KEES has been exclusively retained by Little City in its search for a Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Little City is seeking a compassionate, business-minded, and visionary leader to help the organization define its future and move forward into the next decade. Evolving forward after twenty years with a single leader will provide all constituents of Little City the ability to collaborate in creating a stronger and dynamic future for serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The Board desires a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) that can balance mission operations, efficiency, and sustainability. Equally as important is a leader who can bring stakeholders together in a strategic planning process that will craft a coherent and clarified organizational vision and create a strategic direction forward for all programs, services, and locations. The CEO will catalyze and empower the Leadership Team (7 direct reports) while collaborating with an engaged Board of Directors, and the 10 members of the Executive Committee.
The next executive leader will demonstrate relationship-building skills, compassion, and resourcefulness while actively participating in strategic and program planning, problem-solving, financial tracking, and measurement. The CEO is charged with clearly articulating Little City’s mission internally and externally as a passionate and cogent communicator, as well as maintaining a strong community presence as the face of Little City’s mission.
Some specific requirements include:
A passion for and commitment to inclusion and services for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Experience working with entities funded by complex and braided funding streams and government sources. Agencies similar to those in Illinois (DCFS, DHS, and IDPH) are preferred; national candidates are invited to explore this opportunity.
Track record in financial management, stewardship, and developing strategies to successfully increase revenue.
Proven success in building strong and productive work teams with a focus on mentoring and nurturing staff and leader development.
Demonstrated ability for working in a multi-cultural, multi-ability setting and promoting inclusivity of all kinds with all audiences, including IDD clients and the diverse communities served by Little City.
The highest degree of ethics, integrity, and solid character in all representations of Little City and in the maintenance of official records and documents. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in leadership and management, with documented ability to manage staff and lead teams.
Master’s degree in social work, human services, business administration, public or health administration preferred.
Little City Foundation (Little City) is a vital and vibrant organization offering a comprehensive scope of services and amenities to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). From its modest beginning, the agency has grown to offer services at its main campus in Chicago’s northwest suburbs, locations throughout Cook, Lake, McHenry, and DuPage counties, and at its Foster Care & Adoption offices in Chicago, Matteson, and Joliet. Established in 1959 and granted nonprofit status that same year, Little City was founded by a group of parents who dreamt of a unique and revolutionary environment for their children who “experts” often said should be institutionalized. Today, Little City serves some adults in the program that have called the main campus home for over 50 years.
Over 900 individuals are served in a wide range of residential settings and day programming. These services include a portfolio of programs such as:
24/7 supportive residential settings for children and adults
therapeutic children’s day school
foster care and adoption
home-based family support
health and wellness services
variety of therapeutic day programs such as employment services, horticulture, fitness, arts, and recreation.
Little City is unique and distinct in the array of services offered. Individual participants typically range in age from 6 to 10. Children and adults, along with their families, are served at a 56-acre main campus in northwest suburban Palatine, Illinois and other residential facilities throughout Chicagoland. To learn more, please visit www.littlecity.org.