Chief Executive Officer

Confidential Chief Executive OfficerChicago, Illinois | National SearchCompensation: Up to $300,000, commensurate with experienceMaven Recruiting & Consulting has been retained to conduct a confidential national search for a Chief Executive Officer to lead a prominent Chicago-based workforce development organization operating at the intersection of workforce development, economic opportunity, employer competitiveness, education, labor, community impact, and public-sector partnership.The organization operates within a highly visible and complex ecosystem of government entities, employers, community-based organizations, education and training partners, workforce stakeholders, funders, and civic leaders.The next CEO will have an opportunity to lead an organization with significant regional impact while strengthening its strategy, infrastructure, financial and operational performance, partnerships, and long-term sustainability.THE OPPORTUNITYThe CEO will provide strategic, operational, financial, and external leadership for the organization while serving as a trusted partner to the Board and key public, private, civic, and community stakeholders.This executive will be expected to balance vision with execution—strengthening internal systems and organizational performance while maintaining the external relationships and public credibility necessary to advance the organization's mission.Key priorities include:Establishing and executing a clear, forward-looking organizational strategyProviding strong financial, operational, grants, compliance, and risk oversightLeading and developing a high-performing executive team and organizational cultureStrengthening systems, infrastructure, data, technology, and performance managementBuilding productive relationships across government, employers, labor, education, philanthropy, and community organizationsAdvancing employer-responsive workforce and economic opportunity strategiesConvening diverse stakeholders around regional workforce prioritiesStrengthening organizational sustainability and diversifying resourcesEnsuring transparency, accountability, measurable outcomes, and public confidenceTHE IDEAL CANDIDATEWe are seeking a credible, politically astute, nonpartisan, and highly collaborative executive leader who brings both strategic vision and strong financial and operational discipline.Competitive candidates will demonstrate significant senior executive leadership within a complex organization, public-purpose enterprise, workforce or economic development system, nonprofit, government, education, human services, employer/talent ecosystem, or similarly regulated and stakeholder-intensive environment.The successful candidate should bring demonstrated experience in several of the following areas:Enterprise-level executive and organizational leadershipFinancial and operational stewardship within a substantial, multi-funder or grant-driven environmentBoard governance and executive-level stakeholder managementPublic-sector, governmental, regulatory, or politically complex environmentsWorkforce development, economic development, education, employer talent, labor, or human servicesOrganizational transformation, change leadership, and senior team developmentEmployer engagement and cross-sector partnership developmentResource development and revenue diversificationPerformance management, accountability, and measurable outcomesPublic communication and regional conveningExperience with WIOA, federally or state-funded workforce programs, workforce boards, American Job Centers, public grants, or similarly regulated funding environments is highly valued.A bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and executive experience is required. An advanced degree is preferred.LEADERSHIP STYLEThe successful CEO will be:Strategic

• Collaborative
• Financially Astute
• Politically Aware
• Operationally Disciplined
• Mission-Driven
• Transparent
• Decisive
• Relationship-OrientedThis individual must be equally comfortable in the boardroom, with public officials, engaging employers and funders, working alongside community partners, and leading internally.COMPENSATIONThe anticipated compensation is competitive and may reach approximately $300,000 for an exceptionally qualified candidate, along with a comprehensive executive benefits package.TO EXPRESS INTERESTThis search is being conducted exclusively by Maven Recruiting & Consulting (MRC).Qualified executives are invited to submit a resume and letter of interest outlining their relevant leadership experience and alignment with the opportunity to: faith@mrcchicago.com.All inquiries, nominations, referrals, and candidate materials will be handled with appropriate discretion and confidentiality.Maven Recruiting & ConsultingExecutive Search | Leadership Recruitment | Talent Advisory