Chief Development Officer: Opera Philadelphia

Now in its 49th season, Opera Philadelphia stands at the forefront of innovation, redefining opera for our time. As the region’s premier opera producer and one of the country’s most influential companies, Opera Philadelphia continues to expand and transform as a vibrant hub for operatic experiences, connecting audiences and artists in ways that give voice to the present, reimagine the past, and shape the future of the art form for generations to come.

Founded as a regional company focused on traditional productions in a single venue, Opera Philadelphia has evolved into an internationally celebrated trailblazer in contemporary opera. Praised by The New York Timesas a “hotbed of operatic innovation,” the company remains committed to 21st-century opera while actively performing in its original home at the historic Academy of Music. Opera Philadelphia also creates interdisciplinary experiences in diverse spaces across the city—from immersive performances at the Barnes Foundation and the Philadelphia Museum of Art to pop-up cabaret shows in converted garages, and free outdoor screenings on Independence Mall for tens of thousands of Philadelphians.

While honoring the legacy of the operatic canon, Opera Philadelphia leads in developing groundbreaking new works. Since 2011, the company has commissioned or co-commissioned numerous acclaimed operas from prominent composers such as Jennifer Higdon, Missy Mazzoli, Kevin Puts, and Nico Muhly, fostering a new generation of operatic storytelling. Key partnerships, including a recent multi-year collaboration with the Apollo Theater, aim to co-create a new canon of Black American opera, underscoring Opera Philadelphia’s commitment to authentic storytelling and creative diversity.

In 2017, Opera Philadelphia positioned Philadelphia as an international opera destination with the launch of Festival O, a 10-day immersive celebration of opera across the city. This annual festival has premiered groundbreaking works, such as We Shall Not Be Moved by Daniel Bernard Roumain and Marc Bamuthi Joseph, 10 Days in a Madhouse by Rene Orth and Hannah Moscovitch, and Anthony Roth Costanzo’s genre-blending Glass Handel, along with iconic productions of classics like Verdi’s Simon Boccanegra, recitals, and late-night cabaret performances.

Opera Philadelphia has also become a nurturing ground for rising vocal talents. Artists like Eric Owens, Stephanie Blythe, Denyce Graves, Jarrett Ott, and Will Liverman have all gained early exposure on its stages before achieving global acclaim. The company’s Emerging Artists Program is designed to develop the next generation of operatic stars.

In addition, Opera Philadelphia launched the country’s first comprehensive Composer in Residence program, offering individualized professional development to emerging opera composers. Alumni of the program include celebrated composers such as Lembit Beecher, Courtney Bryan, David Hertzberg, David T. Little, Missy Mazzoli, Andrew Norman, Rene Orth, and Tyshawn Sorey.
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Director of Development: BalletX

BalletX is seeking a visionary and results-oriented Director of Development to join our innovative team. This full-time role is essential to advancing BalletX’s mission by leading a comprehensive fundraising strategy that spans major gifts, corporate partnerships, and large-scale events. The ideal candidate will bring both strategic expertise and an inspiring approach to building meaningful donor relationships, driving revenue diversification, and enhancing BalletX’s impact. If you are a forward-thinking professional with a passion for the arts and a commitment to excellence in philanthropy, we would love to hear from you!

BalletX, Philadelphia’s premier contemporary ballet company, blends artistic innovation with technical mastery to create groundbreaking works of athleticism, emotion, and beauty. Founded in 2005 and led by Artistic & Executive Director Christine Cox, the company has commissioned nearly 80 choreographers worldwide to produce over 140 world premieres, showcasing diverse perspectives and fresh narratives. BalletX’s ensemble of 16 dancers, recognized as “among America’s best” by The New York Times, continually pushes the boundaries of classical ballet. As a global incubator for artistic talent, BalletX captivates audiences at prominent venues such as The Kennedy Center, Vail Dance Festival, The Joyce Theater, and Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival. Through powerful performances, international touring, and impactful community engagement, BalletX creates extraordinary dance experiences that foster human connection. Learn more at www.BalletX.org.

Reporting to the Managing Director and the Artistic & Executive Director, the ideal Director of Development is a strategic, organized, and mission-aligned professional, adept at inspiring both internal teams and external stakeholders. This role requires an experienced leader with a collaborative spirit and the vision to drive BalletX’s long-term fundraising goals in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Position Overview:

The Director of Development leads the organization’s comprehensive fundraising strategy, focusing on major gifts, corporate partnerships, and high-impact events. Reporting to the Managing Director and the Artistic & Executive Director, the Director of Development drives revenue diversification, oversees large-scale philanthropic initiatives, and spearheads BalletX’s long-term fundraising vision. The Director also supervises the development team, providing strategic direction and ensuring alignment with BalletX’s goals.

