Job Description
Executive Director
Constitutional Rights Foundation Chicago (CRFC)
General Description:
CRFC is a national civic education organization, based in Chicago, that works with elementary and secondary schools to
develop critical thinking skills, civic participation, and commitment to the rule of law among young people. Nonprofit and
nonpartisan, CRFC is a national leader in the design and implementation of quality law-related education (LRE) programs
for local, national, and international projects.
The work of the organization is carried out through a variety of initiatives; see www.crfc.org for additional information on
individual projects.
The Executive Director is charged with ongoing development and implementation of the mission and overall management
of the financial, programmatic, and administrative operations of the organization. The position currently supervises a staff
of 7 FTEs and reports to a Board of Directors.
Responsibilities:
- Provide overall leadership in fundraising, administration, program development
- Maintain relationships with key donors and cultivate new sources of support
- Work effectively with board of directors, including ongoing communications, quarterly board meetings and an annual fundraising benefit
- Work closely with staff to insure continuation of ongoing student and professional development programs, such as the Lawyer in the Classroom project, the annual Youth Summit, the annual State Civic/Law-Related Education conference for educators, and summer institutes.
- Oversee development of new initiatives, including content development, forming programmatic partnerships, and securing funding
- Develop annual plan and secure appropriate resources, including staffing, technology and facilities
Education, Qualifications and Experience:
- Passionate commitment to and understanding of how schools can educate young people about their rights and responsibilities under the law
- Degree from an accredited 4-year college or university, graduate level degree preferred
- Experience in the field of civic or law-related education including knowledge of curricula, national initiatives, funding landscape, educational environment, and other civic education initiatives and organizations
- Management-level experience including providing support for board of directors, staff supervision, budget development, financial management, planning and organizational development
- Ability to serve as spokesperson for the organization and the field of civic education
- Demonstrated ability to successfully raise funds from individual, corporate, foundation and government sources
- Knowledge of the legal community and educational establishment in Illinois and nationally
- Proven communications skills in both written and oral presentations
- Willingness and ability to travel
To apply, submit cover letter, resume, and references to
search@crfc.org. Applications will be accepted until April 15, 2010 or the completiion of the search.
