Executive Director, Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression

University of Chicago • Hyde Park, IL

2d • $190,000 - $250,000 • Onsite

About The Position

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 to advance the University’s storied tradition and practice on free expression, 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. More information about the Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression can be found at this link: https://thechicagoforum.uchicago.edu

Requirements

• Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
• Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 10+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• Resume (required)
• References (3)(required)

Nice To Haves

• 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.
• 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.
• Cover letter (recommended)

Responsibilities

• Plans, develops, and implements the organization’s short- and long-term strategic vision and goals in collaboration with the Faculty Director and key stakeholders internally and externally.
• Advances the principles and values of the University of Chicago through internal and external communications and engagements.
• Designs and oversees relevant programs and initiatives; monitors emerging topics within the field; and proactively builds and maintains relationships with scholars and other experts to strengthen organizational knowledge, influence, and partnerships.
• Provides strategic leadership and guidance for program development; ensures alignment with organizational goals and standards.
• Fosters a culture of innovation and continuous improvement in all Forum activities.
• Builds a collaborative and dynamic team culture.
• Collaborates intensively with academic and administrative leaders at the University, building opportunities to advance aligned goals across campus.
• Serves as a key partner to faculty, students, and staff to deepen the practice of free inquiry and expression.
• Represents the University of Chicago and the Forum in the media and public fora, builds and maintains a positive public image, and oversees media relations, marketing, and communications strategies.
• Supports fundraising efforts, cultivates relationships with donors, and ensures effective stewardship of gifts and philanthropic support working closely with the Faculty Director and University Advancement.
• Engages with the Faculty Advisory Board to foster advisory input, partnership, and alignment of organizational initiatives.
• Develops and manages multi-year budgets and financial strategies for the Forum; oversees financial controls and compliance, working with the appropriate offices to ensure responsible stewardship of all resources.
• Responsible for regular financial reporting to the Faculty Director and leadership as requested.
• Drives initiatives to enhance organizational structure, capacity, culture, and operational effectiveness through a high-performing team.
• Sets and enforces clear goals, responsibilities, and performance metrics for staff, and intervenes as needed to ensure accountability at all levels.
• Provides strategic leadership for a Center with senior management and serves as a liaison to academic departments, professional organizations and administrative units of the University.
• Manages multiple related teams.
• Establishes department priorities, is responsible for the management of the center budget, allocates resources and executes strategic plans.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Benefits

• The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook .

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees