President & Chief Executive Officer

IMEC Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center•Peoria, IL

5d•$300,000 - $330,000•Remote

About The Position

The Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and highly regarded executive to serve as its next President & Chief Executive Officer. The successful candidate will be a mission-driven leader capable of advancing the IMEC mission while strengthening the competitiveness of Illinois manufacturing. This is a unique opportunity to lead one of Illinois’ most important manufacturing and economic development organizations at a pivotal moment for the manufacturing sector and the broader economy. Manufacturing is undergoing profound transformation driven by artificial intelligence and automation, workforce disruption and supply chain restructuring, cybersecurity and national security priorities, reshoring and domestic manufacturing investment, and increasing demands for innovation, resiliency, and competitiveness. As the trusted advisor and strategic partner to manufacturers across Illinois, IMEC plays a critical role at the intersection of manufacturing competitiveness, workforce development, innovation, operational excellence, economic development, public-private collaboration, and statewide manufacturing initiatives. The next President and Chief Executive Officer will be responsible not only for leading a high-performing organization, but also for positioning IMEC to remain an indispensable partner to Illinois manufacturers in an increasingly dynamic and competitive environment. IMEC is a statewide manufacturing improvement and economic development organization dedicated to helping Illinois manufacturers achieve sustainable growth, operational excellence, and global competitiveness. Through a statewide network of more than 50 professionals and strategic partners, IMEC serves more than 3,000 manufacturers annually, providing strategic consulting, operational improvement, workforce solutions, technology adoption, and business transformation services. As a nonprofit organization and part of the national Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) network, IMEC plays a leadership role within a complex and evolving ecosystem that includes manufacturers, federal and state agencies, academic institutions, workforce organizations, industry associations, economic development partners, and public-private collaborations. The organization is widely recognized for its trusted partnership, measurable impact, and commitment to strengthening the competitiveness, resilience, and long-term growth of Illinois manufacturing. The President & Chief Executive Officer serves as the IMEC chief strategist, organizational leader, and primary external representative, responsible for strategic leadership, organizational performance, stakeholder engagement, financial sustainability, and long-term organizational positioning. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the President & Chief Executive Officer leads a mission-driven organization operating in a highly collaborative, stakeholder-intensive, and rapidly changing environment. Success in the role requires the ability to balance strategic vision and operational execution, internal organizational leadership and external stakeholder engagement, mission impact with financial discipline, and statewide influence with organizational effectiveness. As the IMEC chief spokesperson, relationship builder, and strategic leader, the President & Chief Executive Officer will serve as a key convener within Illinois' manufacturing ecosystem, bringing together manufacturers, government agencies, educational institutions, workforce organizations, funding partners, and other stakeholders to advance the IMEC mission and strengthen the competitiveness of Illinois manufacturing.

Requirements

MUST RESIDE IN ILLINOIS
Work authorization required. IMEC is unable to sponsor visas for this role.
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is required.
Significant executive leadership experience with responsibility for organizational strategy, financial performance, operations, and stakeholder engagement.
Demonstrated success leading complex, mission-driven, stakeholder-oriented organizations.
Experience building strategic partnerships and collaborating across government, industry, workforce, education, and economic development organizations.

Nice To Haves

a master's degree or other advanced degree is preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the IMEC long-term strategic direction and organizational evolution, positioning the organization to respond proactively to emerging trends in manufacturing, workforce development, technology, and economic development.
Build and maintain strong relationships with manufacturers, legislators, funding agencies, economic development organizations, universities, workforce partners, and industry leaders.
Strengthen the IMEC statewide and national visibility, influence, strategic partnerships, and public leadership while positioning the organization as a trusted partner to government, industry, workforce, and economic development stakeholders.
Ensure the long-term financial health and organizational sustainability of IMEC.
Lead efforts to diversify revenue streams through grants, public-private partnerships, strategic funding relationships, and mission-aligned growth opportunities.
Maintain strong oversight of budgets, grants, contracts, compliance, and organizational risk.
Lead and develop a high-performing, geographically distributed leadership team.
Ensure operational excellence, accountability, agility, and measurable organizational impact.