Friends of the Parks is hiring: Executive Director in Chicago

Friends of the Parks seeks a dynamic and experienced leader to serve as Executive Director to carry forward its mission.

FOTP is a parks advocacy organization, nearly fifty years old, with an extensive and consistent record of accomplishment. We seek a new executive director who recognizes the past and will seize this opportunity to develop and execute a shared vision for the future.

Mission Statement: Friends of the Parks inspires, equips, and mobilizes a diverse Chicago to ensure an equitable park system for a healthy Chicago. Learn about our work here: fotp.org and visiting our Facebook page.

The Executive Director reports to an independent Board of Directors which is responsible for the oversight of program, policy, fiduciary, and legal matters. The Executive Director directly oversees all staff and is responsible for managing the annual revenue/expense budget (projected at $550,000 for 2025).

The Executive Director will have a background in parks and environmental advocacy, civic affairs, urban planning, policy, or public administration, as well as familiarity with the research that supports this work and trends in these fields. He/she/they will have significant service in senior administrative positions in organizations with related missions and in leading equity-centered work. A record of fundraising capability and achievement is required.

The successful candidate will be a high energy and eloquent individual who is able to motivate and engage others, balance multiple priorities, maintain the organization’s commitment to equity in all phases of its operations, and navigate challenging situations. He/she/they must show an understanding of nonprofit governance and ethics and be committed to building the internal strength of the organization. The Board is an active, involved, and informed governing body.

The Executive Director’s role is to advance the mission and work of Friends of the Parks by managing an ambitious program and related partnerships as well as implementing the systems that support them. Among current partners are the Chicago Park District, city agencies, elected officials, Park Advisory Councils and other community organizations, local and national environmental organizations, legal entities, funders, and corporate entities with whom FOTP works to maximize the organization’s impact. Managing or overseeing media relationships, including social media and the organization’s website, is a necessary skill.

Salary is commensurate with experience. A benefits package will be provided.

Working with Board and staff, the Executive Director is responsible for developing an annual budget and an annual fundraising plan that diversifies revenue through foundation, corporate and government grants, major donors, annual donors, individual memberships, and special events.

A Master’s degree is preferred along with commensurate skill in work related to our mission, with significant experience in senior management. Expertise is required in fundraising, project development, general management, staff development, and board relations. Excellent speaking and writing skills are essential.

Applicants with a depth of knowledge of Chicago politics, institutions, funding entities, and media will have an advantage.

Currently, FOTP has a hybrid structure, with work carried on both remotely and in person, and significant presence at both our Loop offices and events is required, depending on public health conditions. Meetings and events may occur outside of typical business hours. Access to a personal vehicle will be helpful; travel expenses, beyond daily commuting, will be reimbursed.