Executive Director, Resilience

About the role

Founded in 1974, Resilience is the only stand-alone rape crisis center in Illinois and has spent more than five decades supporting survivors of sexual violence and advancing systemic change. Formerly known as Rape Victim Advocates, Resilience adopted its current name in 2018 to reflect a broader vision of healing, empowerment, and transformation. With a $3 million budget, currently there are 34 full and part-time staff, with a number of roles to be filled, and a network of 150 dedicated volunteers, providing free, 24-hour crisis intervention and advocacy services across Chicago-area hospitals. Last year, the organization served more than 1,500 survivors and their loved ones and reached tens of thousands more through public education and professional training.

Resilience is at an important inflection point. Demand for services is growing, new opportunities are emerging, and the organization has ambitious ideas for expanding programs and developing new revenue streams. The next Executive Director will have the opportunity to stabilize and strengthen the organization, build the infrastructure needed for long-term effectiveness, and then lead Resilience into its next phase of thoughtful, sustainable growth.

Key priorities

• Financial sustainability, including diversifying revenue through private philanthropy, earned revenue, and other strategic opportunities
• Strengthening management systems, organizational infrastructure, accountability, and internal communication
• Developing and implementing a strategic plan in collaboration with the Board and staff
• Building consensus around Resilience's voice, priorities, and positions

Leadership responsibilities

• Serve as the public face of Resilience, engaging effectively with survivors, staff, volunteers, funders, government leaders, community partners, and the broader public
• Provide confident, compelling communication and credible representation
• Navigate complexity and make difficult decisions when necessary

Qualifications

• Demonstrated record of nonprofit leadership, fundraising, financial and business management, strategic planning, and organizational development
• Collaborative leadership style with the ability to build trust and consensus around a shared direction
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, anti-oppression, racial justice, and social justice
• Understanding of how these principles intersect with survivor services, prevention, organizational culture, and community advocacy