Responsibilities (including but not limited to):

  • Fundraising Strategy & Leadership: Develop and implement a strategic fundraising plan focused on BalletX’s financial sustainability and growth. Oversee major giving, planned giving, and corporate sponsorship, ensuring a robust and diversified pipeline. Establish strategies to increase donor retention and long-term engagement.
  • Major Gifts & Donor Relations: Manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects. With support from the Chief Advancement Officer, lead the qualification, cultivation, and stewardship efforts for high-impact donors, developing personalized strategies for deepening their commitment to BalletX’s mission. Collaborate with the Development Manager to transition Annual Fund and Premiere Circle donors into major gift prospects, guiding them through cultivation and stewardship.
  • Prospect Research & Development: Drive major gift prospecting, directing research and qualification efforts to identify individuals, foundations, and corporations with the capacity and affinity to support BalletX. Develop innovative strategies to cultivate, engage, and convert prospects into committed donors, partnering with the Chief Advancement Officer and Development Manager to advance key relationships.
  • Corporate Sponsorship Program: Create and manage a comprehensive Corporate Sponsorship program, developing tailored sponsorship packages and building strategic partnerships with corporations that align with BalletX’s mission. Ensure sponsor deliverables are met, and track engagement metrics to strengthen these relationships over time.
  • High-Impact Event Leadership: Plan and execute BalletX’s large-scale fundraising events, including The Premier Party and other high-profile donor gatherings. Serve as the lead on event committees, managing logistics with support from the Development Manager and Development & Marketing Coordinator for smaller-scale events. Design creative event strategies that engage both major donors and corporate partners.
  • Marketing & Communications Strategy: Oversee the strategic messaging for major fundraising campaigns, collaborating with the marketing team to ensure alignment with BalletX’s goals. Provide direction on high-level donor communications, sponsorship packages, and donor recognition programs that reinforce BalletX’s impact.
  • Community Networking: Act as an ambassador for BalletX, representing the organization at community events, networking functions, and industry gatherings. Build strong partnerships with community organizations, businesses, and stakeholders to enhance BalletX’s visibility, outreach, and impact, with a focus on expanding philanthropic relationships and community engagement.
  • Budget and Financial Management: Develop and manage the annual development budget, tracking fundraising performance and providing regular financial reports. Evaluate return on investment for major campaigns and adjust strategies based on financial outcomes.

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Development Manager: BalletX

BalletX is looking for a passionate, creative, and results-driven Development Manager to join our dynamic team. This full-time role is crucial in advancing our mission by managing and enhancing fundraising initiatives across the annual fund, Premiere Circle, and institutional giving. The ideal candidate will excel in developing and executing strategies to strengthen relationships with BalletX’s diverse community of supporters, ensuring every donor feels valued and appreciated. If you are an organized, goal-oriented professional with a knack for relationship-building and a commitment to elevating BalletX’s impact, we want to hear from you!

BalletX, Philadelphia’s premier contemporary ballet, merges artistic innovation with technical excellence to create new works of athleticism, emotion, and grace. Founded in 2005 and led by Artistic & Executive Director Christine Cox, the company has commissioned nearly 80 choreographers from around the world to produce 140 world premieres that reflect diverse stories and modern perspectives. With a versatile ensemble of 16 dancers celebrated as “among America’s best” by The New York Times, BalletX consistently pushes the boundaries of classical ballet. As a global incubator for artistic talent, BalletX captivates audiences at prestigious venues, including The Kennedy Center, Vail Dance Festival, The Joyce Theater, and Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival. Through innovative performances, international tours, and robust community outreach, BalletX fosters extraordinary dance experiences that inspire human connection. Learn more at www.BalletX.org.

Reporting to the Director of Development, our ideal Development Manager is an advocate for the arts, blending attention to detail with a proactive approach to growth and relationship-building. They will be a strategic, organized, and mission-aligned professional dedicated to nurturing donor relationships, exemplifying BalletX’s gratitude and respect for its supporters. This role requires a creative and driven team player ready to thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment, contributing significantly to BalletX’s mission and expansion.

