JOB DESCRIPTION
Title: Director of the Center for Nonprofit Excellence
Status: Salaried, Full-time
Potential for hybrid work
Founded in 2008, the Center for Nonprofit Excellence is committed to helping East Central
Illinois nonprofits and their boards to be as effective as possible. We facilitate collaboration
and sharing of best practices that result in a strong, vibrant nonprofit sector.
POSITION SUMMARY
Reporting to the President and CEO, this position leads the Community Foundation of East Central
Illinois (CFECI)’s efforts to support East Central Illinois nonprofits and their boards to be as
effective as possible, connecting organizations with training, information, support and funding
opportunities to their capacity for impact. The primary purpose of the Center is to support
nonprofits in CFECI’s service area, including Champaign, Coles, Douglas, Edgar, Ford, Iroquois,
Moultrie, Piatt, and Vermilion Counties, by providing access to trainings and board workshops,
promoting nonprofit collaboration through peer circles and information sharing, and supporting
emerging nonprofits.
The Director is responsible for strategically engaging community stakeholders to share their
knowledge and enhance the Foundation’s current programming. They are the primary point person
for the Center leading the current programming for nonprofit organizations and their boards, while
also expanding this initiative to include programming for newer nonprofit leaders looking for
support.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
INFORMATION & CONNECTION
• Assists nonprofit organizations by serving as a resource for information and opportunities,
and providing appropriate referrals
• Provides one-on-one support to nonprofit leaders as needed and as available
• Records interactions and contact information in C-Suite CRM
TRAINING & MEETING FACILITATION
• Works with President and CEO to further the mission of the Foundation by providing
services to nonprofits such as board development, board roles and responsibilities, periodic
strategy sessions and other programs of assistance
• Plans, schedules, develops content, and coordinates presenters for programs under the
Center for Nonprofit Excellence umbrella, including Board Bootcamp, Executive Director
Leadership Network meetings, Foundational Fundraising, and the Community Solutions
Incubator
• Coordinates training and educational opportunities to educate and support nonprofit staff and board members, documenting these interactions and engagements in the C-Suite CRM; develops and executes an annual training calendar for the Center for Nonprofit Excellence
PROGRAM EVALUATION & OVERSIGHT
• Surveys nonprofit partners and conducts regular assessments to determine needs and strategic areas of improvement to programming
• Prepares written progress reports and updates on Center for Nonprofit Excellence activities to the Board of Trustees, advisory group and other stakeholders
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
• Moderates Social Media channels, including Community Foundation of East Central Illinois’ Facebook page (public), and Center for Nonprofit Excellence and Community Solutions Incubator Facebook (private groups)
• Writes content and sends bi-monthly Nonprofit News e-newsletter to nonprofit partners promoting upcoming opportunities and spotlighting partner nonprofits
• Updates content on cfeci.org web site.
• Develops social media posts (Facebook, LinkedIn) to promote CFECI and the programs offered through the Center for Nonprofit Excellence and Community Solutions Incubator
• Creates additional marketing collateral materials as needed to promote donor, professional advisor, and nonprofit initiatives
VOLUNTEER COORDINATION & MANAGEMENT
• Recruits and supervises University of Illinois interns and Action/Service Learning classes to enhance and expand efforts in program evaluation and nonprofit sector data analytics
• Recruits Center for Nonprofit Excellence advisory group and seeks their consultation on Center for direction and areas for improvement
• Recruits Community Solutions Incubator volunteer mentor team
QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area (Social Work, Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, Public Policy, Community Services or related fields)
• Knowledge of laws, standards, and best practices as they relate to nonprofit organizations and community foundations
• Knowledge of the nonprofit sector in general
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong understanding of the nonprofit field, and interest in developing the capacity of its leaders
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to relate well to the public
• Proven organizational and problem-solving skills
• Initiative and the ability to work independently
• Ability and willingness to meet with appropriate community leaders
• Leadership and motivational skills
• Innovative skills and the ability to think creatively
• Significant computer skills, including proficiency with appropriate software
• Ability and willingness to work with professionals in the accounting, estate planning, and trust fields
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability and willingness to travel on behalf of CFECI to train nonprofits, attend conferences, workshops, and other related events
• Ability and willingness to attend community events
• Availability for occasional evening and weekend hours to attend events
• Live within east central Illinois as defined by the CFECI
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds; must be able to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time; travel throughout the Foundation’s service area
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Advanced degree preferred
• Experience working in or starting a nonprofit organization
• Knowledge of the local nonprofit ecosystem
• Knowledge of and experience in meeting facilitation and/or educational pedagogy
Competitive salary, 3% Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) plan contribution per year by the Foundation, and paid vacation and holiday time.
Applicants should submit a cover letter, their resume, and three references (names, phone number and email addresses) to Allison@cfeci.org by midnight on October 31.