Oak Park River Forest Infant Welfare Society - Executive Director
Oak Park, IL
Full Time
Senior Executive
MISSION
The Oak Park River Forest Infant Welfare Society is a diverse member-driven organization with an abiding commitment to assuring the health and well-being of children.
BACKGROUND
The Oak Park River Forest Infant Welfare Society (“IWS”) has positively impacted the lives of thousands of children and families for 118 years. It is a volunteer-driven organization committed to unlocking the potential of every child, with the continued generous support of the community, volunteers, and donors. The work of IWS is powered by dedicated members and volunteers, a highly competent professional staff, generous donors, engaged partners and enlightened communities who share the view that sustaining the health of our children is a critical investment in the future.
IWS, a membership organization formed in 1916 by a group of visionary women who wanted to help support impoverished mothers and their infants by providing clean milk and well-baby services via a “milk station,” the early term for a clinic. This was at a time when the infant mortality rate was alarmingly high and uncontaminated milk was not readily available to the poor. Members are attracted to the opportunity to provide meaningful service to the community with a focus on the well-being of children. Members support the IWS Children’s Clinic and raise funds by organizing circles of volunteers comprised of roughly 20 women in each circle who create, plan, and implement fundraising events to help keep “the well-baby well.”
IWS provides a safety net to the more than 3,500 children served each year with more than 10,000 visits to the IWS Children’s Clinic. The IWS Children’s Clinic cares for children from birth to 21 years of age. Services provided include pediatric, dental, behavioral health and other programs such as Portable Dental program providing limited preventative services in a school setting, Giving Library gifting new or gently used books, Pet Therapy and Seasonal activities, health education programming and additional services to support patients and families.
The children that come to the Children’s Clinic are struggling with the challenges of poverty. Many are suffering from adverse childhood experiences that affect not only their overall health, but their everyday lives. In addition to the stressors of poverty, many children also struggle with challenges such as language barriers, discrimination, undocumented status, special needs, non-traditional homes, abuse, neglect, and living in neighborhoods filled with gangs and violence. These experiences are proven to negatively impact mental, emotional, and social well-being.
In terms of race and ethnicity, 56% of patients are Hispanic, 27% are African American and 12% are Caucasian. Patients come from 26 different communities with the majority coming from West Cook and Du Page County suburban communities. 24% are from the City of Chicago, with the largest number coming from the contiguous Austin community. Most patients (91%) are enrolled in Illinois’ All Kids Assist Medicaid or Medicaid Managed Care and the rest pay for services on a modest sliding fee scale, but care is always provided regardless of ability to pay.
The Society is governed by a 17-member Board of Directors, comprised of IWS members and civic leaders, who oversee the fiscal, operational, and strategic health of the organization. The Auxiliary Board is an active fundraising body.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Since taking the helm in 2016, the outgoing Executive Director, in tandem with the Board, has increased assets and revenues from $1.7M to $2.5M. The new leader will inherit a financially stable organization with excellent programming and will have the opportunity to further increase funding through various channels. Fundraising through grants, public funding, as well as increasing gifts from current donors and attracting new donors in support of new initiatives is key. There is an ongoing need to examine ways to increase subsidies for the Clinic’s fee for service model to bridge the gap of funding from the state of Illinois.
On March 2, 2022, the IWS moved all operations to a new building – fulfilling a multi-year sustainability strategy that was necessary to ensure the future of the organization. In the new, larger, more functional space, IWS now has a new home for the Children’s Clinic as well as community and programmatic space. The new facility brings the opportunity to serve greater numbers of children and to expand programming.
The new leader will work with the Board, members, and consultants to identify programs that will add value to the community. Overseeing a growth strategy and building the necessary infrastructure to support mission expansion will include developing strategic partnerships and alliances with other providers.
In order to expand programs and create greater impact, it may be necessary to update several important facets of the organization including the membership component that historically has been a pillar of IWS’s corporate structure, the brand and potentially the name of the organization to reflect the work of the organization today. While there has been a decline in membership, the organization continues to be reliant on this legacy program. There is a desire to create ways to engage younger members and volunteers which may require shifting the culture away from a membership model to one that appeals to a broader community. Handling the potential shift in a manner that honors the achievements of the members and volunteers over more than 118 years is essential for future success.
