Executive Director, Children First Fund

The mission of the Children First Fund (“CFF”) is to promote the growth and success of Chicago Public Schools (“CPS”) through philanthropy and partnerships. CFF serves as a knowledge hub and liaison between CPS and its community of partners, including businesses, foundations, and individuals. By matching resources provided by external donors and partners with the students, schools, and staff that need them most, CFF maximizes the impact of CPS’ partnerships and advances the CPS Vision.

Established in July of 1996 as the independent 501(c)(3) foundation for CPS, CFF identifies and communicates CPS’ most urgent needs to partners. There are two main paths CFF supports CPS: direct to school, student and family support — which sends resources directly to school communities and is responsive to the community’s most pressing and evolving needs. Secondarily, CFF provides support to advance district-wide strategic priorities — addressing ongoing, keystone initiatives that are integral to the District’s vision and advancing equity.

Position Overview
Reporting to the CFF Board of Directors, the Executive Director will lead the evolution of CFF’s organizational model, including collaboration with CPS leadership, serving as a representative voice on behalf of CPS’s vision in the civic, business, and philanthropic communities. The Executive Director will manage and grow a team to support the foundation’s goals and will be a lead fundraiser on behalf of CPS’s priorities.

The Board seeks to hire a dynamic, externally facing leader with strength in growing philanthropic support. The ideal candidate is an accomplished fundraiser who will serve as the leading philanthropy expert. Skilled in building and executing fundraising strategies, the Executive Director will develop a business plan and subsequent fundraising targets to enable the financial and operational sustainability of CFF. The ideal candidate will have passion for CFFs mission, experience navigating complex systems, demonstrated grit and proven experience as a leader, fundraiser, relationship builder and collaborator.

The Executive Director will be the public face of CFF and in partnership with the CFF fundraising team, will actively engage potential individual, foundation and corporate donors, while building, expanding, and cultivating CPS/CFF existing relationships. They will stand for diversity and will be an ambassador for both CFF and CPS and the ecosystem of partners and constituents. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required; master’s degree preferred. 10+ years of experience in fundraising is sought, grant making experience as a plus.

$200,000 - $250,000 plus competitive benefits, including medical and dental insurance. Paid time off and paid holidays. Flexible work environment.

How To Apply
Applications and nominations are being received by Noetic Search. Please submit a current resume and cover letter. For more information, visit Noetic or Children First Fund.

Children First Fund is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+, and other underrepresented applicants.

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