President & CEO, Junior Achievement of Central Illinois

Junior Achievement•Peoria, IL

1d•$88,500 - $132,500

About The Position

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.

Requirements

15+ 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

Responsibilities

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.