Chicago Run

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Location: Chicago, Illinois Reports to: Board of Directors

MISSION The mission of Chicago Run is to promote the health and wellness of Chicago children and youth through innovative, engaging and sustainable youth running programs.

BACKGROUND Chicago Run, was established in 2008 due to the increasing childhood obesity rates and the lack of physical activity programming in the Chicago Public Schools.

The founders believed that running was not only a great way for children and youth to become active, but it can also be utilized for cross-community relationship-building, youth development and improved social/emotional health. A 10-week pilot running program for 2,000 2nd – 5th graders in 12 Chicago Public Schools across the City was launched in March of 2008. The pilot culminated with a 1-Mile Fun Run for 1,200 children who each received a new pair of Nike shoes. When all 12 schools renewed in the fall, word of mouth then spread about the programs which created exponential expansion.

Today, Chicago Run is not strictly a

running/fitness organization. Instead, running is just the lens in which Chicago Run is building the next generation of youth leaders in the city of Chicago.

Programs aim to instill the daily habit of physical activity, build leadership skills, break down cultural barriers and promote social/emotional learning through running and fitness. It is unique in that programs emphasize utilizing sport for social inclusion, cross-community relationship-building, community service, peace and youth development. The goal is to improve the physical fitness and social/emotional wellbeing of all participants by following a Sports Based Youth Development model and using Trauma Sensitive coaches. Chicago Run’s programs reach the full continuum of childhood from early childhood through the teenage years.

Since its founding 10 years ago, Chicago Run realized exponential growth until leveling off at 18,000 children a few years ago. Pro-

grams are currently delivered in 51 sites (majority of which are Chicago Public Schools) in 33 diverse neighborhoods across the city. 87% of Chicago Run participants qualify for the federal/free reduced lunch program and have limited opportunities for physical activity and play.

Children of color comprise about 92% of the students served.

Four programs are designed to address the various age groups and activity levels of students. Further, there are programs for early childhood classrooms, middle school and high school students including a program for high school Chicago Run alumni who serve as coaches to children in the other three programs: Chicago Runners, Running Mates and Little Strides.

Chicago Run is governed by a 16-member Board of Directors and 30 young professionals in its Next Generation Board.

OPPORTUNITY In anticipation of the 10th anniversary of Chicago Run, the staff and Board conducted a thoughtful strategic planning process resulting in a vision for Chicago Run 2.0 which seeks to double the number of children served by 2022. The plan includes expanding programming not just within Chicago Public Schools, but growing additional partnerships with community-based groups, violence prevention centers, and immigrant & refugee organizations. These initiatives have already been put into action as evidenced by new partnerships with several community based organizations such as the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center. While the broad vision and plan for the future have been identified there is an opportunity to create a business plan that will help guide this effort to achieve these goals. Developing goals and metrics of success for the staff will build ownership for the realization of the vision.

Meeting this ambitious goal will require continuing to build visibility, funding and staff for Chicago Run. Currently there are 4,000 potential participants across Chicago that would like to take part in the Chicago Run program. About 92% of the operating budget is raised through gifts from individual donors, foundations and

corporations. Corporate sponsors provide both financial and in-kind support, Chicago Public Schools provides additional funds and the proceeds from the annual gala, all make up the revenue mix. In May 2018, the 10th Anniversary Gala for Chicago Run was held resulting in resounding success doubling the original goal for dollars raised from $210,000 to $450,000 net. There is a strong focus on developing and cultivating relationships with existing donors while continually identifying and cultivating new donors. Fundraising, board recruitment and development, as well as marketing and branding initiatives are key priorities moving forward.

The staff at Chicago Run is dedicated, motivated and driven by the mission of the organization. Some staff have grown into positions of increased responsibilities based on their capacity and interests. Continued professional development opportunities for staff and carefully articulated roles for each staff member is expected long term.

After 10 very exciting and successful years, the Founding Executive Director, Alicia Gonzalez, is leaving, creating the opportunity for an entrepreneurial, dynamic leader to achieve the vision of Chicago Run 2.0 and beyond.

CORE COMPETENCIES

POSITION DESCRIPTION Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for the oversight of Chicago Run, which includes administration of all programs. The Executive Director will develop and oversee an operating budget of approximately $1 million and is responsible for the strategic processes of the organization.

This includes managing and developing a talented paid staff of 11. The six direct reports to the Executive Director are the Deputy Director, Finance and Operations Manager, Marathon Team Coordinator, Development Manager, Grants Manager, and Creative Projects Manager.

