Chief Executive Officer Jobs

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
POSITION GUIDE

January 2023

https://aspirechicago.com/

POSITION: Chief Executive Officer

REPORTS TO: Board of Directors

LOCATION: Hillside, IL

VISION

Aspire envisions communities where people of all abilities live, learn and grow together.

MISSION

Aspire’s mission is to make boundless inclusivity possible for people with disabilities.

VALUES

Boundless Inclusivity. Aspire believes people of every ability should be welcomed, valued and empowered to live lives powered by possibility, and Aspire is here to inspire others to share in this vision.

Continuous Growth. The modern inclusivity movement is an ever-evolving one. Aspire is always working to help shape it by embracing innovation, creativity and, most of all, possibility.

Active Collaboration. Aspire goes above and beyond to connect people and be reliable partners.
Working together is the key to building communities for the better.

Collective Leadership. Inspiring the world to embrace boundless inclusivity takes big ideas, big hearts and big actions from everyone to turn that vision into a reality.

PROGRAMS

Aspire programs lay the foundation for a successful future for all. Tailored and always updated to meet the needs of today, they serve as a resource for people with disabilities and those committed to furthering diversity, equity and inclusion in their businesses and communities.

Aspire programs focus on life and career skills for adults with developmental disabilities. They are offered throughout Chicagoland, surrounding suburbs, Southeast Wisconsin and virtually, and each one is designed with partnership in mind.

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Living
Experience is life’s greatest teacher, so experiences are what Aspire’s Living programs offer. With options that include homes shared with friends in the community or support for adults with disabilities to explore living on their own, they help people build confidence, interact with others and thrive. In 2021,
140 people accessed 24/7 supportive services at home through Aspires’s Living Program.

• Aspire Community Homes help adults with disabilities, like autism or cerebral palsy, foster personal growth and share in these types of experiences with others. Dotted throughout

Chicago’s northern and western suburbs, Aspire Community Homes provide long-term accommodations for three to eight people. Everyone works together to run the household while trained support professionals lend a caring hand.

• Living on your own is a big step towards independence. Everyone needs a support system when they move into their own place. In Aspire’s Independent Living program, people with disabilities can settle into a place and live on their own with reliable partnership from skilled team members.

Learning
Art. Exercise. Social skill building. Computer training. Community involvement. Aspire’s daytime Learning programs help create new possibilities. Virtual programs bring these opportunities to everyone, wherever they might be.

• Inclusive communities are a cornerstone of what Aspire is all about. The Behavioral Therapy program focuses on empowering people with disabilities in their interactions, relationships and as communicators. Aspire’s behavior therapists and board-certified behavior analysts use applied behavior analysis techniques and therapy to help people, their support teams and their loved ones build skills, create routines and identify ways to feel more comfortable and be more successful in social situations and in maintaining relationships.
• A big part of inclusivity is empowering people with disabilities to explore interests that enrich their everyday lives. Aspire’s Life Enrichment in-person academies offer opportunities to learn computer skills, the arts, exercise and daily-living skills. All of Aspire’s Life Enrichment topics are curriculum-based and include senior service options. They are offered in an inviting daytime setting that helps people with disabilities like autism, cerebral palsy, or Down syndrome grow, gain self-confidence and build relationships.
• As online learning and Zoom become bigger parts of our lives, Aspire is tapping into these tools to ensure more people with learning disabilities, autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy or other disabilities have access to resources to help them learn and grow. Aspire’s Virtual Life

Coaching is an innovative online learning program available nationwide that is more than a skill- building program. It’s a confidence-building program that pairs a proprietary curriculum with

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real-time problem solving to help people feel more comfortable adapting to life’s unpredictable moments on their own. Plus, people can learn everyday skills, gain greater independence and connect with others.

Working
Many adults with disabilities also want to advance in the workforce. These programs help people succeed by using career goals, pace of learning and Aspire’s network of partners.

• Aspire believes that everyone has the ability to make a difference in a boundlessly inclusive world. Job Training at Aspire’s in- person academies and out in the community helps people with disabilities do just that.

Community day programs at Aspire’s in- person academies are a great way for adults with disabilities like autism, cerebral palsy orDown syndrome to build career skills. Job training focuses on hands-on and soft work skills, career interests, fitness and strength. Located in Chicago’s northern and western suburbs,Aspire has multiple locations where staff can work with adults with disabilities to tailor the learning to their goals. Aspire also offers regular and fast-track learning options.

