Chief Executive Officer

Company: Virginia Commonwealth University, L. Douglas Wilde
Location: Chicago
Posted on: June 2, 2025

Job Description:

Chief Executive Officer

Equality Illinois

About Equality Illinois

Equality Illinois is the state's leading LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, working to make Illinois the most affirming and equitable state for LGBTQ+ people. Founded in 1991 as the Illinois Federation for Human Rights to fight discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals in housing, employment, and public accommodations, Equality Illinois has evolved into a nationally recognized advocacy organization. Through decades of strategic work, it helped secure transformational victories, including the Human Rights Act amendment of 2005, which prohibited discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and the Illinois Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act of 2013, which legalized same-sex marriage.

Among its many other significant victories, Equality Illinois has successfully advocated for the LGBTQ+ Inclusive Curriculum Law requiring public schools to teach LGBTQ+ history; modernized sex education, passed legislation creating a non-binary gender marker option on Illinois IDs; secured protections for LGBTQ+ older adults in long-term care facilities; required cultural competency training for healthcare professionals; and launched new initiatives to support LGBTQ+ people of color and those in rural/downstate communities.

Equality Illinois is comprised of three complementary entities: Equality Illinois, a 501(c)(4) engaging in lobbying and legislative action; Equality Illinois Institute, a 501(c)(3) focusing on public education and capacity building; and Equality Illinois Political Action Committee, supporting pro-equality candidates for public office. The pillars of the organization's strategic vision are:

--- PEOPLE: Build a pipeline of LGBTQ+ leaders who will hold public office positions in every county and at every level, ensuring fair and adequate representation for the community.
--- POLICY: Advance pro-LGBTQ+ policies, with a focus on affirming health care, a living wage for queer people, and reforming the Illinois legal system.
--- POWER: Build queer civic power across the state to hold decision makers accountable for advancing LGBTQ+ equality and acceptance.
--- COMMUNITY: Inform funders and decision-makers about queer-led efforts to redress the inequities LGBTQ+ people face and connect queer-led organizations to more resources and visibility to better meet the community's needs.

After passing marriage equality in 2013, Equality Illinois staff and board implemented a strategic framework focused on improving the lives of LGBTQ+ people through policies impacting the healthcare, education, and criminal justice systems, and has had numerous successes. Through its strategic policy and advocacy, organizing and outreach, and coalition-building with partner organizations, Equality Illinois continues to push for justice. With intensifying attacks against trans people and growing threats to hard-won LGBTQ+ civil rights, Equality Illinois will continue leading the fight for full equality for LGBTQ+ Illinoisans.

The Mission

Equality Illinois builds a better Illinois by advancing equal treatment and social justice through education, advocacy, and protection of the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.

Organizational Highlights

Founded: 1991
Combined Annual Operating Budgets: $1.45 million
Board of Directors: 20
Staff: 8
Headquarters: Chicago, IL

The Position

Reporting to the Equality Illinois, Equality Illinois Institute, and the Equality Illinois PAC Boards of Directors, the CEO will develop, refine, and execute the organization's long-term strategic vision, goals, and direction, ensuring alignment with Equality Illinois' mission and values. The CEO will be a values-driven leader who is able to respond to current threats while implementing a clear long-term vision. Essential responsibilities include:

Strategic Leadership

--- Leverage strategic systemic thinking to assess the local, statewide, and national landscapes, identify threats and opportunities, and develop strategies to advance goals;
--- Adapt the organization's multi-year strategic framework to focus policy initiatives and build intersectional coalitions;
--- Lead with an intentional and intersectional lens across each organizational pillar of work: education and outreach, lobbying and advocacy, and elections and campaigns;
--- Authentically engage and motivate statewide and community partners, elected officials, donors, and community members;
--- Inspire, center, and lift a high-performing team, maintaining a culture of trust and excellence, and effectively managing through a period of organizational transition;
--- Cultivate strong and productive working relationships with the Boards to achieve fundraising, program, and strategic goals.

Policy and Advocacy

--- Proactively engage and mobilize supporters and policymakers to advance the organization's mission;
--- Build relationships and foster collaborations with organizations advancing social justice and defending the rights of allied communities, ensuring Equality Illinois remains a strong and trusted partner in broader movements;
--- Strengthen the ecosystem of queer-led/serving organizations throughout the state by educating funders and decision makers to increase private and state support;
--- Leverage political prowess and an understanding of political dynamics to build power and advance goals.

Fundraising and Fiscal Management

--- Develop and sustain quality, authentic relationships with individual donors, event sponsors, and corporate and private philanthropy funders;
--- Oversee the development and implementation of a strategic fundraising plan to diversify current revenue streams by cultivating individual gifts and legacy giving, and developing a successful strategy to increase corporate and philanthropic support;
--- Create and manage the organization's budget; ensure revenue generation meets or exceeds operating needs, and manage and grow operating reserve funds;
--- Implement best-in-class financial and operational practices, ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency.

Communications and Community Engagement

--- Serve as a key convener and relationship builder with donors, elected and public officials, community partners, and local, regional, and national LGBTQ+ and allied organizations;
--- Represent Equality Illinois, serving as an effective and inspiring communicator and thought leader for the organization and the LGBTQ+ community in the media and various public settings;
--- Oversee the development and dissemination of engaging and effective multi-channel communications to reach and connect broader communities.