Position Overview

The Development Manager supports BalletX’s fundraising efforts by managing the Annual Fund, Premiere Circle, and grants program, focusing on donors contributing between $1 and $4,999. Reporting to the Director of Development, the Development Manager is responsible for personalized donor engagement, managing grant applications and reports, and supporting smaller-scale events that build donor loyalty and expand BalletX’s community reach.

Responsibilities (including but not limited to):

  • Annual Fund Management: Oversee BalletX’s Annual Fund by creating and executing multi-channel campaigns targeting donors at the $1-$1,000 level. Track, analyze, and report on Annual Fund performance, with an emphasis on donor acquisition and retention. Identify and implement opportunities for donors to move into the Premiere Circle.
  • Premiere Circle Development: Manage the Premiere Circle donor group ($1,000-$4,999) through targeted solicitation and stewardship strategies. Work with the Director of Development on donor transition plans, preparing high-potential donors for major gift qualification. Track Premiere Circle performance and produce regular reports for strategic analysis.
  • Donor Relations & Stewardship: Build relationships with Annual Fund and Premiere Circle donors, executing tailored engagement plans that foster loyalty and support. Collaborate with the Director of Development to implement a clear donor transition plan for those moving into major gift consideration, ensuring a seamless donor experience.
  • Grants Management: Manage BalletX’s grants program, including foundation and government grant applications and reports. Collaborate with the external grant writer on proposals, working independently on reporting and maintaining relationships with grantors. Keep the Director updated on grant progress and secure ongoing support by providing impactful updates to funders. Coordinate VIP invitations to BalletX performances and programming.
  • Event Coordination: Plan and support small- to mid-scale donor events, working with the Development & Marketing Coordinator on logistics. Assist with on-site donor cultivation at larger events led by the Director, helping to ensure donor engagement and an enjoyable guest experience.
  • Database & Donor Management: Maintain accurate records in BalletX’s CRM system, tracking all donor interactions and updating solicitation lists. Provide regular reports on Annual Fund and Premiere Circle metrics to inform strategies for donor acquisition and retention. Conduct data analysis to support decision-making and identify trends.
  • Marketing Collaboration: Develop targeted donor communications for Annual Fund, Premiere Circle, and grant outreach, collaborating with the marketing team to ensure consistent, compelling messaging. Align messaging with BalletX’s broader marketing strategy as directed by the Director of Development.

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Marketing Specialist: Curtis Institute of Music

The Marketing Specialist raises the profile and awareness of Curtis and its musicians, especially in collaboration with the Communications and Public Affairs, Musician Life Cycle, Development, and Touring Office teams; explores and creates opportunities for optimized content creation; advances key marketing efforts with a focus on digital channels; facilitates projects with internal stakeholders; fosters long-term engagement opportunity with audiences; and supports engaging marketing initiatives. This position will work as part of a highly productive marketing team responsible for owned and paid channels.

With guidance from the Associate Director of Marketing, this position will support Curtis’s digital marketing strategies, driving brand awareness, and optimizing online presence to achieve our business objectives. As part of a centralized marketing department, the role will also lead cross-department and internal projects to help support content generation and essential marketing functions for the school.

Key Areas of Work:

Digital Marketing

  • Assists with the day-to-day management of key digital marketing channels—website, email, and social media.
  • Facilitates proactive updates and optimization of website content.
  • Creates content for social media channels to engage audiences, align with branding, and effectively meet strategic goals.
  • Executes email marketing initiatives to support Performance, Development, Enrollment, Alumni, and Tour audiences.
  • Writes interesting, creative, short form copy that connects and creates impact on a variety of channels, in line with institutional style.
  • Leverages photography and multimedia assets to create exciting social media content.
  • Coordinates with student workers to generate dynamic social media content.
  • Manages the design production and content calendar for Curtis’s new digital signage system.
  • Stays ahead of digital marketing trends and bring forward new and engaging ideas.
  • Centralized Marketing:
  • Builds and maintains relationships with stakeholders across the school, ensuring open communication as well as productive and collaborative initiatives.
  • Plans, organizes, and facilitates marketing related photoshoots (portrait, rehearsal, and staged sessions) to maintain a dynamic creative catalog.
  • Supports marketing colleagues with high-priority projects including mass mailings, season launch/subscription fulfillment, and performance updates.
  • Participates in event-related duties such as tabling, greeting audience members and other event support as needed.
  • Identifies opportunities to better engage prospective students, audiences, donors, alumni, and touring partners in collaboration with musician lifecycle, artistic production, archives, touring, and artist management teams.
  • Works with the whole marketing team to develop marketing objectives which support departmental goals, campaign priorities, and schoolwide performances and activities.
  • Works closely with members of the marketing team, including student workers, to foster a collaborative and high-performing work environment.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Preferred Experience and Qualifications:

