Position
Executive Director
Company
Borderless Magazine NFP
Manager
Board of Directors
Status
Full-Time Exempt Employee
Location
Chicago with hybrid remote and in-person work, travel required
Compensation
$120,000 to $135,000 depending on experience, plus benefits
Application Due Date
February 18, 2026
Approximate Start Date
June 15, 2026
Website
Position Overview
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, it reports with and for Chicago’s diverse immigrant communities.
Borderless seeks a passionate, experienced, and visionary leader to join our team as Executive Director.
The ideal candidate will help Borderless continue to build on strengths and expand its presence and profile, both in Chicago and beyond. The Executive Director must uphold the highest ethical standards and embody Borderless Magazine's core values.
What You Would Be Doing
Organizational Leadership & Vision
- Work with the Board of Directors and staff to implement the Strategic Plan and ensure the organization is achieving high impact
- In collaboration with the board and staff, ensure that the long-term vision for Borderless is clear and aligned with the organization's mission
- Inspire and guide the team, addressing both internal and external issues swiftly and effectively
- Model and promote the organization's values and culture, setting a high standard for ethical and effective behavior
- Report regularly to the Board of Directors with updates on budgeting, fundraising, staffing, and operations
Fundraising & Revenue Development
- Work closely with the Chief Development Officer, Finance and Admin Director, and the board to ensure all fundraising goals are met
- Personally cultivate relationships with major individual donors, foundation leaders, and corporate partners
- Support the development team in opening up new revenue streams and inspiring current and potential donors to support Borderless’ future vision
Operations & Infrastructure
- Work closely with the board and the Finance and Admin Director to ensure compliance with all nonprofit regulations, tax laws, and employment laws
- Review and approve all contracts, legal matters, insurance coverage, and major expenditures
- Partner with the Finance and Admin Director and Board Treasurer to lead the organizational budgeting process and audit, and to ensure ongoing fiscal health and transparency
- Ensure overall organizational capacity meets current and future needs
- Hire and develop diverse teams and implement inclusive practices that reflect and honor the immigrant communities we serve
External Relations & Representation
- Act as a passionate advocate and evangelist for Borderless Magazine's mission and impact
- Champion the critical journalism Borderless produces through frequent media appearances, thought leadership, and public speaking
- Grow the organization's reputation as a national leader in community-driven journalism
- Keep the organization connected to trends, opportunities, and developments in journalism and immigrant communities
- Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships to grow revenue and brand awareness
Qualifications of our Ideal Candidate
- At least five years of management or leadership experience at a news or nonprofit organization
- Successful track record in nonprofit fundraising and public speaking
- Outstanding communication skills, including proven ability to handle challenging conversations with nuance and tact
- Excellent organizational skills with proven ability to juggle multiple projects and responsibilities at once
- A confident and compassionate demeanor, able to connect and work collaboratively with diverse staff, funders, and partners
- Strong understanding of the journalism industry, including the business of journalism and the core principles of reporting and editing
- Strong understanding of how to run a nonprofit organization, including fundraising, managing an organizational budget, and working with a board of directors
We recognize that some strong candidates may not possess all the skills listed here, or may have other important skills that we haven’t listed. If that’s you, please apply and tell us about yourself and why you’d make a strong candidate for this role!
Success Metrics
- Achievement of annual fundraising goals and diversification of revenue streams
- Successful 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
- Demonstrated impact metrics from program evaluation and community reach
- Strength of community partnerships and stakeholder relationships
Time Expectations
Borderless Magazine operates from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The majority of the Executive Director’s work will occur during these hours; however, the director will occasionally need to work evenings or weekends to meet with partners, attend events, or address urgent matters. Out-of-state travel is required approximately six times per year.
Location
The Executive Director must live in the Chicago area. We will consider non-Chicago candidates if they are willing to relocate to Chicago. The Executive Director will be expected to work in person at Borderless’ office in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood at least twice a week.
Compensation
The pay range for this position is $120,000 to $135,000, depending on experience. This is a good-faith estimate of what we anticipate offering for this position. The final salary figure will take into account a person’s experience, accomplishments, and location. Borderless is committed to paying its staff equitably.
Benefits
- Subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance for themselves and their spouse/children
- 25 days of vacation accrued per year
- 10 days of sick/mental wellness days
- 10 paid holidays plus the week between Christmas and New Year’s off
- Six weeks of paid family leave, plus additional subsidized leave available through short-term disability insurance
- The opportunity to invest in Borderless’ 403(b) retirement plan
- A one-month paid sabbatical for personal enrichment after working full-time at Borderless for five years
Borderless Magazine's Core Values
People-Centered
We approach our coworkers and the people we interview, train, and mentor with humility and an appreciation of their innate human dignity. We never deceive each other or the people who entrust us with their stories.
Community First
We are deeply connected to immigrant community members. We prioritize the expertise, desires, and needs of immigrants and those who care about them.
Resilience
We see strength and power in each other and uplift one another in everything we do. We see suffering in the world, but find ways to take care of each other — and ourselves — as we serve our community.
Fearlessness
We bravely report the truth of our communities. We are not beholden to political or financial interests. We hold ourselves and others accountable as we help build a more just future.
Equity
We strive to create spaces and opportunities for people who do not traditionally have power or a platform in the journalism industry, particularly BIPOC and immigrant community members.
Questions? Send an email to No phone calls, please.
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