KEES has been exclusively retained by Learning Bridge in its search for an Executive Director.
Learning Bridge seeks a relational and hands-on leader devoted to early childhood education who can develop a long-term strategic plan to further Learning Bridge’s mission and cultivate a positive school culture in which all children, teachers, and staff can thrive. Charged with leading and empowering a leadership team currently consisting of 5 staff members, the Executive Director has ultimate responsibility over all activities of Learning Bridge to create a nurturing, inclusive, and supportive school environment. Collaborating with the governing Board of Directors, the Executive Director will oversee all aspects of Learning Bridge operations ($1.5M annual operating budget) and serve as both an internal and external advocate of the mission.
An engaging leader, the Executive Director (ED) will work with diverse stakeholders with care and diplomacy, bringing people together around shared vision and goals to move the organization forward. Serving as a visible ambassador and involved community leader for Learning Bridge in the Evanston community and beyond, the Executive Director will cultivate donors and pursue opportunities that may lead to significant financial gifts/awards. Initially, it is anticipated that the leader will focus internally to
support some operational and transitional elements of Learning Bridge. Over time the Board envisions the Executive Director spending more time externally in the community advocating for equitable early childhood services and care.
Some specific requirements include:
- A minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in leadership and management in the field of early childhood education, with documented ability to manage staff and lead teams.
- Bachelors in early childhood education, social work, public administration, or a related field.
- Hold or able to obtain an Illinois Director Level 2 certification or higher and DCFS qualified.
- Success in building strong and productive work teams with a focus on mentoring and nurturing staff development.
- Proven ability to build strong external relationships with the diverse community of parents and children, teachers, the Board, public leadership, partner organizations, the Evanston community, and other stakeholders to build a positive, constructive learning environment.
- Track record in financial management, stewardship, and developing strategies to successfully increase revenue.
- Demonstrated success in private contribution donor relations and Board recruitment.
- Strong analytical and strategic-thinking skills, with a demonstrated ability to create, implement, and monitor complex plans and then translate those plans into goals and concrete strategies.
Learning Bridge is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other occupationally irrelevant criteria. The main facility of Learning Bridge is housed within a historically designated building and is not ADA compliant.
TO APPLY, PLEASE CLICK HERE: kees2success.com/current-searches.
To assure confidential tracking of all applicants, no applications will be accepted via email. ALL INQUIRIES WILL BE HELD IN STRICT CONFIDENCE.
This search is being managed by Heather Eddy, President and CEO, Yoo-Jin Hong, Executive Search Manager, and Megan Taylor, Project Manager of KEES. Questions may be addressed to mtaylor@kees2success.com.
KEES (formerly Alford Executive Search) is a nonprofit executive search firm that builds diverse teams and dynamic leaders in the nonprofit and public entity sectors. A woman owned and operated firm, KEES offers a full array of nonprofit consulting services including executive search, leadership development, interim staffing, and HR support. For more information, please visit www.kees2success.com.
One of the longest-standing preschools and early learning centers in Evanston, Learning Bridge Early Education Center’s (formerly the Child Care Center of Evanston) mission is to provide equitable access to high-quality early learning in a caring and safe environment so that every child thrives. With a focus on helping all children become kindergarten ready, Learning Bridge provides the highest quality, affordable, full-day early learning experience for children aged 2-5 years old, along with wrap-around services for students with extra needs. At full capacity, Learning Bridge can serve 85 students with 70% of families receiving subsidized funding. Dedicated to the welfare and care of preschool age children who need full day care away from home, Learning Bridge provides family supports that build parents’ capacity and confidence for the benefit of the whole family. To learn more, please visit lbeec.org.
