Executive Director

Job Description

Injustice Watch seeks a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as its next Executive Director. Founded in 2015, the organization is a trusted non-profit investigative journalism outlet based in and focused on Chicago.  The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable about systemic issues of equity and justice. They must believe in the importance of place-based, mission-driven, independent journalism as a key pillar of democracy. Qualified candidates will possess strong management and strategic thinking skills, and will carefully balance high-level direction of Injustice Watch with support for staff to engage in impactful public-service journalism. A successful leader of Injustice Watch will have proven leadership and fundraising experience, and come prepared to leverage their professional network. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Trustees of Injustice Watch, while overseeing a staff of 15 and an annual operating budget of approximately $2 million. This is a full-time, in-person (not remote) position based in Chicago, where the work and office is located. 

About Injustice Watch

Injustice Watch is a Chicago-based nonprofit journalism organization that examines issues of equity and justice involving the court system in Cook County, Illinois. The goal is one of public service: to listen to and center people affected by institutional injustices and provide the community with the perspectives, information, and resources needed to hold power to account. The organization promotes transparency and accountability through large-scale, investigative projects. Injustice Watch works to ensure equitable access to information and strengthen democracy through audience engagement and community-building. This work is driven by four core values: accessibility, community, collaboration, and care.

Since launching in 2015, reporting has shifted policy and legislation, prompted investigations, sparked town halls and community conversations, helped increase voter participation in judicial elections, prompted resignations or firings of those found to have abused their power, and resulted in the resentencing and release of wrongfully convicted individuals. More detailed examples of Injustice Watch’s impact can be found here.

Job Requirements

Responsibilities of the Executive Director

The organization’s 2022-2025 strategic plan articulates goals of diversifying and growing funding, increasing audience and community engagement, deepening impact, and ensuring sustainability. While hewing largely to these critical objectives, the next executive director (“ED”) will lead development and execution of strategy for Injustice Watch’s continued growth and impact. 

As the lead ambassador for the organization, the ED will serve as the public face of Injustice Watch at events, conferences and in media to enhance the organization’s visibility, readership, influence and impact, always acting to strengthen Injustice Watch as an organization. The ED will build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including staff, donors, partners, and the broader community. This includes community engagement with Injustice Watch’s journalism, consistent with the organization’s strategic commitment to center impacted communities and their members in its reporting and audience work.

The ED will oversee the financial health of the organization, including budgeting, fundraising, and resource development and allocation. This includes working with the operations team to create an annual budget, subject to review and approval by the board of directors. This position is responsible for overseeing the development and execution of a fundraising strategy that supports sustainable growth. To that end, the ED will work with the development team to identify, pursue and cultivate diverse funding opportunities, including major gifts, grants, and sponsorships. 

The ED supports and oversees the talented people that govern and deliver on Injustice Watch’s mission. The ED both staffs and reports to a high-performing governing Board. The ED provides high-level oversight of the editorial team to support impactful, high-quality, public service journalism in accordance with the organization’s strategic plan and policies. This most senior level position oversees staff development, including the recruitment and mentoring of a diverse and talented team of professionals. The ED provides guidance and support to foster continuous professional development among the team.

Qualifications & Core Competencies

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and competencies needed to carry out the responsibilities outlined above.

• Commitment to Journalism, Justice and Equity

-Passion for journalistic integrity, independence, transparency, and the watchdog role of media in society.

-Track record of senior level leadership in journalism, social justice, democracy, public policy, or legal services sectors. 

-Experienced with historically marginalized communities and an appreciation for community- based work.

• Nonprofit Leadership 

-A proven management style resulting in the creation of a culture of care and transparency that is collaborative and inclusive.

-Experienced with development of strategic plans and rallying the talents of the staff and board with clear and decisive leadership required to successfully implement the strategic plans. 

-Skilled with navigating an evolving field and ecosystem of players.

-Skilled at building and leading a professional staff and creating a productive and satisfying work environment and systems of accountability.

–Experienced with managing, engaging and drawing expertise from a  governing Board.

• Nonprofit Management and Fundraising

-Skilled with managing income and expenses needed to reach strategic objectives and familiarity with best practices around managing investment and reserve funds. 

-Strong understanding of and experience with nonprofit fundraising, including: donor stewardship and leveraging relationships with a variety of donors that respect independent journalism. (EX: major donors, foundations) 

• Communication and Collaboration

-Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
-A well developed personal/professional network of individuals and organizations that share Injustice Watch’s values.

-Proven experience serving as a proud ambassador and defender of an organization’s work.

-Demonstrated ability to identify, build and maintain effective relationships and collaborations with diverse stakeholders to achieve shared goals.

Injustice Watch knows there are skills and experiences they haven’t thought of and strong candidates who don’t have this exact set of qualifications. If that’s you, feel free to apply and share what you could bring to this role.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary discussions begin at $130k and will be commensurate with experience. Generous benefit package includes: vacation; sick leave; holidays; family leave; health, dental and vision insurance; annual professional development and workspace stipend; phone and internet stipend; flexible work schedule; 401k plan.

To Apply

Injustice Watch is committed to not only recruiting, but also retaining a diverse, mission-driven workforce and enabling a culture of inclusiveness in an environment that values excellence, personal well-being, and professional development for all employees. Injustice Watch supports its staff with competitive benefits centered on health and wellness, equity, and work-life balance. Interested candidates must submit a resume and cover letter that speaks to the core competencies noted above to:

Search.Injustice.Watch@gmail.com

Injustice Watch has contracted with SAL Consulting, Inc. to support the Board with this search process. Interested parties are welcome to contact sal.consulting.inc@gmail with their confidential questions.

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