness of the organization, encouraging community service initiatives, and maintaining positive relations with media and other allied organizations.