Caris Pregnancy Counseling and Resources – EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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Denomination: Non-Denominational

Location: Chicago, Illinois

The Role: Executive Director

 

Meet Caris Pregnancy Counseling and Resources:

Caris is a faith-based nonprofit counseling organization serving any woman facing an unplanned pregnancy, offering open and non-judgemental support regardless of her faith background or decision about her pregnancy. Caris also offers mental health support for those facing parenting challenges or who are wrestling with past or current pregnancy decisions.

Caris aims to show the love of God to each and every person that comes through the door. Caris Pregnancy Counseling & Resources extends grace, compassion, and respect to their clients. Caris does not coerce women into making decisions regarding their pregnancies or any other decision they might face.

Through licensed and professional counselors (all Caris counselors are Master’s-level therapists), Caris helps women and men work through potential barriers, conflicts, triggers, pregnancy, and pregnancy-related decisions.

Caris provides clients with compassionate support, professional counseling, and tangible resources, thereby, empowering them and giving them hope. Statistics have revealed that women who choose abortion cite the lack of emotional support and the lack of practical resources as their top reasons for making this decision. Additionally, through robust mental health support (specifically concerning pregnancy-involved issues), women, men, and couples can receive counseling that will equip them to be better parents and co-parenting adults while also giving them the skills to be a healthier and more whole version of themselves.  Through their Conception to Age 5 Program (C25), Caris provides the extra support that women and families need during the first five years of a child’s life. These  services provide support and resources to women, children, and families. They include life skills workshops for new parents, early childhood services and support for children, baby supplies, clothing, and equipment.

Caris also offers clients a connection to Christian communities of faith where additional resources and emotional support are available.

About the Executive Director:

The Executive Director (ED) is the head of the Caris organization, setting the vision and culture and overseeing all operations. The ED provides strategic leadership by developing staff and working with the Board of Directors to establish and implement long-range goals, strategies, plans, and policies. The ED also oversees all fundraising efforts and the annual budget. Externally, the ED is a spokesperson in the community, networking with potential funders, partners, and referral agencies.

The ED must exemplify a committed and consistent walk of faith and dependence on Jesus, including a personal calling to ministry. The ED must also align with Caris’s specific mission and vision and the Caris Statement of Faith and Principle. The ED must be someone who can view the issue of unplanned pregnancy and abortion through a social justice lens. Someone interested in looking at the fullness of the issue understands its nuances, and is committed to the vision statement will be successful in this position.

 

The Executive Director’s Responsibilities Include:

Strategic Leadership

Use sound judgment, integrity, and Christian maturity, lead Caris in a way that honors Christ and moves the organization forward as He directs

Work with the Board of Directors, develop long-term strategic plans, goals, objectives, and metrics

Provide vision, inspiration, and direction to staff to ensure implementation of the strategic plan and excellent delivery of service to constituents

Develop a culture of Christian character and dependence on God throughout the staff team, making space for God to move through prayer, spiritual formation, and spiritual encouragement

Lead the innovative and aggressive marketing efforts, increasing client outreach and brand recognition among target markets

Develop a strong network of Chicago community partnerships (business, nonprofit, and government) to more fully secure Caris as the premier site for women facing an unplanned pregnancy
Fundraising/Spokesperson

Work with the Advancement Team, grow operational funding for Caris through charitable donations.

Oversee all aspects of fundraising, ensuring the organization reaches all fundraising goals and metrics.

Personally Identify, develop, and cultivate relationships with 20-30 top major donor partners.

Inspirationally articulate the vision and mission of Caris, serving as the spokesperson and face of Caris in all arenas.
Operations & Programming

Set operational standards, policies, and organizational directives for implementation by staff, in order to ensure the achievement of goals and objectives

Ensure fiscal accountability and responsibility of nonprofit finances

Work with the Program Director to ensure excellent delivery of Caris programs to women facing an unplanned pregnancy and that programming is continually responsive to our target population

Work with the Operations team and professional outsourced vendors to oversee all financial, human resources, and marketing functions

What You Bring:

Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required

Graduate degree preferred

Minimum of 4 years of experience in a leadership position

Track record of fundraising ability and success, with a shown ability to cultivate mid-range and high-end donors

Proven ability to manage an organizational budget of $500,000 or more

Proven experience with either marketing, public relations, or other type of strategic growth expertise, with an ability to create, implement and oversee long-term plans for the growth and health of the organization

Experience managing and/or effectively working with a Board of Directors

Knowledge of Donor Management Software, CRM software, and MS Office
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Passionate about the mission of Caris and able to communicate that vision and mission both internally and externally in a clear and compelling manner

A proven leader in a Christian ministry, nonprofit, or the for-profit sector with the ability to strategically lead an organization to the next level

Able to integrate personal faith and conviction in an approach to leadership

A leader who is also able to build and inspire a strong team

Demonstrated success in supervision, problem-solving, and setting vision

Ability to maintain and grow partner relationships with community agencies and churches, successfully managing and prioritizing several projects at one time

Strong networking skills and excellent interpersonal communication skills

Understands how to work well with and be accountable to a Board of Directors

Proven Marketing skill set and ability to write compelling content
Personal Characteristics & Qualifications

A desire to meet the unique emotional needs of women facing unplanned pregnancy through holistic, counseling-based services, using the Pro-Grace approach

A passion to lead and grow a cutting-edge, innovative Christian nonprofit organization

A heart for the Chicagoland area and the thousands of women who face an unexpected pregnancy every year

A personal belief that God’s grace is the only path to true, lasting transformation

Possesses an understands how issues of race, class, and societal injustices can play a role in a woman’s pregnancy decision

Committed to pursuing justice and truth on behalf of the women, children, and families that we serve

Flexible, teachable, and willing to serve

Decisive in collaboration with the team

A self-professed belief that God transforms lives

Externally focused but internally connected individual

What it’s Like to Live in Chicago, IL:

Chicago, Illinois, is a beautiful place that encompasses many facets of diversity and possibilities in the city. Nestled on the north side of Chicago, you’ll find Lincoln Park and the Near North area. The high quality of life, community, and entertainment draw many residents to this area.

Lincoln Park is within proximity to North Avenue Beach and is fully equipped with several diverse dining and retail selections. Additionally, the Near North region is one of four areas that make up downtown Chicago. Lincoln Park and Near North are approximately three miles apart from each other, with much to offer.

For opportunities to enjoy nature and a beautiful scenic view, there are places to explore like the North Pond Nature Sanctuary, the Diversey Harbor, Lily Pond, Lincoln Park Zoo, and the Lincoln Park Conservatory.  Two other noteworthy mentions of the area are the excellent and competitive public schools as well as being rated as one of the top five best neighborhoods to raise a family in Chicago. That said, there’s no shortage of things to do and places to explore; this area is a great place to call home.

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