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.