Description

ABOUT LUMITY

Lumity’s mission is to provide teens and young adults from under-resourced communities with transformational experiences that prepare them for lifelong STEM careers. Through education, workforce development, and partnerships with employers and institutions, Lumity equips young people with the skills, exposure, and support needed to succeed in high-demand fields. The organization currently has a $2M budget supported by a team of eight full-time and two part-time employees and 15 contractors.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Lumity seeks a dynamic, mission-driven Executive Director (ED) to lead the organization into its next phase of impact and organizational development. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED provides strategic, operational, and financial leadership while serving as the organization’s primary ambassador and chief fundraiser. The ED works with the Board and Board Committees to establish vision, policies, strategy, priorities, and general scope of programs. The Executive Director is a hands-on leader who will build on Lumity’s strong foundation by expanding partnerships, strengthening financial sustainability, and deepening its impact across Chicagoland. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

1.        Management of Programs and Services 

a.      Oversee the implementation and continuous improvement of Lumity’s programs and services to achieve established goals and outcomes and ensure funder guidelines and deadlines are met.

b.      Ensure program quality and consistency with organizational and funder goals through program evaluation to determine effectiveness, best practices, participant satisfaction, and program impact.

c.      Work with staff to update existing and establish additional policies and procedures that yield high quality, repeatable results and provide clear guidance for staff and contractors.

d.      Build and cultivate relationships with community, corporate volunteers, and employer partners to support recruitment, enrollment, training, and placement of youth. 

e.      Oversee and expand NPO.net, Lumity’s nonprofit job board, including managing the relationship with the platform and Google Ads vendors.

 2.        Organizational Leadership, Management, and Operations

a.      Lead an effective, high quality STEM education and workforce training organization focused on measurable outcomes and impact. 

b.      Cultivate an environment that is conducive to productivity, professional growth, and collaboration to successfully achieve annual workplans and goals.

c.      Effectively manage the human resources of the organization to maintain a productive, competent, and impactful workforce. Manage hiring, firing, and resolution of grievances.

d.      Supervise program and accounting management as well as work closely with several contractors (e.g., grant writer, communications, graphic design, marketing, professional development) to ensure clear direction and feedback are provided to successfully accomplish assigned roles and deliverables.

e.      Negotiate, develop and update contracts with a variety of professionals, organizations, and vendors to support Lumity’s programs and operations.

f.       Oversee operations and facility management at Lumity’s main office in Chicago’s South Loop and the Maywood Training Center.

g.      Ensure all organizational documents are updated annually (e.g., SAM, GATA) and Lumity’s insurance policies meet standards and minimize risk.

3.        Fundraising and External Relations 

a.      Serve as Lumity’s chief fundraiser, accountable for growing and diversifying revenue beyond the current $2M budget.

b.      Identify and cultivate corporate, foundation, and government grant opportunities and prepare and submit proposals and produce required reporting to funding sources.

c.      Oversee the Annual Benefit and secure sponsorships and individual ticket sales. 

d.      Collaborate on Associate Board fundraising campaigns to be aligned with Lumity brand and messaging.

e.      Represent Lumity as its primary external spokesperson, strengthening its visibility and reputation across Chicago. 

f.       Appropriately acknowledge and recognize supporters and volunteers.

 4.        Financial Management

a.      Ensure strong financial stewardship, including regular monitoring of financial performance and cash flow. 

b.      Develop annual budget with staff and Finance Committee involvement and approval from the Board of Directors.

c.      Oversee completion of the annual audit, IRS Form 990, and other required reporting within deadlines.

d.      Ensure compliance with grant, government, and regulatory requirements.

5.        Board Leadership and Governance

a.      Partner closely with the Board of Directors to advance Lumity’s mission, vision, and strategic plan and priorities.

b.      Support Board development, recruitment, and engagement to maintain an actively engaged 14-20 person, mission-aligned board who contribute financially to support Lumity’s operations.

c.      Keep the Board of Directors fully informed on conditions, opportunities, issues, and challenges so the Board can carry out its governance, fiscal, and fundraising responsibilities.

d.      Lead an annual Organizational Retreat to ensure a shared roadmap that improves Lumity’s impact. 

e.      Coordinate board meeting agendas, materials, and communications in partnership with the Board. Ensure Board committees are aligned with strategic goals.

6.        Marketing and Communications 

a.      Serve as the primary external representative and spokesperson for the organization, promoting Lumity’s brand, mission, and community partnerships. 

b.      Lead and oversee the planning, execution, and tracking of marketing campaigns, digital presence, and communications strategy. 

c.      Ensure effective engagement with key audiences, including students, partners, donors, and alumni.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

•        Bachelor’s degree (master’s preferred) or equivalent experience.
•        7+ years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit, education, workforce development, or related sectors.
•        Demonstrated success leading teams and driving organizational growth.
•        Strong financial acumen including budgeting and state/federal grant management.
•        Successful fundraising track record implementing annual campaigns, special events, grant writing, and individual and corporate giving.
•        Strong human resources experiences and knowledge.
•        Experience working with a Board of Directors to build consensus and set strategy.
•        Experience implementing and managing programs and services and preparing outcome reports.
•        Innovative, energetic, and capable of taking calculated risks to advance the mission.
•        Familiarity with Chicagoland communities, leaders, and institutions.
•        Experience working with youth and educational institutions from under-resourced communities is a plus.
•        Excellent communication, public speaking, and networking skills. 
•        Strong technology skills, including Microsoft Office Suite and CRM systems.

 Work Schedule/Location

Full-time, 5 days a week, Monday-Friday with some evening and occasional weekend work. This position is a combination of remote and onsite work based on workload and requires regular presence at: 

       Lumity’s main office: 1132 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL

       Lumity’s training center: 1010 Madison, Maywood, IL.

 Benefits

100% paid insurance: health, dental, life, AD&D and LTD.  Paid time off: holidays, vacation, sick time, and personal days. Optional benefits: 403(b) retirement account and match, medical flexible spending account and a pre-tax transit deduction program.

To Apply

Email resume and cover letter to: info@Lumity.org with the subject line: Executive Director. No phone calls please.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Lumity is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team.