THE NAWAWI FOUNDATION
Job Description: Executive Director

THE NAWAWI FOUNDATION (NF) seeks a full-time Executive Director to manage operations and lead the fundraising efforts 
of this young, dynamic non-profit organization. The position includes direct responsibility for management and 
oversight of all of the organization's ongoing educational initiatives and management of the organization's fundraising 
strategy.

Organizational Background
Founded in 2000, NF is a leading Muslim non-profit organization based in the greater Chicago land area. Providing 
educational programs and thought leadership initiatives for Muslim communities in North America, NF is engaged in 
several ongoing projects, including: (a) weekly classes on various subjects relating to the Islamic religion, its 
history and sciences; (b) periodic weekend intensives and roundtables on academic and popular topics; (c) occasional 
articles, research, and writings on foundational and historical aspects of Islam's legacy and present development in 
America; and (d) yearly cultural trips to various parts of the Muslim world to explore the localized beliefs and 
practices of Muslim communities of the past.

NF's core initiative since its inception has been the Scholar-in-Residence Program, which has been host to Dr. Umar 
Faruq Abd-Allah, Ph.D., one of the world's top experts on Islamic law and legal philosophy and Islam in America. The 
Program aims to provide relevant, meaningful Islamic teachings to America's growing first and second generation Muslims 
- teachings firmly rooted in authentic scholarship and taught in a manner that is dynamic and applicable to the modern 
world.

NF has an annual operating budget in the low six figures, 2 FTE's, and a team of roughly a dozen highly dedicated 
volunteer positions (with about another two dozen floater, occasional volunteers). The Executive Director reports 
directly to the NF's Board of Directors. 

Essential characteristics and expectations NF's Executive Director:
The position of Executive Director (ED) of NF is multi-faceted; the day-to-day operations fall within the purview of 
the ED's responsibilities. The ED position is the focal point of leadership for both staff and Board. The ED will 
participate in regular staff meetings and events, attend Board meetings and represent the organization to the outside 
world, and perform other tasks as requested. The following elements are essential if the individual is to be effective 
in moving the organization towards its mission and vision:

.Executive Director must be a focused "self-starter" with strong leadership skills. He/she is expected to inspire, 
educate, and motivate staff/volunteers and donors. He/she should be well-organized and attentive to detail, but still 
able to keep the "big picture" in perspective.

.NF seeks a leader who has the ability to manage growth and change. This new leader will have the challenge of breaking 
new ground after assessing the well-established current program. Executive Director must be able to incorporate the 
organization's vision, mission, and core values in the growth process to create new avenues to reach our target 
audience.

.Executive Director should also be a skilled verbal and written communicator, able to communicate his/her ideas and 
opinions in an inspirational, enthusiastic, and motivating manner, including as a public speaker/fundraiser for the NF.

.Executive Director should be a partnership builder. We are looking for someone who has a proven track record as an 
effective collaborator. He/she must be able to bring individuals and groups together to agree to common goals and 
courses of action. 

.Executive Director will assist the Board and its committees in implementing a well-functioning problem solving and 
decision-making process, the essence of which is based on building consensus among the diverse group of individuals. 

Additional Qualifications: 
The ideal candidate will also have the following credentials: 
.Commitment to Islamic education and the mission of the organization. Experience working within the religious community 
a plus.
.3 - 5 years of professional experience. Specific nonprofit management experience a major plus.
.A college degree or higher in business administration, nonprofit management, or similar/related liberal arts fields.
.Demonstrated experience and expertise in fundraising (e.g., experience raising endowment funds a major plus). Ability 
to do occasional travel.
.Should be proficient in the use of various word processing, Internet, e-mail, and other software applications. 

Additional Information about the NF ED Position:
Applicants are encouraged to visit NF's website to learn more about our philosophy and programs at www.nawawi.org. 

Job Location - Chicago land, Illinois.

Compensation - NF will offer a competitive compensation package with a starting base salary commensurate with 
experience and expertise. Other benefits include full family health insurance coverage through professional third-party 
provider, generous leave policies, and a retirement plan.

Please, no phone calls or faxes about this position. Applicants only please, no recruiters. Reposting this announcement 
elsewhere is acceptable.

How to Apply:
Resumes: 
Send resume with salary history and requirements to: 

The Nawawi Foundation
NF-Executive Director Search 
PMB 128
80 Burr Ridge Parkway
Burr Ridge, IL 60521
or e-mail to 

info@nawawi.org
Subject: NF-Executive Director 

The Nawawi Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, national origin, or 
disability unless related to a bona fide occupational qualification.