University of Chicago · 10 hours ago
Executive Director, Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression
Chicago, IL
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$190K/yr - $250K/yr
10+ years expThe University of Chicago is seeking a bold, strategic, and entrepreneurial leader to serve as the next Executive Director of the Chicago Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression. This role involves providing visionary leadership, managing operations, and expanding the Forum's reach to promote free inquiry and expression in academia and beyond.
Higher Education
Responsibilities
Plans, develops, and implements the organization’s short- and long-term strategic vision and goals in collaboration with the Faculty Director and key stakeholders internally and externally
Advances the principles and values of the University of Chicago through internal and external communications and engagements
Designs and oversees relevant programs and initiatives; monitors emerging topics within the field; and proactively builds and maintains relationships with scholars and other experts to strengthen organizational knowledge, influence, and partnerships
Provides strategic leadership and guidance for program development; ensures alignment with organizational goals and standards
Fosters a culture of innovation and continuous improvement in all Forum activities. Builds a collaborative and dynamic team culture
Collaborates intensively with academic and administrative leaders at the University, building opportunities to advance aligned goals across campus
Serves as a key partner to faculty, students, and staff to deepen the practice of free inquiry and expression
Represents the University of Chicago and the Forum in the media and public fora, builds and maintains a positive public image, and oversees media relations, marketing, and communications strategies
Supports fundraising efforts, cultivates relationships with donors, and ensures effective stewardship of gifts and philanthropic support working closely with the Faculty Director and University Advancement
Engages with the Faculty Advisory Board to foster advisory input, partnership, and alignment of organizational initiatives
Develops and manages multi-year budgets and financial strategies for the Forum; oversees financial controls and compliance, working with the appropriate offices to ensure responsible stewardship of all resources
Responsible for regular financial reporting to the Faculty Director and leadership as requested
Drives initiatives to enhance organizational structure, capacity, culture, and operational effectiveness through a high-performing team
Sets and enforces clear goals, responsibilities, and performance metrics for staff, and intervenes as needed to ensure accountability at all levels
Provides strategic leadership for a Center with senior management and serves as a liaison to academic departments, professional organizations and administrative units of the University
Manages multiple related teams. Establishes department priorities, is responsible for the management of the center budget, allocates resources and executes strategic plans
Performs other related work as needed
Qualification
Required
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 10+ years of work experience in a related job discipline
Resume (required)
References (3)(required)
Preferred
Advanced degree
>10 years of experience and proven effectiveness in managing an organization's internal operations and representing an organization to outside constituents, preferably in a higher education setting
Ability to set vision, formulate strategy, and guide organizational direction
Embodies collaboration, curiosity, and deep interest in the role of higher education in society
Demonstrated ability to lead by example, actively engaging with teams in routine operations and problem solving with a roll-up-your-sleeve attitude
Ability to switch seamlessly between strategic vision and practical execution as organizational needs demand. Flexible and innovative thinker
Strong skills in public speaking, media engagement, and advocacy to elevate organizational profile and impact
Skilled at developing and maintaining relationships and partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, donors, industry experts, and media
Proficiency in overseeing and managing budgets, resources, funds, and gifts
Experience in supervising teams, different workstreams, guiding program execution, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality initiatives
Capacity to drive operational effectiveness and build organizational capacity
Experience coaching, mentoring, and developing staff, with a proven track record of implementing performance management practices that foster accountability and high achievement
Deep understanding of the principles, challenges, and evolving issues surrounding free expression domestically and internationally
Knowledge of the University of Chicago's values, policies, and culture—especially its commitment to free expression and academic freedom is essential
Awareness of the national strategic environment on free expression, with demonstrable writing or speaking engagements on this or a closely related topic highly desirable
Benefits
Health
Retirement
Paid time off
Company
University of Chicago
One of the world’s great intellectual destinations, the University of Chicago empowers scholars and students to ask tough questions, cross disciplinary boundaries, and challenge conventional thinking to enrich human life around the globe.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
University of Chicago has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (263)
2024 (322)
2023 (291)
2022 (233)
2021 (179)
2020 (172)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Benedicte Nolens
Distinguished Executive in Residence
Recent News
2025-11-08
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