About the Role
- Position: Executive Director
- Career Level: Executive
- Location: The Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation (ACWI), Austin, Chicago
- Please Note: We offer a hybrid work arrangement, with an expectation that the candidate will come into the office to team and collaborate as required.
- Eligibility: Currently, we are only considering candidates who are eligible to work in the United States without the need for company sponsorship now or in the future.
- Sector: Nonprofit: Community Development & Workforce Innovation
- Reports to: ACWI Board of Directors
- Salary Range: $135,000 – 150,000 per year, commensurate with experience
Role Highlight:
The Executive Director (ED) is the senior-most leader of the organization, responsible for setting and executing the ACWI’s strategic direction, managing key stakeholder relationships, and ensuring the organization meets its goals. This role provides visionary leadership while overseeing all functional areas, with direct oversight of the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and other senior team members.
Role Summary:
The Executive Director of the Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation is a dynamic and perceptive leader responsible for the organization’s overall strategic direction, operational excellence, and financial sustainability. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director champions the Center’s mission to provide a place where people can become economically empowered and go beyond their limits to achieve their highest potential in building wealth within the Austin community. This role demands a highly collaborative individual with exceptional leadership, fundraising, and relationship-building skills, capable of navigating the complex landscape of workforce development, government agencies, community partners, and the business sector. The Executive Director will be the chief advocate for the Aspire Center, ensuring its tenants and the center’s programs and services remain relevant, innovative, and effectively address the evolving needs of Austin residents.
You’ll be responsible for…
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and implement the ACWI’s strategic vision and long-term goals.
- Collaborate with the Board of Directors to define priorities and ensure organizational alignment with the company’s mission and values.
- Identify growth opportunities and lead initiatives to scale the business sustainably.
Operational Oversight
- Provide leadership and supervision to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and other key executives to ensure effective day-to-day operations.
- Ensure cross-departmental collaboration and operational efficiency across HR, Finance, Compliance, Facilities, IT, and Property Management.
- Establish and monitor performance metrics to evaluate operational and financial success.
Financial & Business Management
- Oversee financial strategy, including budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation in partnership with the COO and finance team.
- Ensure financial health and sustainability through sound fiscal policies and strategic planning.
- Identify and pursue new revenue opportunities while managing financial risk.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Serve as the primary spokesperson and represent ACWI with external partners, investors, and the broader community.
- Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including the Board of Directors, anchor/sub-tenants, investors, and strategic partners.
- Lead fundraising and business development efforts as needed.
Culture & Team Development
- Foster an inclusive, innovative, and mission-driven culture.
- Attract, develop, and retain top talent while providing mentorship and leadership development.
- Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across the organization.
Governance & Compliance
- Ensure adherence to legal and regulatory requirements.
- Provide transparent and timely reporting to the Board of Directors.
- Implement and uphold governance best practices.
You must have…
- 7+ years of executive leadership experience, preferably in a startup, high-growth, or entrepreneurial environment.
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (MBA, MPA, etc.) preferred.
- Proven ability to lead and inspire diverse teams while scaling an organization.
- Track record of developing and executing successful strategies that drive growth and impact.
- Strong understanding of financial oversight, budgeting, and resource management.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
- Skilled in making high-level decisions in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
The ideal candidate would also have…
- Experience working specifically within the Austin community of Chicago.
- Existing relationships with Austin community leaders, organizations, and residents.
- Demonstrated understanding of the specific challenges and assets of the Austin community.
- Familiarity with the local Chicago workforce development ecosystem, including government programs and funding sources.
- Advanced understanding of nonprofit management, including governance, fundraising, program development, and evaluation.
- Familiarity with property development, construction, and tenant relations.
- Deep passion for the mission of community empowerment and economic development.
- Strong alignment with ACWI’s values and commitment to celebrating Austin’s history and potential.
Who you’ll be working with…
- ACWI Board of Directors
- ACWI COO
- ACWI CFO (currently a part-time contracted position)
- Community Manager and Senior Property Associate (currently contracted through JLL)
- Property management staff (contracted through WHA)
- Marketing & development staff (currently contracted through ACT)
- Programming & evaluation staff (contracted through ACT)
- Leadership of tenant organizations
Benefits & Perks:
The successful candidate in this role will enjoy a salary range of $135,000 – 150,000 per year, depending on experience. For the 2025 Benefit year, ACWI’s comprehensive benefits package includes covering 100% of the employee premium for health benefits, dental benefits, and Life insurance (Term and Whole). Additionally, ACWI provides all full-time employees with a hybrid work environment, wellness benefit reimbursement, 401K retirement plan, and generous vacation & sick leave, among other benefits.
Commitment to Equal Employment Opportunities:
The Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, or any other protected status under federal, state, or local laws, in any of its activities or operations.
We are committed to an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, partners, and participants. Black, Indigenous, and people of color are highly encouraged to apply.
