Associate Director of Strategy

Type: Full-Time

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Office Location: 224 W. Hill St., Suite 410, Chicago IL; required in-office minimum of 3 days per week (hybrid work policy subject to change)

Background:

Guided by the experiences of those living with mental health conditions and rooted in equity, NAMI Chicago educates to fight stigma and discrimination, fiercely advocates for our community, and shares hope, connection and expertise with people on their mental health journey. NAMI Chicago seeks to fill gaps in Chicago's mental health system, with an intentional emphasis on racial equity and breaking down barriers to care.


Who We Are Looking For:


The Associate Director of Strategy supports NAMI Chicago's mission by spearheading the creation and implementation of NAMI Chicago's forthcoming strategic plan. This leader will also oversee key initiatives in conjunction with the strategic plan as well as project management for certain signature efforts that demonstrate NAMI Chicago's position as a leader in mental health education, advocacy, and support. In addition, the Associate Director will support the organization's overall adherence to the strategic plan and enable various methodologies for securing fidelity to mission, strategy, and tactics. This position will work closely among the leadership of NAMI Chicago to ensure all initiatives are anchored in strategy and will coordinate support for execution of the same. The Associate Director of Strategy is a creative non-profit leader with proficiency in inspirational leadership, project management and developing and implementing organizational strategy. The ideal candidate has a Master's degree, 5 years of project management experience and demonstrated experience implementing a strategic plan, or equivalent experience.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

Strategic Plan Leadership and Implementation:

• Lead and oversee NAMI Chicago's 3-year Strategic Plan process, including creation in partnership with third-party, implementation, and ongoing management, with particular emphasis on strategy sustainability.

• Serve as the primary point of contact and relationship manager for the Strategic Plan third-party vendor.

• Drive strategic plan implementation and project plans across the agency, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and goals.

• Develop and monitor metrics and milestones to assess progress on strategic goals; proactively identify and address implementation challenges.

• Provide regular updates and reporting to the CEO, Leadership, and Executive teams on progress, challenges, and strategic decisions related to the Strategic Plan.

• Foster a culture of collaboration and accountability related to project management and Strategic Plan implementation across NAMI Chicago.

Coalition Building & Strategic Initiatives:

• Lead and manage NAMI Chicago's coalition building efforts, including outreach, relationship cultivation, and coordination with partner organizations.
• Develop and implement strategies to strengthen NAMI Chicago's presence and influence within the broader mental health ecosystem in Chicago.
• Identify opportunities for strategic partnerships that advance the organization's mission, particularly in serving underrepresented communities.
• Represent NAMI Chicago in external coalition meetings, working groups, and community convenings as appropriate.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Work with Leadership on engagement of internal and external stakeholders to fulfill strategic deliverables and advance organizational goals.

• Provide support for agency-wide operations and cross-functional strategic initiatives as needed.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of strategic planning frameworks, project management methodologies, and organizational development principles.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives from planning through implementation and evaluation.
• Strong communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to translate strategy into clear, actionable plans for diverse audiences.
• Experience building and sustaining coalitions or multi-organizational partnerships, preferably in the nonprofit, public health, or social services sector.
• Ability to work collaboratively with senior leadership, board members, staff, and external partners while also driving independent work.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, including the ability to synthesize data and community input into strategic recommendations.
• Commitment to NAMI Chicago's mission, values, and equity-centered approach to mental health advocacy and service delivery.
• Demonstrated cultural competency and experience working with or on behalf of underrepresented communities.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Organizational Development, Non-Profit Management or related (or equivalent work experience). Master's degree preferred.
• 5 years of project management experience required.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional projects, strategic initiatives, or organizational priorities from planning through implementation.
• Demonstrated experience of project plan implementation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, project management software, CRM systems, and other technology routinely used by NAMI Chicago to support planning, reporting, and cross-functional collaboration.

Available Benefits:

• Company sponsored wellness activities.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits.
• Company sponsored Life and AD&D Insurance and Long-Term Disability.
• 401k Retirement plan.
• Critical Illness Insurance, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Short Term Disability Coverage.
• Generous PTO.

Salary Range: $85,000 - $95,000 per year

NAMI Chicago is an inclusive employer, we welcome and encourage BIPOC, LGBTQ+, Veterans, Differently Abled, Returning Citizens and All Who Are Dedicated to Mental Health to Apply.