Curtis welcomes applications from people with a wide variety of experience and backgrounds, who are eager to work hard, learn, and contribute. Read more

Assistant Vice President, Planned Giving: Jefferson

Minimum Salary/Hourly Rate:
$150,000.00
Maximum Salary/Hourly Rate:
$170,000.00

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Build, oversee, and execute the planned giving program that focuses on grateful patient and alumni prospects.
  • Work closely with clinical and university major gift officers to qualify, cultivate, solicit and close planned gifts from all Enterprise constituents.
  • Maintain a portfolio of planned giving prospects and manage this portfolio in a manner that fosters a relationship that leads to philanthropic commitment.
  • Independently draft/prepare gift agreements, bequests, and estate planning agreements (in coordination with Jefferson’s legal counsel).
  • Develop a comprehensive understanding of the educational, research, clinical and financial needs and goals of the clinical areas; establish, maintain, and grow a highly responsive and collaborative development program to meet these needs/goals.
  • Serve in a leadership capacity in the creation of a planned giving plan to support the clinical departments and the university. The AVP will establish development program goals and the feasibility, timeline, staffing needs, and volunteer structure to support implementation.
  • Work with communications staff and outside vendors to translate strategic initiatives and programmatic/capital needs into persuasive proposals and compelling major gift opportunities.
  • Work with the events and alumni relations teams and development officers to conceptualize events and other activities to cultivate and steward major gifts prospects and donors.
  • Maintain fluid and proactive communications with colleagues to ensure effective collaborations and synergy in achieving key fundraising goals and objectives.
  • Build and support a formalized and professional development function for the defined clinical and academic areas.
  • Manage an individual prospect pool of 100 highly rated prospects
  • Maintain an aggressive travel, visit and event schedule
  • Conduct a minimum of 125 Meaningful Donor Encounters per year
  • Deliver a minimum of 24 proposals a year
  • Interacts with co-workers, visitors, and other staff consistent with the values of Jefferson.

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Vice President of Finance and Accounting: United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey

Overview:

The United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey (UWGPSNJ) seeks a seasoned Vice President of Finance & Accounting to lead the organization’s financial strategy and operations. This pivotal role offers a unique opportunity to shape a new financial structure designed to increase the mission effectiveness and enhance the fiscal health of an influential nonprofit organization focused on breaking the cycle of poverty. The Vice President of Finance & Accounting will drive financial stewardship, strategy, and compliance, working closely with executive leadership to ensure that an ever-increasing proportion of its resources are directed to community-based partners and community-driven initiatives designed to achieve its mission to end poverty in the region.

About the Company:

The United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey is a mission-driven organization focused on eradicating poverty and expanding opportunity for individuals and families in the region. By convening leaders, inspiring philanthropic investments, and strengthening nonprofit capacity, UWGPSNJ deploys innovative strategies to help families achieve economic security. Through evidence-based programs and partnerships, the organization works to reduce economic insecurity and invest in long-term solutions for the community. United Way is embarking on a transformational effort to reshape its organizational structure to maximize the philanthropic resources that flow directly to community-based organizations in the region, with the explicit goal of supporting partnership-based initiatives that support its mission to end poverty in the Philadelphia region.

Candidate Profile:

The ideal candidate for the Vice President of Finance & Accounting role will be an accomplished financial leader with deep experience in nonprofit financial management. They will bring a track record of aligning financial practices with organizational goals and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. This person will have experience leading financial strategy, reporting, and day-to-day operations in a mission-driven organization. They must be skilled in collaborating with leadership and board members, offering financial insights that support strategic decision-making. Experience with nonprofit regulations and reporting, including Form 990, is critical, as is expertise in budget forecasting and investment management.

