Executive Director

Organization Overview

Literacy Works’ mission is to advance equity by promoting literacy education and the use of clear language. Founded on principles of popular education, nonprofit Literacy Works supports adult literacy education and communication equity through our Community Literacy and Clear Language Lab programs.

We stand as a key resource to community-based literacy programs, providing low-cost, high quality educational guidance and support. Literacy Works serves as a central source of professional development, networking, and peer learning for programs in Illinois and across the country.

As educators, we believe that access to information is essential for a just society. Our Clear Language Lab offers training, consulting, and coaching services to nonprofit and governmental organizations in a variety of sectors. We work with organizations across the country to make their communications more clear, accessible, and equitable.

To learn more, visit: litworks.org

Literacy Works is seeking a strategic leader who will build on the strong reputation and success of the organization to date and continue to grow its impact. With an annual budget of $500K+, the new executive director will lead a talented team of staff and volunteers in a remote environment based in and around the Chicagoland area. While fundraising and team leadership experience is a must, prior organizational leadership experience is not required.

• Experience in or exposure to nonprofit
• 5+ years’ experience of strategic team management (must include some direct supervisory experience)
  Proven experience leading teams using equity-based frameworks, including experience with or openness to collaborative leadership and decision‑making approaches
• Demonstrated success leading comprehensive fundraising efforts that center authentic relationship building and long‑term donor partnerships
  Bachelor’s degree (advanced degree is a plus)
• Experience successfully navigating technology (including shared drives, virtual meetings, and other collaborative tools) and building organizational culture in a hybrid or remote setting

• Experience in or exposure to adult education, literacy, or plain language fields
• Advocacy and/or coalition building experience
• Direct service experience
• Understanding of member‑based organizations

Mission-focused - you have an authentic commitment to the mission and values of Literacy Works and the people and organizations that it serves. Literacy Works values:

We center humans over systems
We cultivate joy
We are all teachers and learners
We prioritize access to education and information
We challenge oppression
We respond to the needs of our community
Values-oriented builder - you have the desire to build and grow Literacy Works programming, including the fee‑for‑service offerings, while maintaining our organizational integrity, identity, and values.

Internal communication and relationship building - you lead with collaboration and trust, supporting staff to leverage their impressive skills and strengths as a team, providing guidance without micromanaging

External communication and relationship building - you have the skills to be a formidable spokesperson for Literacy Works, elevating the profile of the organization, raising and diversifying funding, while also building partnerships supporting adult education and plain language issues.

• Articulate Literacy Works’ vision and unique value proposition, working with staff and board to develop long-and short-term goals and strategies to achieve aligned outcomes benefit ting clients and membership organizations
• Support staff in implementing goals, responding to the needs of clients and member organizations, and designing and implementing high-quality programs, trainings, and deliverables within the Community Literacy and Clear Language Lab programs
• Monitor, evaluate, and guide the adjustment of strategies as needed

• Serve as the lead fundraiser for Literacy Works, which currently has an annual goal of $500K+ and a desire to grow and diversify revenue (in…