KEES has been exclusively retained by Center for Enriched Living in its search for a Chief Executive Officer.

CEL is seeking a passionate, strategic, and collaborative leader to help the organization define its future and move forward into the next decade. After twenty years with a single leader, CEL looks forward to building on previous successes, a strong foundation, and embracing innovation to create a more dynamic future for our members with developmental disabilities. Working in partnership with the 19 members of the Board of Directors, the CEO will bring stakeholders together in a strategic planning process to develop a shared vision for growth and programmatic direction while also ensuring budget, staff, and priorities for day-to-day operations remain in alignment to advance the organization’s mission impact.

Charged with clearly articulating CEL’s mission both internally and externally, the CEO will be a passionate and compelling communicator, as well as maintain a strong community presence. Equally as important is being a leader that demonstrates relationship-building skills, compassion, and resourcefulness to catalyze and empower the Leadership Team (4 direct reports: Program, Finance, Development, and Marketing) and 68 employees (40 full-time and 28 part-time positions).

Some specific requirements include:

• A passion for and commitment to inclusion and services for those with developmental disabilities with a focus on person-centered planning.
• Proven ability to build strong external relationships with a variety of members, families, volunteers, public leadership, partner organizations, donors, and other stakeholders.
• A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in nonprofit leadership and management with organizations that are primarily privately funded.

• Ability and eagerness to promote philanthropic investment in CEL’s mission and future; engage directly with donors. Must have a solid understanding of best practice and emerging fundraising approaches and technologies.
• Track record in financial management, stewardship, and developing strategies to successfully increase revenue.
• Management style that brings an enthusiastic and motivating approach to building strong and productive work teams with a focus on mentoring and nurturing ongoing development.
• Demonstrated ability for working in a multi-cultural, multi-ability setting and promoting inclusivity of all kinds with all audiences, including members and the communities served by CEL.
• Strong analytic and strategic-thinking skills, with a demonstrated ability to create, implement, and monitor complex plans and then translate those plans into goals and concrete strategies.

• A Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree in combination with relevant years of experience.

TO APPLY, PLEASE CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/Center-for-Enriched-Living-CEO

To assure confidential tracking of all applicants, no applications will be accepted via email. ALL INQUIRIES WILL BE HELD IN STRICT CONFIDENCE.

This search is being managed by Laura Weinman, Vice President, and Megan Taylor, Project Manager of KEES. Questions may be addressed to mtaylor@kees2success.com.  

KEES (formerly Alford Executive Search) is a nonprofit executive search firm that buildsdiverse teams and dynamic leaders in the nonprofit and public entity sectors. A woman owned and operated firm, KEES offers a full array of nonprofit consulting services including executive search, leadership development, interim staffing, and HR support. For more information, please visit www.kees2success.com.

For 55 years, Center for Enriched Living (CEL) has enriched the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities (DD) by maximizing their opportunities for personal success, friendship, fun, employment, and community involvement. At CEL, members are empowered to realize their greatest potential, thrive within the community, and achieve their hopes and dreams.

Currently supporting hundreds of members annually, CEL members come from a variety of settings – homes, schools, and area agencies where people live, work, and attend day programs. CEL has no geographic boundaries and members hail from 50 different Chicagoland communities. With members aged 13-80, CEL is open seven days a week for teens, adults, and seniors. Members can choose to participate in innovative and unique outcome-focused programs that represent social, recreational, educational, and employment opportunities and cover a wide variety of interests. To learn more, please visit www.CenterForEnrichedLiving.org.

Organization Details