Join Our Team as Director Illinois Alliance!

Imagine a place where who you are, where you're from or the circumstances that surround you don’t determine your access to experiences or opportunities. Now imagine a mission, created to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. The Boys & Girls Clubs are making that vision a reality in your community and communities around the world. 

Click here, Working At BGCA, to hear from our President and CEO, Jim Clark, about what makes working at Boys & Girls Club of America (BGCA) so special.

About Us:

At Boys & Girls Clubs of America, we're more than an organization; we're a community dedicated to transforming lives. Our mission is to empower young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. Our HR Mission is to support the success of our employees and strengthen BGCA, while our HR Vision is to attract, develop, recognize, and retain talent, fostering a people-first culture that empowers growth, inclusion, and engagement.

JOB SUMMARY

Under the oversight and supervision of the Board of Directors of the Illinois Alliance, and in cooperation and alignment  with Boys &  Girls Clubs of America, the Director of the Illinois Alliance of BGC is responsible for the hands-on, daily management of the business requirements, to include state and federal funding efforts (grants), private sector grant writing and fundraising efforts, relationship management of state legislators and key state agency partners, and oversight of lobbyists working on behalf of Clubs in Illinois.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Identify and oversee the development of new funding proposals.
• Identify, develop and implement new sources of state funding in collaboration with the Alliance Board, local Clubs and Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
• Coordinate and oversee the work of Alliance lobbyist.
• Ensure the effective operation and delivery of programs within the Illinois State Alliance.
• Provide oversight of all state funded programs in support of the Illinois State Alliance and advise local Club staff of areas of deficiency and provide consultative and technical assistance as needed.
• Hire, train, supervise, evaluate and develop assigned staff according to BGCA’s policies and procedures, consulting with the CHRO and applicable Human Resources staff as indicated.
• Provide leadership in the development and implementation of the State Alliance’s strategic plan, in collaboration with the BGCA Director of Government Relations and the Alliance Board.
• Provide daily management of the State Alliance.
• Establish and monitor adherence to Alliance-related policies and procedures.
• Identify and evaluate opportunities for improvement and implement plans for improvement.
• Enhance, disseminate, collect and report all financial and program management requirements for funds received.
• Develop and implement a regular means of communication on key Alliance actions for local Clubs and Boards.
• Oversee and maintain day-to-day Alliance business processes to include financial reporting, dues collection and reporting, distribution of funds, invoice generation, creation of check requests and by-law requirements, etc.
• Ensure active participation by Alliance board members and support effective Board roles and functioning. Facilitate Board functions, including Board development activities, Board and committee meetings, trainings/retreats and communications to ensure that Board Members are provided with the information and support necessary to fulfill their objectives.
• Develop, implement and monitor the Alliance's annual budget.
• Implement administrative and operational systems to support effective operations.
• Conduct legislative events and grassroots outreach activities and ensure local Club participation in such events.
• Work with state officials, legislatures, coalition partners, lobbyist team and volunteers to support funding and policy efforts.
• Create advocacy pieces, proposals and materials to support legislative and Government Relations strategic plans and the Agenda for America’s Youth.
• Communicate and execute state funding and legislative strategies to constituents and coalition partners.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with key State Government Officials.
• Work with the Alliance Board and local Clubs to develop statewide projects and programs.
• Provide support and appropriate input to the Board of Directors through board meetings and regular communication.
• Act as the figurehead of the organization when communicating with stakeholders, government entities, and the public.
• Negotiate and approve contracts for the organization within the purview of the Alliance operations.
• Develop and uphold the Alliance’s culture and mission/vision.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

• Direct supervision responsibilities over individual contributor(s)

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree required, Master’s Degree or MBA preferred.
  A proven leader with seven or more years of experience or equivalent; generating and managing significant state government and private funds, advocating on public interest issues, analyzing legislation, and working with state officials.

SKILLS

• Must possess strong knowledge of business practices and business acumen.
• Industry knowledge in youth development is helpful.
• Must be knowledgeable in state legislature and processes.
• Must have strong negotiation skills.
• Ability to supervise and manage staff.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

ENVIRONMENTAL & WORKING CONDITIONS

• Normal internal working environment
• Travel estimated at 15% due to occasional need to travel to club locations within the state of Illinois in conjunction with BGCA Government Relations. The individual selected for this position must possess and maintain a valid driver's license with ability to travel by subway, car or airplane.
• Frequent internal contacts with employees throughout organization required.