Executive Director

Executive Director

Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship

Effingham, Illinois (hybrid)

The Moran Company is pleased to partner with the Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship to recruit the organization's Executive Director.


Organizational Background

Founded in 2010, the Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship (MIE) partners with communities throughout the United States to establish and maintain quality CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) programs. Headquartered in Effingham, Illinois, MIE grew out of a movement that began in Effingham County in 2008, when educator Craig Lindvahl - now known as the "Architect of CEO" - facilitated the very first CEO class with 20 high school students. What that class created proved so powerful that neighboring communities quickly took notice, and in 2010 the Midland Institute was formed to support the national expansion of CEO's proven model.

Today, MIE provides tools, training, and technological support to roughly 82 CEO programs across ten states - Alabama, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Utah. The CEO Program partners with business and community leaders to equip high school students with real-world entrepreneurial skills. Rather than learning in a classroom, participants spend each day immersed in local businesses, guided by community mentors as they create and run real ventures. MIE's vision is to be the standard for entrepreneurship education in the United States, delivered through world-class customer service, guidance, and content to its CEO communities.

MIE supports its communities through a proven launch process, ongoing facilitator and board support, regional support teams, the proprietary CEO+ technology platform, and national opportunities for students and alumni. The Executive Director serves as the chief executive of the Institute, leading a dedicated staff and reporting to a volunteer Board of Directors.

Position Summary

The Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship seeks a seasoned executive leader to drive strategy, operational performance, and organizational growth for a nationally respected program that shapes the next generation of entrepreneurial talent. This is an ideal role for a corporate executive, business unit leader, or proven second-in-command ready to step into the top leadership position of a well-established, mission-driven organization. The Executive Director will ensure the CEO Program continues to scale, innovate, and deliver measurable impact across a growing national footprint. Reporting to and partnering with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director sets organizational strategy, leads a capable and cohesive staff, stewards the Institute's finances, and serves as the primary external ambassador to donors, corporate partners, community leaders, and the media. This role offers an executive the chance to:

• Lead a multi-state organization with strong brand recognition and long-standing community partnerships.
• Apply business discipline, operational rigor, and strategic insight to a mission with outsized societal impact.
• Build relationships with donors, investors, government entities, and industry leaders who support the program.
• Shape the future workforce by embedding entrepreneurial thinking into communities nationwide.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Organizational Leadership

• Set and execute organizational strategy in partnership with the Board, with a focus on sustainable growth and operational excellence.
• Expand the CEO Program into new communities by partnering with community organizations and local leaders.
• Drive alignment across the organization, ensuring clarity of priorities, processes, and performance expectations.

Operational Management

• Oversee enterprise-wide operations, ensuring the program maintains high standards across all locations.
• Lead and develop a capable, cohesive staff while building a strong team culture defined by great communication and continuous improvement.
• Implement and monitor KPIs to evaluate program effectiveness.

Business Development & External Relations

• Act as the external-facing executive representative of the Institute with corporate partners, donors, community leaders, and media.
• Strengthen partnerships with business and industry leaders to expand reach, influence, and funding.
• Serve as a visible ambassador at key business, education, and community events.

Fundraising & Financial Oversight

• Lead revenue strategy, including donor development, major gifts, corporate partnerships, and grants.
• Manage organizational budgets with fiscal discipline, ensuring efficient and responsible use of resources.
• Achieve annual revenue and sustainability goals in collaboration with the Board.

Professional Qualifications

Required

• 5+ years in executive or senior leadership roles (corporate, business unit, nonprofit, or a related environment).
• Track record of setting strategy, leading teams, and managing complex operations.
• Exceptional relationship-building skills with the internal team, executives, investors, and community leaders.
• Executive presence, polished communication skills, and comfort representing the organization publicly.
• Ability to travel 30% to 50%.
• A commitment to improving the lives of young people and contributing to stronger local business communities.

Preferred

• Experience leading revenue development, fundraising, or major corporate and donor partnerships.
• Familiarity with multi-site or franchise-style program models and the operational discipline they require.
• Experience partnering with a volunteer board of directors in a nonprofit governance structure.

Compensation

The Midland Institute offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience and qualifications. The salary for the Executive Director position is $115,000 annually.

MIE offers a benefits package designed to support employees' health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. Eligibility may vary based on employment classification and plan requirements.

Statement of Non-Discrimination

MIE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy and practice of the Organization to provide and promote equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, work authorization status, sex (including gender identity and transgender status), gender, sexual orientation, marital status, arrest record, order of protection status, or any other protected class under state, local, or federal law. Further, all applicable laws relating to age, pregnancy, military (including unfavorable discharge) and/or veteran status, genetic information, conviction record (as defined by applicable law and unless otherwise authorized by applicable law), and mental and physical disability discrimination will be strictly adhered to. This policy of equal employment opportunities applies to all aspects of the employment relationship including hiring, promotion, training, transfer, compensation and benefits, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.

Application Process

The search for the Midland Institute Executive Director is being conducted by The Moran Company. Questions about the position can be directed to John Gravley, The Moran Company; john (at) morancompany.com.

To apply for this position, submit cover letter and resume to John Gravley, The Moran Company, via the secure online portal. Resume should include all professional education and experience, dates of employment (month and year), and position/title and organization names. Cover letter should articulate relevant experience and fit with the stated preferences of the position.
PLEASE NOTE: All email correspondence from The Moran Company will originate from our official @morancompany.com domain or using our applicant tracking system domain @applytojob.com.