Professional Characteristics:

  1. Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field required; MBA or CPA preferred.
  2. Minimum of 10 years of experience in financial management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
  3. Strong background in nonprofit financial management, including experience with Form 990 and other regulatory requirements.
  4. Proven experience in strategic financial planning, forecasting, and budgeting.
  5. Expertise in financial reporting, investment management, and compliance.
  6. Exceptional financial analysis skills with the ability to provide actionable insights.
  7. Strong leadership and management experience with the ability to develop high-performing finance teams.
  8. Excellent communication skills for presenting financial information clearly to diverse stakeholders.
  9. Proficiency in financial management software, including advanced Excel skills and scenario analysis tools.
  10. Demonstrated ethical integrity in financial practices and decision-making.

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Vice President of Impact: Untied Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey

United Way Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, is seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to take on the role of Vice President of Impact. The VP of Impact will play a crucial role in overseeing United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey’s grantmaking and community funding initiatives, directly influencing the organizational mission and amplifying United Way’s impact throughout the region. The Vice President of Impact will lead the charge in ensuring that grantmaking processes are effective and in alignment with organizational goals. The responsibilities of this role include assessing, managing, and reporting on initiatives to maximize effectiveness; developing and nurturing strategic relationships with United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey’s funding partners, and ensuring their objectives align with United Way’s mission while enhancing funding opportunities that benefit the greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey communities. The VP of Impact will work with United Way leadership team to embark on a transformational journey to reshape organizational structure to maximize the philanthropic resources that flow directly to community-based organizations in the region. The person in this role will be adept at engaging deeply with the community and be professionally prepared to create and manage task forces that review grant applications and evaluate proposals, ensuring that funding allocations directly address the needs of those served by United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey.

The VP of Impact will have a proven ability to design strategies to monitor and evaluate the impact of funded initiatives, as well as ensure compliance with all relevant guidelines to enhance the effectiveness of United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey’s community investments. In addition to overseeing the grantmaking process, the VP of Impact will actively seek out new funding opportunities. By identifying and cultivating leads through community engagement and fundraising activities, the VP of Impact will contribute significantly to United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey’s growth objectives. The responsibilities of this role include managing the issuance of Requests for Proposals (RFPs), ensuring clear communication about funding opportunities, and maintaining alignment with United Way’s impact objectives. In this forward-facing role, the VP of Impact will represent United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey in strategic initiatives, working closely with the CEO and Executive Vice President/COO. For the person in this role, engagement with community experts and stakeholders will be essential to driving the organizational mission forward.

About United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey:

The United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey is a mission-driven organization focused on eradicating poverty and expanding opportunities for individuals and families in the region. By convening leaders, inspiring philanthropic investments, and strengthening nonprofit capacity. United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey deploys innovative strategies to help families achieve economic security. Through evidence-based programs and partnerships, the organization works to reduce economic insecurity and invest in long-term solutions for the community. United Way is embarking on a transformational effort to reshape its organizational structure to maximize the philanthropic resources that flow directly to community-based organizations in the region, with the explicit goal of supporting partnership-based initiatives that support its mission to end poverty in the Philadelphia region.

Vice President of Impact Candidate Profile:

The ideal candidate for the Vice President of Impact at United Way Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey will possess a robust blend of professional experience, academic qualifications, and personal commitment to social equity. This leader will have a demonstrated track record in nonprofit management, resource development, and strategic partnerships, with a focus on poverty alleviation and equality. The ideal candidate will be a hands-on executive leader, a team player with a collaborative approach, and an advocate for driving meaningful change within the community.

Professional Characteristics:

  1. Commitment to poverty alleviation and equality; experience – lived, professional, and/or academic – that advances United Way’s mission and improves its practices
  2. Strong knowledge of the fields of grantmaking and resource development
  3. 10+ years of experience leading social impact initiatives; experience in nonprofit management, public affairs, and/or government is preferred
  4. Master’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, or Nonprofit Management preferred.
  5. A minimum of ten (10) years of progressive success in a comparable senior management role leading and directing complex, integrated programs in an evolving nonprofit environment.
  6. Substantial experience developing, implementing, and evaluating programs or initiatives aimed at reducing poverty.
  7. Experience in organizational leadership, philanthropy, and/or social investment.
  8. The ability to lead a team of professional, content area experts and cultivate a cohesive team whose work is high impact and highly aligned with organizational vision.
  9. A proven track record in developing a strong, cohesive, collaborative, creative, and high-performance team; and demonstrable skills in selecting, coaching, motivating, and training staff.
  10. Excellent relationship cultivation skills and the ability to engage and influence employees, board members, key volunteers, donors, and other stakeholders.
  11. Highly developed consensus management skills, along with the ability and willingness to make complex decisions.
  12. A team player disposition with a hands-on executive management style.
  13. Working knowledge of the metrics and performance indicators used to set goals and measure progress in outcome management; possess expertise in evaluating and realigning structure and process systems support. The ability to analyze and interpret internal and external data.
  14. Experience working as part of a senior team, building effective, collaborative relationships to advance business outcomes.
  15. Must possess a high degree of ethics, integrity, and values aligned with United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey’s mission.

