Program Executive

Purpose

Help lead a growing nonprofit that changes lives by providing reliable transportation to families who have fallen on hard times.

Cars of Hope is seeking an enthusiastic and mission-driven Volunteer Executive Director to work alongside the Founder and Board of Directors to expand the organization's reach throughout the Chicagoland area. This leadership role focuses on strengthening operations, building strategic partnerships, growing the volunteer team, increasing financial sustainability, and helping more deserving families receive safe, dependable vehicles.

Cars of Hope is a 501(c)(3) charity operated entirely by volunteers. For more than 16 years, we have accepted donated vehicles, refurbished those suitable for the program, and gifted them to families referred by trusted social service organizations such as Mutual Ground, Lazarus House, Fellowship Housing, Hesed House, and others.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Founder and Board of Directors to develop and implement strategic initiatives that increase the number of families served throughout the Chicago region.
• Help establish long-term organizational goals, priorities, and growth strategies.
• Evaluate and improve organizational processes to increase efficiency, effectiveness, and scalability.
• Build and strengthen relationships with donors, corporate sponsors, foundations, churches, repair shops, automobile dealerships, and community organizations.
• Help recruit, interview, onboard, mentor, and retain volunteers in leadership and operational roles.
• Assist in expanding public awareness of Cars of Hope through community engagement, networking, speaking opportunities, and strategic partnerships.
• Support fundraising efforts by helping cultivate donor relationships, sponsorships, grants, and special events.
• Collaborate with volunteer leaders to improve program operations, vehicle acquisition, refurbishment, and recipient support.
• Monitor organizational performance and recommend improvements that increase the nonprofit's long-term impact.
• Represent Cars of Hope professionally within the community and help communicate its mission with passion and integrity.

Desired Qualifications

• Executive leadership, nonprofit management, business management, or entrepreneurial experience preferred.
• Strong organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to identify opportunities for organizational growth.
• Experience leading volunteers, employees, or project teams.
• Comfortable networking with businesses, nonprofit organizations, churches, and community leaders.
• Passion for serving families in need and strengthening local communities.
• Fundraising, grant development, marketing, or board leadership experience is a plus.

Impact

Reliable transportation is often the difference between keeping and losing a job, accessing healthcare, transporting children safely, and achieving long-term financial stability.

Your leadership will help Cars of Hope:

• Expand the number of vehicles placed into service each year.
• Develop sustainable partnerships throughout the Chicagoland area.
• Increase volunteer engagement and organizational capacity.
• Secure additional funding and community support.
• Provide hope and practical assistance to many more families through reliable transportation.

Benefits

• Make a lasting impact on families throughout the Chicago area.
• Help shape the future of a growing nonprofit organization.
• Work with an experienced, passionate volunteer leadership team.
• Apply your executive, business, or nonprofit leadership skills to a mission that produces measurable community impact.
• Build meaningful relationships with community leaders, businesses, churches, and nonprofit partners.
• Experience the fulfillment of helping families achieve greater independence through reliable transportation.