CEO SEARCH

Chief Executive Officer

Full-Time, Remote (can work anywhere in/near a major metro area)

About ILI

The Institute for Learning Innovation (ILI) works with individuals, organizations, and communities to develop and support lifelong, free-choice learning as a mechanism for helping solve the major challenges facing humanity. The Institute for Learning Innovation imagines a future that holds widespread appreciation for a learning ecosystem that makes lifelong, free-choice learning possible and for the importance of investing in the research, development, and training that ensures that this system is as effective and accessible to as many people as possible.

The Opportunity

ILI was founded in 1986 and is going through a momentous Founder Succession stage. To deliver on our strategic vision, we are looking for a visionary and entrepreneurial leader who will have the freedom and opportunity to lead this highly respected organization to amplify our impact on the world. This is a unique opportunity at a unique time to change the way we learn.

Your Primary Responsibilities

The position reports directly to the Board of Directors with the following responsibilities:

1) Organization Strategy

• Work with Board and staff to develop a strategic approach for fulfilling and communicating the Institute for Learning Innovation’s mission.
• Guide the organization’s operational and programming activities to create a high-impact and thriving institution;
• Implement and evaluate our programs and research activities
• Promote our image by deepening and enhancing efforts to make our work visible nationally and internationally;
• Build an external presence that creates new opportunities.
• Build partnerships, expand markets and establish relationships that deepen and amplify our impact and reach

2) Fundraising and Sustainability

• Lead fundraising efforts to ensure the financial health of the organization.
• Lead earned and contributed revenue activities.
• Develop budgets and manage finances that maximize resources and ensures we operate within our means
• Anticipate short term and long term financial and operational needs

3) Organization Operations

• Direct and manage a virtual team, resources, and program operations to ensure that the organization fulfills its mission.
• Ensures commitment and productivity by building progressive and highly-functional teams.
• Ensures retention by valuing and developing staff.

4) Board Governance

• Work with the Board to fulfill the Institute for Learning Innovation’s mission.

Qualities

Strategic Thinking: Develops a clear direction for future growth, sustainability, and creativity. Addresses issues to ensure a sustainable operational environment. Anticipates needs and priorities.

Entrepreneurship: Champions innovation and encourages new ideas. Builds momentum by communicating clearly and consistently. Acts decisively. Helps others to successfully manage the organization and organizational change. Recognizes successes and informed risk-taking.

Accountability: Sets expectations and high standards to accomplish goals. Follows through on all commitments. Maintains focus but knows when to be flexible and adapt accordingly. Maintains a positive attitude, recovers quickly from setbacks. Questions how things were done to develop ways to do things more efficiently. Encourages diverse thought and welcomes contributions and input.

Relationship Management/Collaboration: Builds, maintains and values positive relationships inside and outside the organization. Allocates effort to understand and meet the needs of staff, partners and collaborators. Assists others in accomplishing their goals. Communicates effectively and speaks and writes clearly. Listens and values the contributions of others.

Integrity: Is ethical and honest in all dealings. Treats others fairly and equitably. Delivers what is promised. Is respected by others.

Learning Agility: Learns technology, new systems, and processes to improve organizational proficiency. Inspires and encourages others to learn and grow in their roles.

Coaching and Development: Encourages and inspires employees’ development and long-term career growth. Conveys high expectations for others. Regularly provides helpful guidance and advice.

Execution: Ability to make plans and execute against them to implement profitable outcomes for the organization.

Candidate Response:

• Demonstrate how you have exhibited the leadership qualities that we have identified.
• Demonstrate your track record of fundraising across federal, state, and local sources and how you have grown these revenue streams
• Demonstrate how you have built successful teams and successfully grown an organization;
• Evidence of leading strategic planning initiatives and turning plans into actions with demonstrable success;
• Successful strategies to engage funders in unique or entrepreneurial ways;
• Successful strategies that have established new networks across untapped or underserved constituencies;
• Examples of creating successful products, services, or saleable assets based on intellectual property or incumbent skillsets and programs of work;
• Examples of evaluative practice and how you have successfully implemented data-driven or data-informed decision-making.
• Examples of how you have successfully selected and implemented tools or technology to support growth or new opportunities in an organization;

We offer:

Autonomy. In collaboration and negotiation with staff, you will make high-level decisions about the work you will do and how you will execute it. We don’t micromanage here. Just communicate clearly and discuss decisions with those affected by it.

Flexible schedule. Go to appointments and run errands when you need to, as long as you’re getting your work done in good quality and on time. We have core hours, but no one is looking over your shoulder.

Ample paid time off. We offer all employees unlimited leave.

Meaningful work. You’ll contribute directly to an organization that is committed to diversity, equity, and social justice and is helping to transform the nature of where, when, how, and with whom people learn across their lifetimes.

Frequent travel (1 to 2 times per month may be required)

The Salary for this position is  $150, 000, with a bonus based on fundraising performance.

To apply:

Send the following to ILI.CEOSearch@freechoicelearning.org, using the subject line: “APPLICANT- CEO SEARCH”

• Cover letter and resume (pdf format) that addresses the candidate response topics
• Study ILI’s vision and mission here and share a short video of yourself explaining why you believe in free-choice learning.

ILI is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

Posted Mar 28, 2022