The Executive Director will assist the Board in the execution of the strategic plan as well as the development of strategic directions and policy in the fulfillment of the agency’s mission. This individual is responsible for the overall management and operation of Chicago Run in compliance with Board adopted policies and with all applicable regulations and laws. The Executive Director provides a leadership role in initiating and maintaining community relationships and securing the operating and investment funds necessary to sustain current and future operations.

LEADERSHIP In conjunction with the Board, provide vision and direction for the future growth of programs, policies and procedures for Chicago Run. In collaboration with the Board of Directors provide support in all its activities; suggest direction toward the achievement of the Chicago Run mission, philosophy, and strategy; provide guidance, stability, support and collaboration to a staff of talented professionals; and implement Board driven long-range and strategic plans to ensure that the goals and objectives of Chicago Run are successfully achieved. Partner with the Board in recruitment and engagement efforts.

FUND DEVELOPMENT Demonstrate development skills to reach a new population of donors and continue to develop and nurture existing donors. Develop new, creative fundraising opportunities and earned revenue sources with staff in order to secure Chicago Run’s financial position.

PUBLIC RELATIONS AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH Serve as a spokesperson for Chicago Run and effectively represent its goals and mission to individuals, private foundations, public and civic leaders, the media, sponsors and donors to attract the widest interest and support.

ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT Guarantee that staff is well informed of decisions that affect them and the organization and ensure that those policies are explained and communicated clearly and concisely. Develop and implement procedures to ensure good management, administrative and fiscal practices; ensure that staff understands the vision and direction of Chicago Run and that in return they will be able to develop and mature in their roles and responsibilities; lead by example and maintain the highest professional standards and practices for Chicago Run. FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY Oversee the Chicago Run budget and business plans and ensure sound fiscal management and capital allocation. Maintain and implement fiscal policies and procedures in accordance with Board directives. Oversee and guide the policies for the investment of fiscal resources for the organization to achieve reasonable returns.

PROGRAM AND SERVICES DEVELOPMENT Establish short range objectives and work plans, research and evaluate potential programs for Chicago Run in consultation with other staff. In conjunction with the Board, monitor and assess the strategic plan for Chicago Run 2.0.

CANDIDATE PROFILE Chicago Run is seeking a highly personable leader with a track record of business management, innovation and sound financial control at a senior level. S/he will have a deep commitment to youth development and the mission of Chicago Run. A successful track record of strong, innovative and inclusive leadership, which will facilitate open communication with staff, the Board and the other constituents with whom he/she will interface, is sought. The ability to give clear, effective, sensitive and consistent leadership with good attention to detail is a must. The candidate must possess excellent communication with the ability and presence to represent Chicago Run internally and externally. Strong personal credibility and an ability to build effective relationships at all levels is essential.

Experience in a senior leadership role where s/he has either reported directly to or worked closely with a

Board of Directors is expected. The person we seek should demonstrate a balance between creative thinking and management acumen as well as the ability to assess and maintain policies and procedures for moving an organization to a new level of excellence.

The successful candidate will have demonstrated accomplishments in fundraising, including securing major gifts from individual donors, foundations and corporations. An understanding of business principles applied to a nonprofit enterprise, including a background of good budget management, is necessary. Demonstrated success in external relations, including experience speaking with the media in a variety of situations is needed.

Personnel management skills that include an ability to work collaboratively, listen, provide feedback, build morale, delegate, “roll up one’s sleeves” and make decisions are essential. S/he will

have a management style that focuses on coaching and developing and will be an excellent listener who is open to hearing new and old ideas. Someone who is calm and cool in the face of challenges while also being able to make swift decisions when needed is a must.

The qualified candidate will be someone who strives for excellence in all facets of service. S/he is a self-starter and strategic thinker who has an entrepreneurial personality yet is a team player.

The candidate should be motivated by the best interests of the organization and will bring high emotional intelligence to effectively continue the organization’s growth trajectory in a manner that causes the least disruption and results in a highly effective operation. Demonstrated success managing change, planning, forecasting and determining courses of action is needed. An undergraduate degree from a four-year college or university required, graduate degree preferred.

n Chicago Run provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, amnesty, or veteran status.

HOW TO APPLY Applications and nominations are being received by Noetic Search. Please click here to submit a current resume and letter of introduction to Noetic Search. For more information, please see our website at www.noeticexsearch.com or the Chicago Run website at www.chicagorun.org.

Noetic Search 150 N. Michigan Ave. Suite 2800, Chicago, IL 60601 (312) 863-8577