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Chief Financial Officer: Xiente

Xiente, formerly known as Norris Square Community Alliance, is a nonprofit organization based in Philadelphia, PA in operation for over 40 years. It was founded in 1982 by a group of community women who decided to take control of their neighborhood and provide a safe and healthy environment for their children. Our mission is to transform communities by empowering individuals to achieve social mobility.

Xiente addresses poverty through a holistic approach that includes personalized economic mobility plans for families. Bringing a comprehensive approach to tackling poverty and promoting economic mobility, Xiente offers programs that include early childhood education, youth development programs, financial literacy, workforce development, and housing services. Two of Xiente’s key programs include:

• Busesito (The Little Bus), Philadelphia’s first mobile bilingual preschool on wheels designed to bring early childhood education to children throughout different neighborhoods in the city who do not have access to preschool.

• Prosperity Lab, a comprehensive program that offers a range of economic and social services to help families overcome the barriers that prevent them from achieving financial stability and prosperity and guide them toward middle-class status.

With a diverse workforce of over 120 employees, Xiente’s team reflects the organization’s commitment to inclusivity and community representation. Recently, Xiente was certified as a https://www.greatplacetowork.com/certified-company/7066042, highlighting the organization’s positive and supportive work environment for employees.

Learn more about Xiente at https://www.xiente.org.
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Executive Director: Oak Park Public Library (Illinois)

The Oak Park Public Library is a well-loved resource at the heart of the community. The mission of the Oak Park Public Library (the library) is to share the information, services, and opportunities that fulfill Oak Park’s aspirations and progress toward achieving its vision to empower every voice in the community.

Oak Park Public Library is located in Oak Park, a Book Sanctuary Community within the State of Illinois, which passed the first-in-the-nation state bill protecting against book bans. The library provides a third space, beyond work and homes, that is free and welcoming for everyone. Oak Park Public Library values and prioritizes:

  • Equity and Anti-Racism with core values of Accessibility, Empowerment, Courage, Impact, Innovation, Representation, and Social Justice;
  • Engagement with core values of Civic Responsibility, Collaboration, Compassion, Empathy, Gathering, and Participation;
  • Learning with core values of Access, Education, Intellectual Freedom, Knowledge, Literacy, Opportunity, and Privacy; and
  • Stewardship with core values of Accountability, Affordability, Health, Preservation, Safety, Sustainability, and Transparency.

These four pillars were developed through a yearslong process of turning outward, listening to what kind of community Oak Parkers want to live in, as well as turning inward soliciting staff input and conducting an internal equity audit. During this process, an Anti-Racism Advisory Team was formed—consisting of library staff, patrons, board representation, local administrators, and young adults— to develop an anti-racism strategic plan. Oak Parkers shared that they aspire to live in a community that is diverse, equitable, inclusive, and empathetic, as well as a place that supports education, health, literacy, safety, and affordability. With this awareness, the Board, Executive Director, and Leadership Team collaboratively set these four pillars of Strategic Priorities and the intention of being a Library for Everyone.

Oak Park Public Library is committed to serving everyone, especially those in the community who most need access to services and resources and for whom barriers may sometimes hinder full and equitable access. That includes those who are experiencing homelessness, those with health challenges, those with financial challenges, and other vulnerable or marginalized members of the community.

Oak Park Public Library consists of the Main Library, Dole Branch Library, and Maze Branch Library. In 2023, 371,003 patrons made in-person visits to the three Oak Park Public Library branches, and 39,472 people were reached via onsite and offsite library programs and outreach visits. 1,469,524 physical and digital items were circulated including 13,733 materials which were delivered directly to patrons where they live and work and 1,396 materials were distributed at community events via the Library’s Book Bike. The FY2024 budget is $12m.

The Oak Park Public Library sits at the center of the community and provides innovative ways for patrons to engage. Some highlights include:

Learn more about the Oak Park Public Library at https://www.oppl.org/

About the Position

The Board of Trustees of the Oak Park Public Library seeks an experienced, compassionate, collaborative leader to serve as Executive Director of the 5-star designated library serving a vibrant, diverse, and socially engaged community directly west of Chicago.

