Little Village Environmental Justice Organization - Executive Director

Job Description

Job Description

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Organizational Overview: Little Village Environmental Justice Organization

Founded by community residents and organizers, Little Village Environmental Justice Organization (LVEJO) advances environmental justice through community-driven organizing, advocacy, coalition building, youth leadership development, food justice initiatives, and policy change rooted in the lived experiences of frontline communities.

LVEJO works at the intersection of environmental justice, public health, food access, and community empowerment. The organization has led transformative campaigns that have reshaped the environmental and political landscape of Chicago, including the closure of the Crawford Coal Plant, the transformation of contaminated land into public green space and community assets such as La Villita Park, and advocacy efforts that expanded public transit access along the 31st Street corridor. Through initiatives focused on environmental health, water justice, urban agriculture, youth leadership, and land reclamation, LVEJO has become one of the most respected and influential environmental justice organizations in the region.

Position Summary: Executive Director

The Executive Director (ED) is the chief executive leader responsible for the overall strategic direction, organizational leadership, financial sustainability, and community impact of LVEJO. Reporting to the Board of Directors and working closely with staff, community members, coalition partners, funders, and public officials, the ED will guide the organization through its next phase of organizational stabilization, strategic growth, and renewed community-centered organizing.

The ED will lead both internal operations and external engagement, ensuring that LVEJO maintains strong financial health, operational transparency, effective people management, and mission-aligned programmatic impact. This leader will serve as the organization’s primary external representative, strengthening relationships with community stakeholders, philanthropic partners, coalition allies, elected officials, and movement organizations across Chicago and beyond. Equally important, the ED will work collaboratively with staff to cultivate a strong, values-driven organizational culture that empowers leadership at all levels, elevates staff voices, and supports the continued growth and development of the team as trusted advocates and leaders in the environmental justice movement.



The Executive Director will inherit an organization with a proud legacy of advocacy victories and deep community trust, while also helping the organization navigate a critical period of transformation.

Location, Compensation and Benefits

This position is based in Chicago, Illinois and requires a strong in-person community presence, including regular evening and weekend engagement throughout the Little Village community. The salary for this position is $150,000 - $160,000 with a generous benefits package.