CEO Position Announcement

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

The Institute for Learning Innovation (ILI), a 501(c)3, non-profit organization, seeks a visionary leader to work with board and staff members to enhance the organization’s current work and brand, while also expanding the scope and visibility of ILI nationally and internationally. The CEO will lead a collaborative, dedicated, and independent virtual team working with cultural institutions and other types of non-profit/governmental organizations in the U.S. and abroad to create individual experiences that enhance personal, intellectual, social and physical well-being, and that collectively help to build and sustain healthy, livable, and satisfying communities. 

We seek: 

• A strategic and creative thinker. 
• A strong, persuasive leader with a proven track record of collaborative management. 
• Someone with experience in and a commitment to financial development and oversight. 
• An effective communicator and organizational promoter. 

The Opportunity 

Founded in 1986, ILI is looking for a visionary and entrepreneurial leader to build on the organization’s existing reputation and capabilities as well as guide organizational diversification and growth. 

For nearly 40 years, ILI has helped a wide range of cultural organizations improve how they support, communicate, and deliver value to the public. Through strategic thinking and evidence-based processes, ILI measures impact, guides program development, enhances staff capacity, bolsters financial sustainability, and works to build the effectiveness of both individual organizations and the broader field of free-choice learning. 

Primary Responsibilities 

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

Organization Strategy:

• Evaluate our existing programs and activities and work with the board and staff to develop our strategic purpose so that ILI is optimally positioned for success in the coming years. 
• Solidify the success of the organization’s current activities within existing markets while expanding the scope of our work, either within existing markets or into new markets, 
• Promote the organization’s image by enhancing its current reputation while at the same time expanding the scope and visibility of ILI both nationally and internationally. 

Fundraising and Sustainability 

• Clarify the organization’s positioning and lead both earned and contributed fundraising efforts that anticipate short-term needs as well as build long-term financial sustainability. 
• Develop budgets and manage finances that maximize the use of existing resources and ensure operational stability and solvency. 

Organization Operations 

• Direct and manage a dedicated, highly independent, virtual team, as well as the organizational resources, and program operations, in ways that ensure that the organization sustains its positive culture, maintains its values, and fulfills its purpose. 

Board Collaboration 

• Work to build and support a diverse, volunteer Board of Directors to ensure that the Institute for Learning Innovation fulfills its purpose. 

Job Requirements: 

The successful candidate will be expected to: 

• Have experience in building and leading a successful organization, including a proven record of effective financial management and fundraising (working with organizational budgets of at least $1 million or more). 
• Be dedicated to our organizational purpose while demonstrating strategic flexibility and creative abilities that allow the organization to grow and develop. 
• Be a skilled communicator and promoter to lead the organization’s communications efforts in ways that clarify the organization’s unique strengths and capabilities. 
• Be committed to promoting and implementing evidence-based practices. 
• Be comfortable with technologies and building relationships via virtual tools. 
• Be able to travel nationally and occasionally internationally (1-2 times/month) 

ILI’s Culture Supports: 

• Autonomy. ILI does not micromanage staff. All staff are empowered to make high-level decisions about their work, and how they will execute it. As a virtual organization, most work is conducted from the individual’s own home or other office setting of their choosing, though occasional travel is required. 
• Trust. Employees operate on trust. As long as staff get their agreed upon work done on time and at a high level of quality, no one is worried about the hours they work or the schedule they keep. Communication is critical. All staff are expected to have clear goals, goals which are discussed and cleared by leadership. 
• Meaningful work. ILI is blessed with a loyal and dedicated workforce who feel their work is meaningful. All feel fortunate to be able to directly contribute to an organization working to support the public’s ability to connect, reflect, and learn throughout their lives; that supports thriving communities with rich cultural/learning ecosystems. 
• Values. ILI values and respects equal opportunity and inclusion, exemplified by the use of evidence, systems thinking, and collaboration in pursuit of a more just future for all. 

CEO Salary, Benefits & Timeline: 

• Salary. Salary will be commensurate with experience. 
• Benefits. We offer all employees unlimited leave as well as opportunities to participate in both health reimbursement and retirement programs. 
• Timing. Initial position recruitment will end Friday, June 6, 2025, with a final decision planned for the end of summer. Start date is flexible. 

How to Apply: 

Send the following to John Falk (John.Falk@freechoicelearning.org) using the subject line “Application for ILI CEO” 

• • Cover letter and Resume (pdf format) 
• Study ILI’s current staff and activites here and share a short video of yourself explaining how you would build on ILI’s current strengths to position the organization for future success. 

Posted Apr 22, 2025