Oak Park Education Foundation Executive Director
The Oak Park Education Foundation (OPEF), a privately funded nonprofit that delivers innovative, hands-on learning experiences to K-8th grade District 97 students by connecting them to mentors and resources in the community, seeks an Executive Director to lead this growing, 27-year-old organization. Working closely with the Board of Directors, staff, District 97, parents, volunteers, and other local organizations, the Executive Director will advance OPEF’s mission of serving the increasing community need for educational enrichment opportunities for all public school students. The public face and main contact of OPEF, the Executive Director is responsible for overall day-to-day management; the development, management and evaluation of programs and carrying out the mission, vision, values and policies as established by the Board of Directors.
OPEF’s professional partners share their passion for learning while conducting free, hands-on residencies with more than 4,200 students each year. OPEF also runs BASE Camp, exceptional summer and school-holiday enrichment programs that make learning fun and are grounded in the real world. BASE Camp helps to fund OPEF’s free in-school programming.
Located in Oak Park, Illinois, OPEF is governed by an 18-member Board of Directors, has 12 staff and program coordinators, and a $650K budget.
Requirements include: Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree; leadership experience in a nonprofit, volunteer or academic-related organization, that includes financial and staff management; experience working with volunteer Boards and knowledge of governance procedures; experience with long-term annual planning, budgeting and overseeing project plans; confident in financial forecasting and budgeting; demonstrated experience in developing and executing fundraising strategies; ability to actively cultivate a strong donor base; strong staff management and team building skills; a collaborative decision maker; excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to establish good working relationships with community groups and speak publicly as needed; innovative and forward-thinking, with demonstrated commitment to OPEF’s mission, vision and values; must be able to work outside of normal business hours as needed, including evenings and weekends; candidates from Oak Park preferred.
How to Apply: OPEF has retained Tuft & Associates to conduct this search. Applicants should email a cover letter and resume in confidence to Tuft & Associates, ATTN: Jill Christie, President; cbabjak@tuftassoc.com