In partnership with the Board of Trustees, the Executive Director will guide Oak Park Public Library in the next chapter of its shared vision. The Executive Director will be responsible for the organization’s management, effectiveness, sustainability, and growth by stewarding a Leadership Team responsible for Finance & Human Resources, Communications and Development, Facilities, Equity and Anti-Racism, Community Engagement, Social Services and Public Safety, Collections and Technology, Patron Services, Children’s Services, Middle and High School Services, Adult Services and Management. Overall, the Executive Director is responsible for the professional development, encouragement, and leadership of over 130 full-time and part-time staff members and reports to a seven-member elected Board of Trustees.
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Chief Operating Officer: Xiente

Xiente, formerly known as Norris Square Community Alliance, is a nonprofit organization based in Philadelphia, PA in operation for over 40 years. It was founded in 1982 by a group of community women who decided to take control of their neighborhood and provide a safe and healthy environment for their children. Our mission is to transform communities by empowering individuals to achieve social mobility.

Xiente addresses poverty through a holistic approach that includes personalized economic mobility plans for families. Bringing a comprehensive approach to tackling poverty and promoting economic mobility, Xiente offers programs that include early childhood education, youth development programs, financial literacy, workforce development, and housing services.   Two of Xiente’s key programs include:

  • Busesito (The Little Bus), Philadelphia’s first mobile bilingual preschool on wheels designed to bring early childhood education to children throughout different neighborhoods in the city who do not have access to preschool.
  • Prosperity Lab, a comprehensive program that offers a range of economic and social services to help families overcome the barriers that prevent them from achieving financial stability and prosperity and guide them toward middle-class status.

With a diverse workforce of over 120 employees, Xiente’s team reflects the organization’s commitment to inclusivity and community representation. Recently, Xiente was certified as a https://www.greatplacetowork.com/certified-company/7066042, highlighting the organization’s positive and supportive work environment for employees.

Learn more about Xiente at https://www.xiente.org.

The Opportunity

As Xiente moves into its next chapter, the organization is expanding its leadership team with a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and a Chief Operating Officer (COO).

Xiente is seeking a proactive, results-oriented leader to serve as the COO, focusing on enhancing the organization’s strategy and positioning Xiente to meet current and future needs. The COO will work closely with the CFO and CEO to drive Xiente’s strategic direction and operational excellence.

This leader will focus on the following areas:

Organizational Scaling and Efficiency: The COO is expected to leverage extensive experience in scaling and optimizing organizations. This includes collaborating with staff, leadership, and external partners to build on Xiente’s achievements, foster continued growth, and implement robust project management systems across diverse teams.

Strategic Planning: The COO will identify opportunities to enhance Xiente’s community impact and will play a critical role in shaping the organization’s strategic direction. These responsibilities include developing and executing new systems and leveraging best practices to improve operations.

Program Oversight: The COO’s direct reports include the team members managing Xiente’s programs in Education, Family Support, Workforce Development, and Youth Services, along with two Area Directors. The COO will guide and lead program staff to foster a collaborative, results-driven work environment. The team will consistently assess program effectiveness and design new initiatives to meet emerging community needs.

Compliance: This leader will oversee the development, implementation, and monitoring of policies and procedures to ensure Xiente remains compliant with all regulatory requirements and funders’ contractual obligations. This includes partnering with the CFO to ensure accurate financial reporting, adherence to funding guidelines, and maintaining ethical standards in line with governance and legal frameworks.

Community Connection: In addition, the COO should have an ability to develop strong relationships in North Philadelphia, with expertise within similar communities. This connection is crucial for maintaining the core of Xiente’s mission and culture while enhancing productivity and impact.

Leadership and Team Development: The COO will lead with creativity, openness, and flexibility, ensuring team members have the necessary resources and support. They will cultivate a diverse, cohesive team environment that promotes innovation, inclusivity, and accountability. In addition, the COO will lead with compassion, build trust, foster innovation, motivate and support staff, and ensure strong internal communication and collaboration.

Continuous Improvement: The COO will lead efforts to refine strategic priorities, enhance Xiente’s impact, and strengthen its infrastructure. They will drive a culture of continuous improvement, evidence-building, and performance management. To that end, the COO will support teams in achieving program goals, tracking outcomes, and integrating data to enhance impact.
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