Executive Director

Job Title:
Executive Director

Reports To:
Board of Directors

A Story of Growth, Legacy, and Leadership: The Next Chapter at CCR

For more than forty-five years, the Center for Conflict Resolution (CCR) has stood as a trusted bridge in moments of tension and transformation, a place where dialogue replaces division and communities rediscover their shared humanity. Guided by a mission to help individuals, communities, courts, and other institutions manage and resolve conflict, CCR operates with clarity, collaboration, inclusivity, personal accountability, and a commitment to shared success, ensuring its work remains both community-centered and transformative.

Now, as CCR turns the page toward a new chapter, the organization is poised for a season of growth and innovation. With a talented team, a deeply engaged board, and a new
Executive Director
soon to take the helm, CCR is ready to expand its reach and strengthen its business model while staying true to the values and cultural infrastructure that have made it a cornerstone of Chicago's civic and social fabric.

The next
Executive Director
will step into this moment not to start anew, but to build upon a legacy. They will be a steward of CCR's culture and an architect of its future leader who understands that preserving the heart of an organization is as essential as innovating its systems. This is someone who thrives on balancing the art of mission with the science of management:

• A leader who champions equity, inclusion, and belonging across the organization

• A bridge-builder with business acumen

• A visionary grounded in empathy

As CCR grows, its next leader will harness that momentum to:

• Diversify revenue streams

• Deepen relationships with funders and donors

• Cultivate new partnerships that strengthen the organization's financial sustainability

They will lead with authenticity, inspiring confidence among staff, volunteers, board members, and community partners alike. At the same time, they will hold space for reflection, protecting the culture of belonging, collaboration, and care that makes CCR's work so transformative.

This moment calls for a leader who can navigate both head and heart, someone who sees fundraising not simply as a financial act, but as an extension of:

• Storytelling

• Trust-building

• Community engagement

They will elevate CCR's profile as an advocate for equitable access to mediation and conflict resolution, ensuring that every dollar raised translates into deeper impact for the people and communities CCR serves.

The new
Executive Director
will inherit a strong, fiscally sound, operationally stable, and widely respected organization and will have the freedom to envision what comes next, including:

• New training offerings

• Expanded partnerships with courts and new markets

• Community-based initiatives that make mediation more accessible than ever

With that comes the opportunity to shape CCR's strategy for years to come, ensuring that its growth honors its roots and that innovation never comes at the expense of integrity.

If you are a leader who sees possibility, values legacy as much as progress, and who connects strategic thinking with human-centered leadership, with a demonstrated commitment to advancing equity and cultivating inclusive environments, CCR invites you to bring your vision to this next chapter. Together, we can expand what is possible when dialogue leads the way.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal
Executive Director
will bring a blend of strategic vision, operational expertise, and relational leadership, along with a deep appreciation for the transformative power of dialogue and mediation.

They will:

• Be a bridge-builder and listener who values transparency and collaborative leadership

• Bring strong business and financial acumen to guide CCR's growth responsibly

• Demonstrate a proven track record of fundraising success and donor engagement

• Lead with empathy, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to CCR's
Core Values

• Prioritize equity, inclusion, and social and economic justice as a lens for all decision-making

• Balance big-picture strategy with a grounded understanding of day-to-day operations

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred

• 10+ years of nonprofit experience with at least 5 years in senior leadership or executive roles

• Experience advancing DEI principles across culture, programs, or partnerships

• Strong knowledge of nonprofit financial management, governance, and compliance

• Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution experience is preferred

• Proven ability to lead teams, navigate political and organizational systems, and inspire collaboration

• Knowledge of the Cook County court system preferred

• Ability to serve as a visible advocate for the organization, its staff, clients, and programmatic work

• Demonstrated success in fundraising and resource development across government sources, grants, and individual donors

Size and Scope of Organization

• $2.4M budget

• 30 staff, 200+ volunteers

• 24-member Board of Directors; 10–15-member Auxiliary Board

• 15,000+ mediation clients served annually (primarily pro bono)

• 2,500 cases managed each year, with approximately 70% court-referred

• Strong non-court programming, including group/community facilitation and youth-focused restorative justice work

• 1,100+ training participants annually in conflict management and customized workshops

Hours, Benefits, and Salary

This is a full-time position with benefits. The schedule requires some flexibility, including mornings, evenings, and occasional weekends.
Salary: $130,000/year.

CCR offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance (BCBSIL)

• 401(k) with employer match

• Life insurance

• Professional development opportunities

• Paid Cook County holidays

• Additional paid time off and organizational benefits

To Apply:
Please submit your resume and a letter of interest describing your leadership philosophy and alignment with CCR's mission.

CCR is an Equal Opportunity Employer