President, Junior Achievement of Central Illinois

Position Summary

The President will serve as the strategic and operational leader of Junior Achievement of Central Illinois, guiding the organization’s vision, growth, and long-term sustainability.

Essential Functions

• Setting Vision & Driving Strategy - Define and execute a bold, long-term vision while building on the organization's existing momentum, preserving key stakeholder relationships, and expanding JA's visibility and influence throughout the region.

• Leading Sustainable Growth - Guide continued expansion across schools, districts, and experiential learning programs, ensuring growth is supported by strong systems, infrastructure, and team capacity.

• Advancing Fundraising & Partnerships - Serve as the organization's chief ambassador and lead fundraiser, actively cultivating, stewarding, and expanding relationships with donors, corporate partners, foundations, and community leaders to secure sustainable resources that support mission growth and long-term impact.

• Strengthening Organizational Effectiveness - Build alignment across teams, enhance operational systems, and ensure the organization is structured to scale effectively.

• Developing Talent & Culture - Inspire and support a high-performing, mission-driven team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Partnering with the Board - Work closely with the Board of Directors to ensure strong governance, strategic alignment, and long-term organizational success.

Candidate Profile

• Strategic, relationship-driven leader with 10+ years of leadership experience in nonprofit, corporate, or public sector environments

• Demonstrated success leading fundraising and resource development efforts, including donor cultivation, major gifts, corporate partnerships, and revenue diversification strategies

• Proven ability to lead organizations through growth and complexity, building systems and teams that scale

• Strong track record of organizational leadership, including operations, finance, and talent management

• Ability to align diverse stakeholders and build high-trust relationships across sectors

• Ability to build trust quickly, preserve and strengthen key stakeholder relationships, and lead organizational growth while maintaining cultural alignment and mission focus

• Passion for education, workforce development, and expanding economic opportunities for young people

• Exceptional communication, executive presence, and influence

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $88,500 - $132,500 USD

• Annual bonus eligibility based on the performance of the organization and individual outcomes

• A variety of benefits offered, including medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, and group life insurance

• 401(k) plan

Additional Information

• JA does not provide sponsorship for employment visas for this position.

• All candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship, now or in the future.

• Requisition will be closed for submissions on July 10th, 2026.