Chicago Central Area Committee
POSITION PROFILE – Executive Director

POSITION DESCRIPTION
The CCAC seeks an experienced association management or nonprofit
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 fundraising 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.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience:
 Bachelor’s Degree, with position history demonstrating increasing responsibility.
 Minimum of five years of previous management-level experience working in association
management, not-for-profit, government affairs, public administration, or communications.
 Business administration, organizational management, architecture/urban planning/design-related or development strategies focus desired.
 Periodic evening or weekend work may be required.
 Understanding of membership organizations.
 History of proactively recognizing and acting upon opportunities that benefit members.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
 Willingness and ability to commit to a long-term association with CCAC, with compensation tied to demonstrable results.
 Ability to interact, advise, and communicate in a timely and respectful manner with volunteer leaders, members, employees, stakeholders, and allied organizations.
 Creativity, flexibility, diplomacy, persuasiveness, and ability to evaluate all sides of an issue.
 Confidence in one’s own knowledge and skills and willingness to take responsibility to accomplish goals and tasks, balanced with effective, appropriate, and respectful delegation.
 Excellent abilities in communication, interpersonal dynamics, leadership and management, problem- solving, organization, decision making, planning, and policy development.
 Significant experience in public speaking.
 Ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with attention to detail.
 Knowledge and experience in the city of Chicago or state of Illinois preferred.
 Willingness to relocate to Chicago or surrounding area.
 Resourceful nature, innovative spirit, and creative approach are valued.
 Demonstrated leader with positive attitude, organizational dedication, and energetic enthusiasm.
 Commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in the membership, volunteer, and staff environments.

Works closely with:
 Chairman, Executive Committee, Burnham Council, and members
 Members of committees and task forces and other volunteer leaders
 Other strategic partners and related professional organizations
 On-site and remote guests, visitors, vendors, and suppliers

Competencies Required:
 Proficiency in data processing, collaboration software, and related programs.
 Database working experience/exposure helpful, though managed by others.
 Good interpersonal skills, diplomacy, ethical conduct, and thoroughness.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
 This is a full-time exempt position (average of 2080 hours per year).
 Generally, work hours and days are Monday through Friday.
 Evening and weekend work can be anticipated from time to time.

Recruiting Compensation Range:
Base salary commensurate with education/experience and knowledge/skills/abilities with
additional benefits package; range of $100,000-$150,000.

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS:
CCAC provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Other Duties:
Candidate must be willing to undergo a background check including legal, educational, driving, credit, employment records, etc. This position description does not cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

The CCAC has engaged an organizational management consultancy, The Three Aspens, Ltd., to assist with this executive search. Inquiries, nominations, and applications should be directed (confidentially) to Helene Combs Dreiling, FAIA via e-mail at helene@theplumstudio.com. No phone calls, please. All candidates will be notified via e-mail as to the status of their application.

To be considered, applicants must submit a customized letter of interest and resume or curriculum vitae (detailing measurable success in the key qualifications for the position) to Ms. Dreiling at helene@theplumstudio.com by 5:00 p.m. CDT on April 30, 2021.