There is a need to formalize the approach to recruitment to create greater diversity in the organization. A part of this effort will likely entail building consensus around a clearer definition of the role members as well as volunteers. The goal is to fuel engagement and fundraising through connections in the community and beyond. Further clarification of the relationship between IWS and the Clinic as well as roles and responsibilities of members versus volunteers could be helpful. Leading a process that results in greater clarity about the key driver of the organization will be necessary prior to determining future strategies.
Much of the focus for past executive directors has been on supporting membership and providing high level oversight to the Clinic. To grow with the needs of today’s families, and with the planned transition of the current Executive Director, the opportunity now exists for a dynamic leader to lead a well-respected organization that supports exceptional programming and ensure continued financial viability and providing best-in-class care to participants.
THE POSITION
The ideal candidate will have a vision and commitment to the goal of serving the health needs of low-income children. Knowledge of the current healthcare regulatory environment as it pertains to pediatric health, electronic record and wellness programs for children and families in Illinois is desirable. Bilingual, English/Spanish speaking preferred.
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will provide strategic, creative, collaborative leadership to achieve the organization’s mission of engaging the community in advancing the health and well-being of children. The Executive Director will have leadership over IWS and its future. This will include oversight of programs, staff, members, volunteers, financial operations, institutional development, and human resources. It is of utmost importance to create a culture that embraces change and openness to strategies that will support attracting a broader base of supporters and volunteers.
The Executive Director will strengthen existing programs and creatively pursue strategic opportunities to further serve community needs in a new and ever-changing health care landscape all while maintaining high quality programs. The Executive Director will be committed to nurturing, mentoring, and motivating paid staff, members and volunteers. Although components of these responsibilities may be delegated, the ultimate responsibility is that of the Executive Director.
The new leader will be responsible for brand management and building organizational awareness of IWS. They will oversee the strategy for IWS, and will direct development of IWS, fundraising, recruiting, activities and programs. Managing all human resource functions, the leader will spearhead membership activities, communications, program development and will manage and grow strategic partnerships.
The Executive Director currently has nine direct reports including Medical Director, Dental Director, Clinic Director, Grants & Outreach Director, Director of Office & Information Services, Director of Development, Director of Marketing, Social Worker and a contracted accountant, and is ultimately responsible for approximately 30 full and part-time employees from physicians and dentists to support staff. The Executive Director may alter the leadership structure to better serve the organization and will ensure the availability of expert human resources counsel as needed.
CORE COMPETENCIES
LEADERSHIP
INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT/FUNDRAISING/COMMUNITY OUTREACH
ADMINISTRATION/FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY
PROGRAM OVERSIGHT AND DEVELOPMENT
THE PROFILE
IWS seeks to hire a dynamic self-starter, highly experienced leader, and manager with demonstrated vision and passion for the well-being of children. Demonstrated accomplishments in fundraising, including securing major and planned gifts from individual donors and securing grants from foundations, corporations and the public sector is required. A successful track record of strong, inclusive leadership to facilitate open communication that will harmonize staff, the Board, members, volunteers, and the other constituents with whom they will interface, is sought.
Experience in a senior leadership role where they have either reported directly to or worked closely with a Board of Directors or equivalent governing body is expected. A demonstrated record of innovation and growth in the healthcare field is desired. Experience with volunteer, or member-driven organizations would be ideal. We seek individuals with knowledge of business and financial principles applicable to nonprofit organizations, including development, fundraising and budget management.
The person we seek should demonstrate a balance between creative thinking and management acumen as well as the ability to assess and maintain policies and procedures for moving an organization to a new level of excellence. Qualified candidates will have exceptional interpersonal skills and will be able to relate to all constituencies. They will have the ability and desire to cultivate strong working relationships with community groups. Experience in, or commitment to, diversity, equity, access, and inclusion (DEAI) among internal and external stakeholders is expected.
