Chief Executive Officer
SkyWater has been retained on behalf of Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) to identify their next President and Chief Executive Officer. Founded in 1867, LSSI is a nearly 160 year old, 1,250 employee nonprofit and the social ministry of the three Illinois synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). As the largest nonprofit social service provider in the state, LSSI operates a $162M budget and serves more than 50,000 individuals each year across more than 60 locations. Its services include foster care, mental health and substance use treatment, affordable senior housing, residential services for people with developmental disabilities, senior home care, and support for families impacted by incarceration.
The President and CEO will direct the planning, organization, and overall service program of LSSI, and will model the organization’s mission, vision, and values through personal example and professional leadership. This person will be a visible, mission-driven leader with strong financial acumen and exceptional communication skills. They will guide the organization through a changing funding environment, including state and federal program changes that affect the many individuals LSSI serves through Medicaid-supported programs.
The President and CEO will be a strategic and inspiring leader who aligns the organization around its mission. Responding to the Gospel, that mission is to bring healing, justice, and wholeness to people and communities. This person will be LSSI’s lead advocate before Illinois legislators, state officials, the ELCA and its three Illinois synods, Lutheran Services in America, and the broader public. They will have a proven track record of leading a complex organization, stewarding resources, and leading change.
Reporting to the Board of Directors and based at the Corporate Support Office in Des Plaines, IL, the President and CEO will lead a senior team of 5 to 8 direct reports. This person has primary responsibility for advancing LSSI’s vision of helping people live their best lives.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development and execution of short and long-term strategic plans that advance LSSI’s mission and align the organization’s services, operations, and resources with its GenCare operating model and four mega-outcomes: dignity, health, well-being, and full potential.
- Establish an accountable administrative structure and develop the Senior Management Team to ensure strong performance across all functional areas and service lines.
- Maintain the organization’s financial strength through effective planning, budgeting, monitoring, and compliance with relevant terms and covenants, providing sound stewardship of a $162M operating budget.
- Anticipate and respond to changes in state and federal funding, including Medicaid, by assessing their impact on programs and pursuing sustainable, diversified revenue strategies.
- Lead fundraising and philanthropic efforts, cultivating relationships with donors, foundations, congregations, and partners to grow support for LSSI’s programs and services.
- Build relationships with Illinois legislators and state officials, and advocate at the state and national level for policies that benefit children, families, people with disabilities, and older adults.
- Serve as LSSI’s primary representative to the ELCA, the three Illinois synods and their bishops, Lutheran Services in America, clergy and congregants, and other key stakeholders and partner organizations.
- Partner with the Board of Directors, keeping them informed and engaged so they can effectively perform their fiduciary and governance duties, and guide the Board and staff in leveraging their collective strengths and expertise to advance organizational goals.
- Serve as a visible leader across more than 60 locations statewide, engaging staff and volunteer leadership as strategic contributors to the organization’s success.
- Foster collaboration, open communication, cultural responsiveness, and a culture of dignity, respect, and integrity across the organization.
- Oversee talent development and succession planning to build leadership depth and ensure continuity across the organization.
- Lead future planning by assessing organizational strengths, proactively mitigating risk, and ensuring programs meet applicable regulatory, licensing, and quality standards.
- Communicate the organization’s vision clearly to internal and external audiences, and partner with stakeholders to implement it.
Desired Skills and Experience
- MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree preferred (e.g., MSW)
- 15 years of progressive management responsibility, including significant experience leading people and organizations
- Strong financial acumen, including experience overseeing budgets, financial planning, and resource stewardship
- Proven fundraising success
- Demonstrated public policy advocacy experience
- Exceptional communication skills and the ability to represent an organization before a diverse set of stakeholders
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation, with willingness to travel statewide and work flexible hours as needed PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS
- Nonprofit management experience, ideally within a human services or social services organization of comparable scale and complexity
- Experience leading organizations that rely on government funding, including Medicaid-supported programs
- Active membership in a Christian congregation, preferably within the ELCA or a full communion partner
- Experience working with faith-based organizations or church-affiliated governance structures
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