Executive Director; Part-Time

Part-Time, Exempt, Remote, Based in Metro Chicago

Cultural Access Collaborative ("The Collab"), formerly Chicago Cultural Accessibility Consortium, believes everyone deserves access to arts and culture. Since 2013, the organization has provided professional development, tools, and community-building to help Illinois cultural spaces become more accessible to visitors with disabilities. The Collab is now a statewide Illinois nonprofit with a volunteer‑led Steering Committee and Board, a $130,000 annual budget, and major support from foundations, public agencies, and individual donors.

Previously led entirely by dedicated volunteers, we are now at an exciting transition point as we hire our first staff member to guide our organization’s growth and deepen our impact.

Learn more about The Collab: www.

Cultural Access Collab .org.

The Executive Director will be The Collab’s first employee and primary staff leader. This is a part‑time position reporting directly to the Board of Directors, working in close partnership with the existing Board, Executive Committee, Steering Committee volunteers, and contracted support to provide strategic leadership, manage day‑to‑day operations, sustain and grow The Collab’s programs, and build the financial foundation necessary for long‑term impact across Illinois’s cultural sector.

This is a unique opportunity for a mission‑driven leader who is energized by building systems, cultivating community, and helping drive systemic change in Illinois arts and cultural organizations. We are seeking a self‑motivated leader interested in co‑creation and growing their career alongside our organization. The ideal candidate is open to potentially transitioning into a full‑time role down the road.

The Executive Director will work closely with the Board, volunteers, and contracted service providers to accomplish these responsibilities, with priorities established collaboratively with the Board based on organizational capacity and strategic goals. The Board and Steering Committee Members are engaged partners.

• Lead and support The Collab’s existing volunteers, contractors, and partners in advancing the organization’s mission, programs, and strategic goals.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the Board, Steering Committee, and volunteer community, fostering collaboration and clear communication.
• Strengthen and grow The Collab’s network across Illinois’ arts and cultural communities, with support from volunteers and Board.
• Guide The Collab’s transition to a more sustainable operational model while honoring its collaborative, grassroots culture.
• Implement Board‑approved priorities and provide regular updates and recommendations.

• The Executive Director, with significant support from a contracted coordinator and volunteers, will:
  • Oversee and coordinate the professional development program with support from Steering Committee Members, including workshops, webinars, convenings, and training opportunities for cultural organization staff and leadership across Illinois.
  • Oversee the management of the equipment loan program, including inventory tracking, borrower agreements, scheduling, maintenance coordination, and policies.
• Recruit, coordinate, and support volunteers who assist with program delivery.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and develop recommendations to strengthen and expand offerings.
• Cultivate relationships with cultural organizations statewide to identify emerging professional development needs.

• In partnership with Board, develop and execute a fundraising strategy, including individual and corporate donors, and fundraising events. Assess the suitability of various fundraising methods, including events, on an ongoing basis.
• Manage the annual budget in coordination with the Board Treasurer and contracted Bookkeeper, monitoring income and expenses against projections.
• Coordinate grant research, writing, and reporting consultants. Cultivate relationships with foundations and government funders.

Ensure compliance with all financial, tax, and…