Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (CIOGC) seeks new Executive Director

OVERVIEW

The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (CIOGC) is the unifying federation and the leading advocate of Muslim community interests in greater Chicago and throughout the state of Illinois. Representing over sixty Muslim organizations and more than 400,000 Muslims, the CIOGC has been a driving force for almost 20 years. The Council brings together a diverse community, engages youth and empowers local communities. The Council often serves as the first point of contact for organizations that wish to interact with Muslims. The Council has strong relationships and works closely with a variety of government officials and agencies, social justice organizations, faith groups and other civic partners. The CIOGC works tirelessly to establish better community relations through education, special events and other community services.

JOB SUMMARY

The Executive Director serves as the public spokesperson for the Council, and as such, must have an impeccable background and a commanding presence. The candidate must be a dynamic and personable organizer with a strong familiarity with the American Muslim Community. The position calls for effective fund-raising skills and excellent communication abilities, both at the podium and in the written word. The importance of this position is significant and the Executive Director needs to be comfortable working with the diversity and size of this community. The role of Executive Director will be both immensely challenging and personally rewarding.

The Executive Director will provide direction and leadership toward the achievement of the Council’s vision, strategy, and long-range goals. The Executive Director is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the organization; establishes operating procedures (in compliance with local, state, and federal laws, and policies set by the Board); supervises the hiring and evaluation of all staff; motivates and directs our volunteers; and manages the organization’s finances and resources. The Executive Director works in partnership with the CIOGC Board of Directors and House of Representatives to enable the fulfillment of their governance function. The Executive Director will report to the Board of Directors. The primary place of business shall be at the Council’s office in downtown Chicago.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide leadership and management to ensure that the Council is successfully pursuing its vision, professionally run, self-sufficient and financially secure
Represent the Council to the larger community
Support the Board and HR in the strategic planning process and develop an action plan on an annual basis
Direct the implementation and evaluation of adopted programs and plans
Manage human and financial resources
Develop and implement written policies and procedures
Recruit, lead, supervise and evaluate staff and volunteers

FUNDRAISING AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

Create and implement financial development campaigns and cultivate and diversify new sources of revenue
Increase donor-base and contributions from individuals, organizations, foundations and government agencies
Oversee fundraising planning and implementation and the administration of fundraising records and documentation
Recommend a yearly budget for Board approval and prudently manage resources
Develop and maintain contacts with key funding sources, coordinate fundraising and fund development activity within the public and private sectors

COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND PARTNER RELATIONS

Represent and promote a positive image of the Council to other organizations, donors, government agencies and the community
Develop plans for community outreach through coalition building
Maintain existing relationships and develop new strategic relations
Community organizing and program coordination
Develop comprehensive knowledge of community organizing models and its techniques; translate these models into the Muslim community context
Recruit and train community organizers to promote the Council’s work
Oversee the design, marketing, promotion, delivery and quality of the organization’s core programs
Ensure that Board meetings are properly organized and run
Develop the Council’s briefing reports for the monthly Board of Directors’ meetings, and quarterly House of Representatives’ meetings
Develop short-range objectives to achieve strategic goals
Develop and implement a communications plan utilizing various media venues including print, online, and radio for the purpose of promoting Council programs

MEMBER RELATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT

Develop and nurture relationships with member organizations and the Muslim community more broadly
Assess and implement strategies aimed at building the effectiveness and strength of member organizations of the Council
Grow membership to reflect the growth of the local Muslim community

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum of five years’ senior management experience working in a leadership role at nonprofit organizations
In-depth knowledge of the nonprofit community and the American Muslim community
Well-respected within the Muslim community, preferably with strong local connections within the nonprofit community in Chicago, especially masajid and social service organizations (Candidates with similar backgrounds in other cities are invited to apply)
Demonstrated leadership and management ability, including a working knowledge of fiscal management, including budgeting
Demonstrated expertise in building coalitions and relationships with a diverse set of organizations and institutions, both within the Muslim community and more broadly
Demonstrated proficiency in managing a diverse set of volunteer supporters.
A teamwork orientation and strong ability to select, manage, and motivate staff
Experience in philanthropy and planned giving
A proven track record in securing private and government funding opportunities
Hands-on experience in fundraising and business development
Provide a strong voice in addressing social and Muslim-community related issues in media
Demonstrated ability in public speaking, written and oral communications, and interpersonal relations
Relevant graduate degree or equivalent experience required.

SALARY RANGE

Salary is commensurate based on experience.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Candidates are requested to send their detailed resumes (on a confidential basis) to:

Mazen Asbahi,

Chair, Personnel Committee,

Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago

masbahi@asbahilaw.com

Please send a copy to JoAnna Shumate, joanna@asbahilaw.com

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by the Personnel Committee to begin the interview process. Resumes should include at least three references.