Executive Director

Uniting Pride of Champaign County (UP) is dedicated to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community where LGBTQ+ people are celebrated and supported. Through advocacy, education, cultural events, and direct support, UP works to advance equity and justice for all. We are seeking a dynamic, visionary leader to serve as our next Executive Director and guide the organization into its next chapter of growth and impact.

As the Executive Director, you will serve as the chief executive and leader of Uniting Pride, overseeing daily operations, strategic initiatives, fundraising, staff management, program development, and community outreach, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission and values. This role is ideal for an experienced nonprofit leader who is passionate about LGBTQ+ rights, equity, and justice, and who thrives in community-centered, mission-driven work.

• Organizational Leadership & Strategy:
• Develop and implement a strategic plan in collaboration with the Board to ensure alignment with Uniting Pride’s mission and anti-racist framework.
• Build and maintain relationships with community partners, funders, and stakeholders to amplify impact, and represent Uniting Pride publicly in advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights.
• Lead diversified fundraising efforts (corporate sponsor ships, individual donations, grants, special events, and planned giving) and oversee grant management, ensuring compliance and sustaining funder relationships.
• Manage the organization’s budget with the Finance Committee, Finance & Program Manager, and Board to ensure fiscal accountability and long-term sustainability.
• Provide financial oversight to ensure operational viability and resource development.
• Program Oversight & Evaluation:
• Supervise staff, ensuring effective program and operational delivery and evaluation using data and community feedback.
• Develop and manage program budgets and oversee the development of community education and training programs, ensuring cultural competency and alignment with organizational goals.
• Operations & Administration:
• Ensure compliance with operational policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Manage daily administrative functions, identify challenges, and provide innovative solutions to maintain organizational accountability.
• Board Engagement & Governance:
• Collaborate with the Board to ensure effective governance and provide regular updates and financial summaries.
• Assist in cultivating new Board members and community leaders to strengthen the organization's leadership.
• Community Engagement & Advocacy:
• Develop outreach strategies to engage diverse populations, particularly marginalized communities.
• Represent Uniting Pride in local, state, and national advocacy efforts.
• Supervision & Staff Development:
• Supervise, coach, and evaluate staff to foster an inclusive work culture.
• Ensure that staff and volunteers receive appropriate training and have access to professional development opportunities.

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, public administration, social work, or a related field, with a minimum of 3 years of leadership experience in nonprofit or mission-driven organizations (or equivalent experience).
• Proven success in fundraising, donor cultivation, and grant management.
• Strong financial management skills, including budget development and oversight.
• Demonstrated knowledge of LGBTQ+ issues and a commitment to equity, inclusion, and justice.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and project management skills.
• Experience in advocacy, public policy, and community engagement is preferred.
• Proficiency with financial reporting tools and Google Suite.

• Strong communication and writing skills.
• Ability to work well with diverse or marginalized populations.
• Demonstrated experience managing and leading organizational budgets of at least $100,000, with a strong understanding of nonprofit financial principles, including budgeting, strategic forecasting, and fiscal oversight.
• Proficiency with financial management tools such as Quick Books software, with the ability to interpret financial reports and ensure compliance…