3-5 years of senior nonprofit leadership experience
Proven experience in revenue growth and fundraising
Experience with grant writing and corporate/government funding
Strong Board-level communication skills
Bachelor's degree in relevant field required; Master's preferred
Bilingual English/German preferred
Responsibilities
Serve as the primary public spokesperson for DANK, fostering relationships in the community
Set organizational strategy and monitor performance alongside the Board
Drive revenue growth and diversify income streams for DANK Haus
Cultivate and close major gifts and corporate partnerships
Own HR strategy and foster positive organizational culture
Maintain accountability for compliance and departmental support
Develop strategic direction for cultural programming with departmental leaders
Benefits
401k
Medical/Dental/Vision Coverage
Life/Disability Insurance
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Free language classes
Full Job Description
PLEASE DO NOT APPLY HERE: Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter to jobs(at)dankhaus.com with "Executive Director" as the subject.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership
Serve as the primary public spokesperson for the organization, initiating and fostering relationships within the German-American and wider community in Chicago and beyond.
Represent and communicate DANK's mission, vision, and strategic goals.
Set organizational strategy in partnership with the Board and monitor & evaluate the organization's overall performance and impact against that strategy.
Make data-driven decisions to improve the organization's effectiveness, drawing on input from all departments.
Engage frequently with DANK's Skyline Cycle members & the broader community, including growing & fostering new members.
Revenue Generation & Financial Management
Serve as DANK Haus's chief fundraiser and the lead driver of organizational revenue growth and new opportunities.
Set strategy to grow and diversify revenue across DANK Haus's core lines of business - including facility rentals and events, the Language School, and philanthropic giving - while delegating day-to-day sales and administration to department leads.
Personally cultivate, solicit, and close major gifts, grants, sponsorships, and corporate partnerships.
Set the strategic direction and guidance for DANK Haus's budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation, aligning priorities across department leads.
Review and hold department leads accountable for their budgets and ensure the organization's overall financial sustainability, in partnership with the Board.
Human Resources
Own HR strategy, organizational structure, and culture; delegate day-to-day supervision of staff and volunteers to department leads.
Set staffing plans with the Board, and approve key hiring, compensation, and performance decisions.
Foster a positive, inclusive, and accountable organizational culture.
Board Relations
Partner with the Board on strategic priorities and policies.
Provide regular updates on organizational health and progress, including risks and mitigation strategies.
Support Board recruitment, development, and meetings.
Organizational Oversight, Program Development, and Management
Maintain ultimate accountability for performance and legal/regulatory/ethical compliance; ensure every department has the clarity, resources, and support to execute DANK's strategic priorities.
Set the strategic vision for Language School and Cultural Programming with Language School Director and Museum Director on strategy implementation, & financial metrics.
Hybrid role: High degree of self-motivation and time-management skills to effectively balance independent tasks at home with team management in the office.
REQUIREMENTS Years of Experience and Working Knowledge
Minimum of 3-5 years of senior nonprofit leadership/executive director-level experience, including revenue growth, staff management, and fundraising,
Grant writing, corporate/government funding, and Board-level communication experience preferred.
Education, Licenses, and Certifications
Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, business, finance, operations, or related field, or equivalent experience required.
Master's degree and fundraising- or project management-related certification preferred.
Skills and Abilities
Strong business/financial acumen, leadership, negotiation, and communication skills, with a track record of financial growth, process improvement and change management.
Strategic thinker, self-motivated, hands-on, and comfortable leading through transition.
Bilingual English/German preferred; able to work occasional evenings/weekends, and legally authorized to work in the U.S.
SALARY/ BENEFITS
$90,000 - $125,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Benefits package includes 401k, Medical/Dental/Vision Coverage, Life/Disability Insurance, PTO, and free language classes.
PLEASE DO NOT APPLY HERE: Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter to jobs(at)dankhaus.com with "Executive Director" as the subject.