The Opportunity

At a time of growing threats against the LGBTQ+ community, in one of the few states where progress continues to be possible, this is an extraordinary opportunity for a bold leader to fiercely defend existing protections while driving transformative change and forging a pathway for Illinois to be the safest and most affirming place for LGBTQ+ people in the United States.

Position Overview

The CEO
Reports to: Equality Illinois, Equality Illinois Institute, and Equality Illinois PAC Boards of Directors
Leads: A team of 7 staff
Oversees: Director of Strategic Operations, Director of Public Policy, Director of Operations, Director of Civic Engagement, Director of Development, Director of Communications, Director of Leadership Development & Capacity Building
Manages: $1.45M operating budget
Location: Ideally, lives in Chicago

Professional Requirements

The CEO will be a strategic and visionary leader with the drive and expertise to build a connected statewide ecosystem across a socially and politically diverse state. They will be politically astute and skilled at driving legislation and influencing decision-makers. The new CEO will have outstanding interpersonal skills and will be a passionate ambassador capable of building grassroots power to advance full equality for LGBTQ+ people. The ideal candidate will have:
--- Expertise in policy/advocacy, lobbying, electoral politics, capacity building, and/or community organizing. Prior experience in a 501c3/501c4/PAC structure is valued;
--- A deep understanding of LGBTQ+ history and issues. Knowledge of Illinois' activist communities and political landscape is ideal;
--- Excellent team management skills characterized by a participatory approach to leadership and team building;
--- Exceptional long-term strategic visioning and planning skills to advance systemic transformation for LGBTQ+ people;
--- Prior experience in developing and implementing budgets, financial growth plans, and staffing plans to advance strategic goals;
--- A track record of success in raising and diversifying revenue, including experience cultivating and soliciting individual gifts;
--- Awareness of the power of intersectional coalition building and the critical importance of strengthening ecosystems;
--- Exceptional communications skills (including digital and social media proficiency), public speaking and media relations experience;
--- Board development and governance knowledge, including experience leveraging board expertise to realize organizational goals.

Essential Qualities

The new CEO will be a proactive and collaborative bridge-builder grounded in intersectional justice and centered in the diverse and lived realities of LGBTQ+ Illinoisans, without regard to sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status.

Personal Characteristics

The CEO will be a resilient leader and fierce defender of the civil rights of LGBTQ+ Illinoisans. They will enjoy Socratic spaces and will be motivated to build and leverage power across the state. In addition to being passionate about creating a world that is healthy, just, and fully equal for all LGBTQ+ people, the ideal candidate will bring the following qualities:
--- An approachable leadership style characterized by transparency, accountability, and emotional intelligence;
--- Cultural competency with the ability to authentically connect with and engage people at all levels of power, privilege, ability, socio-economic status, and political ideologies;
--- A relational approach to building coalitions, engaging community partners, and collaborating across social justice networks;
--- Exceptional communication skills, including active listening, valuing the feedback and input of others, and inspirational public speaking ability;
--- Dynamic interpersonal skills with the ability to create connections, forge partnerships, and bridge differences;
--- Humility to share power and to lift the voices and increase the visibility of allies and partners;
--- The ability to comfortably and effectively navigate, defuse, and leverage conflict;
--- An unwavering commitment to upholding the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in all decisions and relations;
--- Ability to travel and work effectively in a variety of geographic, political, and cultural settings.

Compensation

The target salary for this position is $175,000 annually. Equality Illinois' comprehensive benefits program includes competitive coverage for health and dental insurance and 100% coverage for vision, life, and disability insurance. The organization supports a SIMPLE IRA plan, with a 3% match. In addition to generous PTO, the organization offers paid sabbatical and family leave.

Location

Equality Illinois has a flexible, hybrid, remote/office schedule. On Mondays and Thursdays, most staff work on-site in the organization's Chicago office.

Contact

Please submit a r--sum-- and an original cover letter that describes your interest in the organization's mission and your unique qualifications through the application portal on our website at

Michelle Kristel, Managing Partner
McCormack + Kristel
1325 Avenue of the Americas, 28th Floor - New York, NY 10019
Phone: 212.531.5003 - Email:
Website: www.mccormackkristel.com

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. This position will remain open until it is filled. All inquiries will be kept strictly confidential.

Please note that all resumes will be reviewed, and all interviews will be conducted by humans. AI technology may be used to facilitate scheduling, support notetaking, and streamline processes.

Individuals who are LGBTQ+, Black, Indigenous, people of color, disabled, system-impacted, immigrants, and anyone who has experienced systemic oppression and/or gender-based violence are encouraged to apply.

Background Check Statement

Please note that McCormack + Kristel will check references and verify employment history and academic credentials. Our clients frequently request background and social media checks before finalizing an offer.

EOE Statement

McCormack + Kristel works only with equal opportunity employers.

Equality Illinois will not discriminate against any employee or applicant in a manner that violates the law. Equality Illinois is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or any other protected class in any matter as pertaining to his/her/their employment covered under federal, state or local law. Each person is evaluated on the basis of personal skill and merit. Equality Illinois' policy regarding equal employment opportunity applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, job assignments, promotions, working conditions, scheduling, benefits, wage and salary administration, disciplinary action, termination, and social, educational, and recreational programs.





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Keywords: Virginia Commonwealth University, L. Douglas Wilde, Glenview , Chief Executive Officer, Executive , Chicago, Illinois