Executive Director, Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression
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University of Chicago provided pay range: $190,000.00/yr - $250,000.00/yr
Department
FFIE Chicago Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression
About the Department
The University of Chicago Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression builds on UChicago’s historic commitment and practices to provide a focal point for understanding and applying free expression, in academia and in the broader culture, in the United States and abroad. The Chicago Forum’s mission is to promote the understanding, practice, and advancement of free and open discourse, in collaboration with faculty and the broader university community.
Job Summary
The University of Chicago seeks a bold, strategic, and entrepreneurial leader to serve as the next Executive Director of the Chicago Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression (the Forum). Reporting to and working in close partnership with the inaugural Faculty Director, the Executive Director will build on the Forum’s impressive trajectory in a highly visible role to shape its next chapter of impact. Founded in 2023 as a key Presidential initiative, the Forum quickly became a national leader in fostering open dialogue and rigorous debate. A transformative endowed gift in 2024 has positioned the Forum for long‑term investment that ensures the future of this important institutional anchor. The Executive Director will provide visionary leadership and deft management to expand the Forum’s reach and strengthen its programs, operations, and partnerships. This role oversees all aspects of the Forum’s work, from strategy and external engagement to finance, communications, and programming, and will play a pivotal part in defining how the values of free inquiry and expression are understood and practiced at the University and far beyond. The successful candidate will be a collaborative and visible leader, actively participating in daily operations and team development.
Responsibilities
- Plan, develop, and implement the organization’s short‑ and long‑term strategic vision and goals in collaboration with the Faculty Director and key stakeholders internally and externally.
- Advance the principles and values of the University of Chicago through internal and external communications and engagements.
- Design and oversee relevant programs and initiatives; monitor emerging topics within the field; and proactively build and maintain relationships with scholars and other experts to strengthen organizational knowledge, influence, and partnerships.
- Provide strategic leadership and guidance for program development; ensure alignment with organizational goals and standards.
- Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement in all Forum activities; build a collaborative and dynamic team culture.
- Collaborate intensively with academic and administrative leaders at the University, building opportunities to advance aligned goals across campus.
- Serve as a key partner to faculty, students, and staff to deepen the practice of free inquiry and expression.
- Represent the University of Chicago and the Forum in the media and public fora, build and maintain a positive public image, and oversee media relations, marketing, and communications strategies.
- Support fundraising efforts, cultivate relationships with donors, and ensure effective stewardship of gifts and philanthropic support working closely with the Faculty Director and University Advancement.
- Engage with the Faculty Advisory Board to foster advisory input, partnership, and alignment of organizational initiatives.
- Develop and manage multi‑year budgets and financial strategies for the Forum; oversee financial controls and compliance, working with the appropriate offices to ensure responsible stewardship of all resources.
- Provide regular financial reporting to the Faculty Director and leadership as requested.
- Drive initiatives to enhance organizational structure, capacity, culture, and operational effectiveness through a high‑performing team.
- Set and enforce clear goals, responsibilities, and performance metrics for staff, and intervene as needed to ensure accountability at all levels.
- Provide strategic leadership for a Center with senior management and serve as a liaison to academic departments, professional organizations, and administrative units of the University.
- Manage multiple related teams, establish department priorities, manage the center budget, allocate resources, and execute strategic plans.
- Perform other related work as needed.
Education
- Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in a related field.
Work Experience
- Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 10+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Preferred Qualifications
- 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.
Preferred Competencies
- 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.
Working Conditions
- This role is located in Chicago, on site at the University.
- Some evening and weekend work may be required.
Application Documents
- Resume (required)
- Cover letter (recommended)
- References (3) (required)
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Administration & Management
Role Impact
People Manager
Weekly Hours
37.5
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Salary
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$190,000.00 - $250,000.00
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination. Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773‑702‑5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case‑by‑case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position. The University of Chicago’s Annual Security & Fire Safety Report provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.
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