The successful candidate will have significant financial management experience. An understanding of business principles applied to a nonprofit enterprise, including a background of good budget management, is necessary.
We seek an exceptional communicator who can demonstrate a successful background in external relations, including experience speaking with the media in a variety of situations.
Personnel management skills that include an ability to work collaboratively, listen, provide feedback, build morale, delegate, “roll up one’s sleeves” and make decisions are essential. An experienced teambuilder with high emotional intelligence, and a demonstrated track record of attracting and retaining paid and volunteer talent is essential to ensure successful organizational evolution.
Master’s Degree (or equivalent experience) required, with a focus in a health-related field such as nursing, public health, health administration, etc.
SALARY & BENEFITS
$130,000 - $150,000 plus competitive benefits, including medical and dental insurance.
Paid time off and paid holidays. Flexible work environment
The Oak Park River Forest Infant Welfare Society is a diverse member-driven organization with an abiding commitment to assuring the health and well-being of children.
BACKGROUND
The Oak Park River Forest Infant Welfare Society (“IWS”) has positively impacted the lives of thousands of children and families for 118 years. It is a volunteer-driven organization committed to unlocking the potential of every child, with the continued generous support of the community, volunteers, and donors. The work of IWS is powered by dedicated members and volunteers, a highly competent professional staff, generous donors, engaged partners and enlightened communities who share the view that sustaining the health of our children is a critical investment in the future.
IWS, a membership organization formed in 1916 by a group of visionary women who wanted to help support impoverished mothers and their infants by providing clean milk and well-baby services via a “milk station,” the early term for a clinic. This was at a time when the infant mortality rate was alarmingly high and uncontaminated milk was not readily available to the poor. Members are attracted to the opportunity to provide meaningful service to the community with a focus on the well-being of children. Members support the IWS Children’s Clinic and raise funds by organizing circles of volunteers comprised of roughly 20 women in each circle who create, plan, and implement fundraising events to help keep “the well-baby well.”
IWS provides a safety net to the more than 3,500 children served each year with more than 10,000 visits to the IWS Children’s Clinic. The IWS Children’s Clinic cares for children from birth to 21 years of age. Services provided include pediatric, dental, behavioral health and other programs such as Portable Dental program providing limited preventative services in a school setting, Giving Library gifting new or gently used books, Pet Therapy and Seasonal activities, health education programming and additional services to support patients and families.
The children that come to the Children’s Clinic are struggling with the challenges of poverty. Many are suffering from adverse childhood experiences that affect not only their overall health, but their everyday lives. In addition to the stressors of poverty, many children also struggle with challenges such as language barriers, discrimination, undocumented status, special needs, non-traditional homes, abuse, neglect, and living in neighborhoods filled with gangs and violence. These experiences are proven to negatively impact mental, emotional, and social well-being.
In terms of race and ethnicity, 56% of patients are Hispanic, 27% are African American and 12% are Caucasian. Patients come from 26 different communities with the majority coming from West Cook and Du Page County suburban communities. 24% are from the City of Chicago, with the largest number coming from the contiguous Austin community. Most patients (91%) are enrolled in Illinois’ All Kids Assist Medicaid or Medicaid Managed Care and the rest pay for services on a modest sliding fee scale, but care is always provided regardless of ability to pay.
The Society is governed by a 17-member Board of Directors, comprised of IWS members and civic leaders, who oversee the fiscal, operational, and strategic health of the organization. The Auxiliary Board is an active fundraising body.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Since taking the helm in 2016, the outgoing Executive Director, in tandem with the Board, has increased assets and revenues from $1.7M to $2.5M. The new leader will inherit a financially stable organization with excellent programming and will have the opportunity to further increase funding through various channels. Fundraising through grants, public funding, as well as increasing gifts from current donors and attracting new donors in support of new initiatives is key. There is an ongoing need to examine ways to increase subsidies for the Clinic’s fee for service model to bridge the gap of funding from the state of Illinois.
