Executive Director
Borderless Magazine is an award‑winning, bilingual online news outlet that is reimagining immigration journalism for a more just and equitable future. Founded in February 2017 as a rapid‑response media project, Borderless has evolved into a nationally recognized, nonpartisan nonprofit organization that reports with and for Chicago’s diverse immigrant communities.
Position Overview
Borderless seeks a passionate, experienced, and visionary leader to serve as Executive Director. The ideal candidate will help Borderless expand its presence and profile, strengthen its financial foundations, and deepen its impact both in Chicago and beyond.
What You Would Be Doing
- Lead the organization and staff in implementing the 2026–2028 Strategic Plan and driving high impact outcomes.
- Partner with the Board of Directors to advance the organization’s mission, maintain financial health, and ensure organizational capacity meets current and future needs.
- Set the vision and values for the organization, modeling ethical leadership and cultivating a culture of humility, respect, and equity.
- Report regularly to the Board on budgeting, fundraising, staffing, and operations.
- Develop and nurture relationships with major donors, foundations, and corporate partners; lead fundraising strategy and oversee revenue development.
- Collaborate with the Finance and Admin Director and Board Treasurer to manage budgeting, compliance, and audit processes.
- Advocate for Borderless Magazine’s mission through media appearances, public speaking, and strategic partnership building.
- Maintain the organization’s reputation as a national leader in community‑driven journalism and stay abreast of trends and developments in journalism and immigration communities.
Qualifications of our Ideal Candidate
- At least five years of management or leadership experience in a news or nonprofit organization.
- Proven track record in nonprofit fundraising and public speaking.
- Outstanding communication skills, including the ability to handle challenging conversations with nuance and tact.
- Excellent organizational skills and the ability to juggle multiple projects and responsibilities simultaneously.
- Strong understanding of the journalism industry, including business of journalism and core principles of reporting and editing.
- Comprehensive knowledge of nonprofit operations, including fundraising, budgeting, and board governance.
- Confident, compassionate demeanor that works collaboratively with diverse staff, funders, and partners.
Success Metrics
- Achievement of annual fundraising goals and diversification of revenue streams.
- Execution of strategic plan milestones and organizational growth objectives.
- Staff retention, satisfaction, and professional development outcomes.
- Financial health indicators—including budget management and reserves growth.
- Impact metrics from program evaluation and community reach.
- Strength of community partnerships and stakeholder relationships.
Compensation and Benefits
- $120,000 to $135,000 per year, commensurate with experience.
- Subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance for employee and spouse/children.
- 25 days of vacation accrued annually.
- 10 sick/mental‑wellness days.
- 10 paid holidays plus a 2‑week holiday break between Christmas and New Year’s.
- Six weeks of paid family leave and additional leave available through short‑term disability.
- 403(b) retirement plan participation.
- One‑month paid sabbatical after five years of full‑time service.
Location and Work Flexibility
The Executive Director must live in the Chicago area and will be expected to work in person at Borderless’ office in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood at least twice a week. Hybrid remote work is available. Out‑of‑state travel will be required approximately six times per year.
How to Apply
Send a resume and answer the following questions to (do not call). We will consider applicants as long as the posting remains live.
- Why do you want to be Borderless Magazine’s executive director? Please share what draws you to this work and how you would approach leading and fundraising for an immigration‑focused news organization.
- Provide one example of your fundraising experience, including the amount raised and your approach to building community support.
- Provide one example of a time you navigated stakeholder pressure, reputational risk, or political sensitivity in a journalism or nonprofit setting.
- Anything else: Tell us what else we need to know about you and your hopes for this position.