About Junior Achievement of Central Illinois
Junior Achievement of Central Illinois is dedicated to inspiring and preparing young people to succeed in a global economy. Through hands-on, experiential learning opportunities focused on financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurship, JA empowers students to connect classroom learning to real-world opportunities. In partnership with educators, volunteers, businesses, and community leaders, Junior Achievement of Central Illinois serves 133 schools and over 16,000 students, working to expand access, strengthen workforce pathways, and help students build the skills and confidence needed for a choice-filled future. To learn more about Junior Achievement of Central Illinois, visit our website www.centralillinois.ja.org.
Position Summary: President, Junior Achievement of Central Illinois
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the President will serve as the strategic and operational leader of Junior Achievement of Central Illinois, guiding the organization's vision, growth, and long-term sustainability. The President will serve as the organization's chief community ambassador, cultivating and stewarding relationships with business, philanthropic, education, and civic leaders throughout Central Illinois.
The President will oversee all aspects of the organization, including fundraising, financial stewardship, team leadership, strategic planning, and program expansion. The ideal candidate is a collaborative, relationship-driven executive who can inspire stakeholders, build high-performing teams, and translate vision into action. This leader will balance innovation with operational excellence and bring a strong commitment to preparing young people for future success through career-connected learning and workforce readiness initiatives.
Essential Functions
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the President will lead all aspects of the organization, including strategy, operations, fundraising, partnerships, and talent development. The next leader will be responsible for:
- Setting Vision & Driving Strategy - Define and execute a bold, long-term vision while building on the organization's existing momentum, preserving key stakeholder relationships, and expanding JA's visibility and influence throughout the region.
- Leading Sustainable Growth - Guide continued expansion across schools, districts, and experiential learning programs, ensuring growth is supported by strong systems, infrastructure, and team capacity.
- Advancing Fundraising & Partnerships - Serve as the organization's chief ambassador and lead fundraiser, actively cultivating, stewarding, and expanding relationships with donors, corporate partners, foundations, and community leaders to secure sustainable resources that support mission growth and long-term impact.
- Strengthening Organizational Effectiveness - Build alignment across teams, enhance operational systems, and ensure the organization is structured to scale effectively.
- Developing Talent & Culture - Inspire and support a high-performing, mission-driven team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Partnering with the Board - Work closely with the Board of Directors to ensure strong governance, strategic alignment, and long-term organizational success.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate is a strategic, relationship-driven leader who can balance vision with execution and growth with sustainability.
Key qualifications include:
- 10+ years of leadership experience in nonprofit, corporate, or public sector environments
- Demonstrated success leading fundraising and resource development efforts, including donor cultivation, major gifts, corporate partnerships, and revenue diversification strategies
- Proven ability to lead organizations through growth and complexity, building systems and teams that scale
- Strong track record of organizational leadership, including operations, finance, and talent management
- Ability to align diverse stakeholders and build high-trust relationships across sectors
- Ability to build trust quickly, preserve and strengthen key stakeholder relationships, and lead organizational growth while maintaining cultural alignment and mission focus
- Passion for education, workforce development, and expanding economic opportunities for young people
- Exceptional communication, executive presence, and influence
Compensation & Benefits
The salary range for this position is $88,500 - $132,500. Annual bonus eligibility is based on the performance of the organization and individual outcomes. JA of Central Illinois offers a variety of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, and group life insurance. There is also a 401(k) plan.
Our Commitment
At JA of Central Illinois, we believe that our success is directly tied to our ability to foster an environment where all individuals have access to opportunities and can thrive. We are deeply committed to creating a workplace where inclusion and belonging are not just principles but lived experiences. This commitment drives us to attract, develop, retain, and promote a workforce that mirrors the communities we serve, bringing together a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and talents.
We embrace the unique contributions that every JA Central IL employee brings to our mission and encourage individuals from all backgrounds to join our team. By welcoming various voices, we continue to expand our understanding of the world, and we actively seek to elevate the representation of different individual experiences and the perspectives they shape.
We are dedicated to fostering an environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and heard - where people can be their authentic selves and know that they belong. This is how we build a workplace where every individual can succeed, and where we work together to create lasting impact for the young people and communities we serve.
Additional Information
JA does not provide sponsorship for employment visas for this position. All candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship, now or in the future. Requisition will be closed for submissions on July 10th, 2026.