• Thriving in a career of your own can be one of the most fulfilling parts of life. Aspire has spent years building a network of organizations throughout the Chicagoland area who share a passion for inclusivity. Aspire works closely with these businesses to help connect people with disabilities to competitive job opportunities in their communities. Alongside its placement services, Aspire’s Career Support program helps people build skills that will aid in applying and interviewing for jobs. In 2021, 50 people were placed into meaningful jobs earning competitive wages through Aspire’s Career Program.

DEI Consultation
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are some of the most valuable things a company can have. When all three work together, you get a stronger team that uses their unique experiences to do a fantastic job.
Aspire offers inclusivity assessments, in-person or virtual training sessions and consultations to bring boundless inclusivity to businesses.

Social Enterprise Initiatives
Aspire is breaking new ground at the intersection of social action and business innovation.

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• Aspire CoffeeWorks is a dynamic social enterprise coffee company started by Aspire in partnership with Metropolis Coffee Company.

Founded in 2009, the partnership combines the work of Aspire with the craftsmanship ofMetropolis Coffee Company, one of the nation’s top artisan coffee roasters. This creative and mutually beneficial partnership is one in which adults with disabilities on theAspire CoffeeWorks team work side by side with employees on the Metropolis Coffee Company team. It’s a groundbreaking partnership and perfect example of how adults with disabilities can be productive and successful members of the workforce. 100% of Aspire CoffeeWorks’ net proceeds go back to Aspire’s services and programs.

• Aspire Art360 makes it possible for people with disabilities to become professional artists by providing its artists the opportunity to build a career in the arts by selling their artwork to corporations and private collectors. Artists are compensated fairly for their work, thus creating meaningful employment. Aspire Art360 is also a platform for disability awareness and inclusion in communities. Artists work together in small groups or paint individually, experimenting with techniques, colors, images and textures. This results in unique, one-of-a-kind art sold through

Aspire Art360’s gallery or commissions.

Amplify Inclusion Podcast
In 2020, Aspire launched the first season of the Amplify Inclusion Podcast featuring real stories and conversations about the power and importance of disability inclusion. In 2021, there were 1,200 episode downloads from listeners in 32 states and 12 countries.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Aspire has an operating budget of approximately $16 million with a staff of 218. Its recent merger with
Northpointe has effectively doubled the size of the organization, currently serving nearly 200 individuals over an expanded geography.

The next CEO will have the opportunity to continue and sustain the organization’s expansion, diversification of services and culture of inclusion and collaboration. With the successful execution of the merger with Northpointe, Aspire has the opportunity to expand regionally and broaden the scope of services with other opportunities for strategic partnerships. The organization has weathered the COVID-
19 pandemic and now has the opportunity to focus on core issues of employee retention and enhancing career services for its participants.

The key priorities for the next CEO are:

• Work with the Board and staff to develop a multi-year strategic plan.

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• Strengthen Aspire’s capabilities while enhancing existing programs (Community Homes,

Employment programs, Life Enrichment Services and Social Enterprises).

• Acquire the organizational skills and capabilities to drive innovation in Digital Services &

Programing, Housing Models and Life Enrichment Services.

• Maintain and grow a people-centric, high-performance culture.

POSITION SUMMARY

The next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is the key visionary and management leader of Aspire. The CEO is primarily responsible for the executive management and operations of Aspire. Further, the CEO ensures that the organization effectively executes its mission while setting an overall strategic direction for growth and adapts the organization to changing needs, resources and environmental trends. The CEO works through a team of highly skilled functional leaders (Vision Team) to develop yearly goals, action plans and budget, ensuring the growth and smooth operation of the agency. The CEO ensures adherence to accreditation and State of Illinois regulatory standards, serves as principal spokesperson for the agency and its mission, and is a partner with major donors, corporations and foundations. The
CEO is also responsible for maintaining sound financial resources and capabilities that support the stability of the organization, directing key operational metrics, overseeing and improving infrastructure to support operational efficiencies, building and maintaining a strong, inclusive organizational culture, and growing awareness of Aspire’s mission and services. The CEO reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships with Board members and leveraging the
Board for strategic insights and direction.

Essential Responsibilities include:
Achieving Results for sustained viability and progress toward the organization mission and the financial health of the organization.

• Develop annual plans ensuring that the budget, staff and priorities support the organization’s long- term strategic plans.
• In partnership with the Board, continuously develop a diverse and inclusive Board of Directors that is highly engaged, that advocates, secures financial resources and supports the mission and vision of the organization.
• Set the overall direction of the organization by leading the formulation and communication of mission, vision, organization strategy and values across the company.

