Job Description

The Chief Executive Officer of Boys & Girls Club of Lake County (BGCLC) has the opportunity to build upon a strong foundation of youth development programming while leading the organization into its next chapter of growth and impact. Serving young people across Lake County, the CEO will have the ability to expand access to high-quality programs, strengthen organizational sustainability, and ensure more youth have the support, resources, and opportunities they need to reach their full potential.

Located in one of the most diverse and economically dynamic regions of Illinois, BGCLC is uniquely positioned to deepen partnerships with schools, municipalities, corporate partners, community organizations, and philanthropic leaders who are invested in creating brighter futures for young people. The organization's strong reputation and engaged network of supporters provide a platform for innovation, collaboration, and meaningful community impact.

As a powerful testament, 54% of national Club alumni report that their Club experience had a life-changing impact on their lives. This represents an extraordinary opportunity for the next CEO to lead a mission-driven team, inspire community investment, and create lasting change for the youth and families of Lake County.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership for a Growing Organization

• Shape and execute a forward-looking strategy aligned with Lake County’s evolving community needs.
• Champion BGCLC's strategic plan by aligning programs, partnerships, and resources with the priorities of youth and families across Lake County.
• Position BGCLC as a regional leader in youth development by partnering with public, nonprofit, and business leaders to advance strategies that support children and families.
• Lead special projects and priority initiatives that strengthen BGCLC’s long-term impact and organizational effectiveness.

Mission Impact & Program Excellence

• Advance innovative youth development programs that strengthen academic success, workforce readiness, technology skills, and the social-emotional well-being of Lake County youth.
• Deepen strategic partnerships with school districts, community and philanthropic leaders to expand access and impact.
• Embed an uncompromising culture of safety and youth protection aligned with BGCA standards and the needs of families.

Revenue Growth & Deep Philanthropic and Corporate Engagement

• Expand revenue and community investment through Lake County's philanthropic, corporate, and family giving networks.
• Strengthen partnerships with corporate, healthcare, manufacturing, and philanthropic leaders across Lake County.
• Build a sustainable funding model through diversified revenue streams, strategic partnerships, and donor stewardship.

High-Performing Board Partnership

• Partner closely with a passionate and influential Board of Directors representing Lake County’s business, civic, philanthropic leaders.
• Partner with Board leadership in fundraising, governance, finance, strategy, and safety.
• Ensure the Board is well-informed, engaged, and positioned to help drive organizational growth and regional impact.

Financial Stewardship for Long‑Term Impact

• Ensure strong financial stewardship that supports sustainable growth and multi-site excellence.
• Ensure long-term financial strength through diversified funding streams reflective of Lake County’s civic and corporate landscape.

Culture, Talent & Workforce Development

• Build and inspire a mission-driven, culturally attuned team reflective of the communities BGCLC serves.
• Recruit, develop, and empower leaders who can excel in a multi-site, community-based youth organization.
• Cultivate an organizational culture grounded in equity, inclusion, safety, and continuous improvement, resonating with the youth and families.

Community Leadership, External Relations & Brand Elevation

• Serve as a highly visible ambassador for BGCLC across public, private, philanthropic, and neighborhood sectors.
• Deepen relationships with the City and surrounding suburbs, chambers of commerce, school districts, and major employers.
• Elevate the BGCLC brand through media, community engagement, advocacy, and strategic storytelling that underscores youth outcomes.

Regulatory, Safety & BGCA Compliance

• Lead the organization’s safety culture with visible commitment, ensuring Clubs exceed BGCA membership requirements and state/local regulations.
• Maintain rigorous standards in incident reporting, training, and prevention across all BGCLC sites.
• Proactively identify and address organizational risks tied to multi-site youth-serving operations.

Qualifications

• Proven executive leadership in a multi-site or complex organization.
• Demonstrated ability to secure and grow financial resources through partnerships, investment, and diversified revenue strategies.
• Strategic thinker with sound judgment and decision-making skills.
• Leadership skills, including negotiation, problem-solving, and delegation.
• Track record of building and leading high-performing teams across locations.
• Strong relationship builder with Board, community, and cross-sector partners.
• Compelling communicator with executive presence and external credibility.
• Experience driving impact and growth through strategic partnerships.
• Demonstrated financial and business acumen.
• Advanced knowledge and expertise in asset management, including financial resources and property.
• Familiarity with youth development preferred, or the ability to quickly build credibility within a youth-serving organization.

Required Education

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, Organizational Leadership, Education, Human Services, Social Work, Finance, Communications, or a related field.

Preferred Education

Master’s degree in business administration (MBA), Nonprofit Management, Public Administration. Organizational Leadership, Education Leadership, Human Services Administration, or a related field.