On March 2, 2022, the IWS moved all operations to a new building – fulfilling a multi-year sustainability strategy that was necessary to ensure the future of the organization. In the new, larger, more functional space, IWS now has a new home for the Children’s Clinic as well as community and programmatic space. The new facility brings the opportunity to serve greater numbers of children and to expand programming.
The new leader will work with the Board, members, and consultants to identify programs that will add value to the community. Overseeing a growth strategy and building the necessary infrastructure to support mission expansion will include developing strategic partnerships and alliances with other providers.
In order to expand programs and create greater impact, it may be necessary to update several important facets of the organization including the membership component that historically has been a pillar of IWS’s corporate structure, the brand and potentially the name of the organization to reflect the work of the organization today. While there has been a decline in membership, the organization continues to be reliant on this legacy program. There is a desire to create ways to engage younger members and volunteers which may require shifting the culture away from a membership model to one that appeals to a broader community. Handling the potential shift in a manner that honors the achievements of the members and volunteers over more than 118 years is essential for future success.
There is a need to formalize the approach to recruitment to create greater diversity in the organization. A part of this effort will likely entail building consensus around a clearer definition of the role members as well as volunteers. The goal is to fuel engagement and fundraising through connections in the community and beyond. Further clarification of the relationship between IWS and the Clinic as well as roles and responsibilities of members versus volunteers could be helpful. Leading a process that results in greater clarity about the key driver of the organization will be necessary prior to determining future strategies.
Much of the focus for past executive directors has been on supporting membership and providing high level oversight to the Clinic. To grow with the needs of today’s families, and with the planned transition of the current Executive Director, the opportunity now exists for a dynamic leader to lead a well-respected organization that supports exceptional programming and ensure continued financial viability and providing best-in-class care to participants.
THE POSITION
The ideal candidate will have a vision and commitment to the goal of serving the health needs of low-income children. Knowledge of the current healthcare regulatory environment as it pertains to pediatric health, electronic record and wellness programs for children and families in Illinois is desirable. Bilingual, English/Spanish speaking preferred.
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will provide strategic, creative, collaborative leadership to achieve the organization’s mission of engaging the community in advancing the health and well-being of children. The Executive Director will have leadership over IWS and its future. This will include oversight of programs, staff, members, volunteers, financial operations, institutional development, and human resources. It is of utmost importance to create a culture that embraces change and openness to strategies that will support attracting a broader base of supporters and volunteers.
The Executive Director will strengthen existing programs and creatively pursue strategic opportunities to further serve community needs in a new and ever-changing health care landscape all while maintaining high quality programs. The Executive Director will be committed to nurturing, mentoring, and motivating paid staff, members and volunteers. Although components of these responsibilities may be delegated, the ultimate responsibility is that of the Executive Director.
The new leader will be responsible for brand management and building organizational awareness of IWS. They will oversee the strategy for IWS, and will direct development of IWS, fundraising, recruiting, activities and programs. Managing all human resource functions, the leader will spearhead membership activities, communications, program development and will manage and grow strategic partnerships.
The Executive Director currently has nine direct reports including Medical Director, Dental Director, Clinic Director, Grants & Outreach Director, Director of Office & Information Services, Director of Development, Director of Marketing, Social Worker and a contracted accountant, and is ultimately responsible for approximately 30 full and part-time employees from physicians and dentists to support staff. The Executive Director may alter the leadership structure to better serve the organization and will ensure the availability of expert human resources counsel as needed.
CORE COMPETENCIES
LEADERSHIP
- Proactively lead IWS and affiliated programs.
- Lead the Strategic Planning process and develop a reporting mechanism showing progress toward performance (e.g. Dashboard Model) and other information needed for the Board to make informed decisions.
- Build an internal culture that results in a nimble, forward thinking, cohesive organization while honoring the past.
- Develop Board agendas in concert with the President.
- Partner with IWS Leadership in developing, training, managing, and inspiring a robust volunteer base.
- Ensure that members are informed, engaged, supported and heard.
- Partner with the Board, existing members, and the community to strengthen and grow the membership.
- Serve as liaison and effectively communicate and maintain positive working relationships with IWS Board, members, staff, providers, donors, strategic partners, government agencies and community members.
INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT/FUNDRAISING/COMMUNITY OUTREACH
- Strengthen fundraising efforts, with a focus on growing major individual giving, to assure long term sustainability.
- Lead the creation and implementation of an Endowment Campaign.
- Assume a leadership role in donor relations and cultivation, personally securing contributions, as well as leading broader solicitation initiatives.
- Oversee the development, marketing, implementation, and evaluation of IWS fundraising events, annual fund, and other development campaigns in collaboration with Board Committee and staff.
- Identify and pursue new sources of funding, including public, foundation, corporate, and individual donors, and overseeing completion of grant applications.
- Build a brand awareness campaign including development and implementation of a marketing plan.
- Serve as a spokesperson for IWS and effectively represent its goals and mission to attract the widest interest and support.
ADMINISTRATION/FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY
- Lead the budget development process and report proposed budget and key changes to the Board. Lead the implementation and management of the operating plans and budgets adopted by the Board.
- Make recommendations to the Board regarding budget forecasting, program financial performance and any necessary adjustments to the budget.
- Liaison to external accounting provider. Analyze and interpret monthly financials to the Board.
- Oversee the annual audit process with external accounting provider and auditor.
- Identify, evaluate, and research solutions for new technology.
- Oversee mortgage and other loan vehicles. Manage renewals of all contracts.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations for the Society and its programs.
- Provide contract administration for IWS and its programs with government, agencies vendors and partners.
PROGRAM OVERSIGHT AND DEVELOPMENT
- Proactively lead IWS programs including the Children’s Clinic and other OPRF IWS programs to provide excellent service.
- Apply critical thinking, innovative planning, and problem-solving skills to develop programs in a challenging healthcare environment while providing oversight of existing programs.
- Collaborate with other non-profits agencies and IWS members in the design and implementation of new programming.
- Ensure an environment that is welcoming, thriving and engaging for patients.
- Conceive, fund, and implement new IWS programs both at the Children’s Clinic and in the community.
- Develop and implement an ongoing evaluation program.
- Identify, finance and recruit management of new programming.
THE PROFILE
IWS seeks to hire a dynamic self-starter, highly experienced leader, and manager with demonstrated vision and passion for the well-being of children. Demonstrated accomplishments in fundraising, including securing major and planned gifts from individual donors and securing grants from foundations, corporations and the public sector is required. A successful track record of strong, inclusive leadership to facilitate open communication that will harmonize staff, the Board, members, volunteers, and the other constituents with whom they will interface, is sought.
Experience in a senior leadership role where they have either reported directly to or worked closely with a Board of Directors or equivalent governing body is expected. A demonstrated record of innovation and growth in the healthcare field is desired. Experience with volunteer, or member-driven organizations would be ideal. We seek individuals with knowledge of business and financial principles applicable to nonprofit organizations, including development, fundraising and budget management.
The person we seek should demonstrate a balance between creative thinking and management acumen as well as the ability to assess and maintain policies and procedures for moving an organization to a new level of excellence. Qualified candidates will have exceptional interpersonal skills and will be able to relate to all constituencies. They will have the ability and desire to cultivate strong working relationships with community groups. Experience in, or commitment to, diversity, equity, access, and inclusion (DEAI) among internal and external stakeholders is expected.
The successful candidate will have significant financial management experience. An understanding of business principles applied to a nonprofit enterprise, including a background of good budget management, is necessary.
We seek an exceptional communicator who can demonstrate a successful background in external relations, including experience speaking with the media in a variety of situations.
Personnel management skills that include an ability to work collaboratively, listen, provide feedback, build morale, delegate, “roll up one’s sleeves” and make decisions are essential. An experienced teambuilder with high emotional intelligence, and a demonstrated track record of attracting and retaining paid and volunteer talent is essential to ensure successful organizational evolution.
Master’s Degree (or equivalent experience) required, with a focus in a health-related field such as nursing, public health, health administration, etc.
SALARY & BENEFITS
$130,000 - $150,000 plus competitive benefits, including medical and dental insurance.
Paid time off and paid holidays. Flexible work environment
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