Bernie's Book Bank - Executive Director, Chicagoland Chapter

Job Description

Job Description

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Organizational Overview: Bernie's Book Bank

Bernie's Book Bank is a mission-driven organization dedicated to ensuring that every child has access to books and the opportunity to build a home library of their own. Founded in Lake Bluff, Illinois in 2009, Bernie's Book Bank has delivered more than 32 million free, high-quality books to children through a growing network of schools, early childhood programs, hospitals, clinics, and community partners. Each child receives eight free books a year, matched to their reading level, hand-delivered, every year from birth through sixth grade, to keep.

The organization is focused on a simple but consequential idea: children who have books of their own are better positioned to develop the literacy skills they need to succeed. Bernie's Book Bank prioritizes children and communities with the greatest need, including Title I schools and low-income communities where children may otherwise have limited access to books.

Position Summary: Executive Director, Chicagoland Chapter

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the Executive Director will serve as the senior leader of the organization's flagship chapter and will have primary responsibility for its financial sustainability, fundraising, operations, external relationships, and continued growth.

This is a highly external-facing, development-forward leadership opportunity. The Executive Director will inherit a base of philanthropic, corporate, and community relationships, while also having the opportunity to build a more sophisticated and diversified development operation. The successful candidate will be a visible leader in the Chicagoland community, personally cultivating relationships with high-capacity individuals, corporate leaders, foundations, and community partners. 

Additionally, the Executive Director will serve internally as the chief operator, leading across functions and overseeing the Chicagoland Chapter's approximately $5 million budget. The Executive Director will manage organizational priorities, support a talented team, and ensure that revenue growth translates into programmatic growth.

Location, Compensation and Benefits

This position is based at Bernie's Book Bank's headquarters and Processing Center in Lake Bluff, Illinois, with regular travel throughout Chicagoland for donor meetings, events, board engagements, community activities, and partner visits. The role will include some evening and weekend commitments.

A salary range of $160,000 - $175,000 is offered for this role. Additionally, Bernie's Book Bank offers a benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, disability coverage, paid time off, and a 401(k) program.