Building Effective Teams by developing and implementing a long-term organizational development plan that provides the structure, process and systems to enable continued progress in the overall capabilities of the organization.

• Facilitate cross-team collaboration and strengthen internal communications with team members throughout the organization; create and promote a positive, multicultural work environment.
• Build and develop a world-class leadership team capable of growing along with the organization.
• Serve as a teacher, coach and mentor across the entire management team.

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Cultivating a Culture of Innovation by creating new and better ways for the organization to be successful to enable Aspire’s mission and impact, enhancing revenue generation and brand expansion opportunities.

• Identify, evaluate and negotiate merger and acquisition candidates, with particular emphasis on successful integration of organizations that enable Aspire’s mission and vision.
• Take the lead to establish and “close” relationships with major donors ($100,000+), corporations and foundations.
• Ensure adherence to accreditation and State of Illinois regulatory standards. Lobby state and local officials for the benefit of the agency.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Aspire seeks a proven leader with a passion for the mission, as well as deep appreciation and respect for the people served. They must have ten or more years of senior nonprofit executive experience. They will have experience within medium to large nonprofit organizations where they have developed a level of general community service knowledge, management sophistication and resourcefulness. It is highly desirable that the candidate also has extensive experience and knowledge of best practices in disability support or a related field.

They will have the temperament and skills to continue the development of talented staff as well as a demonstrated ability to carry on the passion, vision, direction, business discipline and inspiration for the agency. Qualities that describe the successful candidate are “passionate”, “optimistic”, “accomplished”,
“enterprising”, “inspiring”, “confident – yet down to earth”, and “team oriented”.

Key characteristics and qualifications of the next leader are:

Passion for the Mission. The next CEO will bring vision and a passion for helping people live their fullest and most independent lives possible.

The successful candidate shall demonstrate the ability to articulate a compelling vision and to keep people focused during challenging times as well as to invite new partners into the mission.

Make Quality Decisions. The next leader makes sound and timely decisions even in absence of complete information, relies on a mixture of analysis, input, experience and judgment when making decisions.

Tackle the Tough Issues. The successful candidate is willing to face conflict and address difficult issues, saying and doing what is needed in a timely manner.

Collaborator and Relationship Builder. A collaborative nature is a must. Important personal qualities include approachability and the ability to relate to people from all walks of life. The next leader will have the ability to maintain a strong organizational culture while supporting internal policies and procedures consistent with the culture and values of Aspire. They will encourage shared risk and partnership in
Aspire’s new industry leading programs.

The successful candidate will be a relationship builder and will be skilled at guiding the team towards shared success and positive participant experiences. The next leader will be one who recognizes and

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values the wealth of experience held by the staff. Having the ability to listen and lead with respect for staff, participants and community members alike is essential.

The CEO will be successful at building partnerships internally and externally. They will build strategic partnerships including acquisitions aimed at growing the services and geography to serve people living with developmental disabilities.

Business and Financial Acumen. A big picture thinker and ambitious leader, the next CEO must also be an innovator. They will be a continuous learner, curious and hungry to continue learning and growing. The successful candidate will possess strong business, financial and management acumen to oversee all aspects of the business operation, including but not limited to human capital, fiscal solvency, change- management and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. They will have demonstrated expertise in finance and financial oversight and will be comfortable with technology and management information systems. This person must be organized, goal-oriented and decisive. They will ideally possess knowledge of relevant services and funding mechanisms, including government and private funding.

Resource Development. The successful candidate will provide leadership and participation in fundraising and donor development activities – cultivating, building and maintaining enduring relationships with current and potential public and private funding sources.

The successful candidate will have experience with diversifying the revenue streams and expanding earned revenue and funding from individuals, families and private foundations.

Communications Skills. The candidate will possess the highest level of oral, written and interpersonal communication abilities to effectively work with a broad range of individuals and organizations including
Board members, families, funders, professional colleagues, public officials and community partners, as well as the media.

The salary range for the position is $225,000 - $250,000, commensurate with experience. Aspire offers a comprehensive set of benefits including health, life, disability and pet insurance; 403(b) retirement plan, and generous paid time off.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

Aspire is an equal employment opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

For more information about Aspire, please visit https://aspirechicago.com/

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Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $225,000.00 - $250,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Health savings account
• Vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Flexible spending account

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Hillside, IL 60162: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Hillside, IL 60162