Executive Director Job Description

The Opportunity

The Unitarian Universalist Advocacy Network of Illinois (UUANI) seeks a visionary and dynamic Executive Director who can build upon our legacy of excellence in building power among Unitarian Universalist (UU) congregations in Illinois to accountably advocate with those who have been historically marginalized. We seek a candidate who will bring their own vision to carry our mission into the future, growing the organization and their position in new and exciting ways.

Location:

This position can be based anywhere in Illinois. While most of the work is remote (home internet required), travel around the state will be required.

About UUANI 

UUANI empowers UUs across Illinois to work for spiritually grounded, relationally accountable, and strategically effective action in solidarity with those most impacted by injustice. Following the lead of organizations representing impacted communities, we mobilize for advocacy on a range of issues reflecting UU values and concerns. We seek to center the historically marginalized communities to whom we are accountable in our work for justice. UUANI’s primary community is the Illinois UU community of 37 congregations with approximately 4,800 members. We provide leadership and organizing training, build congregational capacity, and organize legislative advocacy, voter engagement and community engagement efforts in loving accountability with our partners.

As a predominantly white organization committed to racial justice, UUANI has made a specific commitment to building relationships with BIPOC organizations (such as DRUUMM), and we have built into our infrastructure an Accountability Council of BIPOC leaders which shares overall decision-making power with the Board. We also have a BIPOC Advisory Team which supports and advises our organizing work with BIPOC UUs.

UUANI is a member of the Coalition of UU State Action Networks, and is affiliated with the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), an historic, inclusive, and progressive religious denomination.

The Executive Director Role

The Executive Director will serve as the lead staff and organizer of UUANI, providing strategic direction and public leadership. The successful candidate will be responsible for the programmatic, operational, financial, and administrative management of the organization, ensuring that it remains effective and spiritually grounded in fulfilling its mission.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Vision

  • Hold the vision of building power through relational organizing, accountable advocacy, and empowering congregations for collective action rooted in UU values.

  • Monitor and identify key advocacy issues and political developments relevant to UUANI’s mission.

  • Prioritize and align organizational efforts with the needs of marginalized communities and the broader movement for justice.

2. Congregational Engagement & Leadership Development

  • Strengthen relationships with ministers and congregational leaders to grow commitment and involvement across UUANI’s network.

  • Identify congregational needs and develop leaders to organize and mobilize action within their congregations.

  • Build congregational capacity for advocacy and organizing through statewide structures, gatherings, and training opportunities.

3. Partner Relations & Advocacy Mobilization

  • Cultivate strong relationships with partner organizations representing impacted communities, ensuring UUANI’s work remains accountable and impactful.

  • Promote calls to action and foster collaboration among network members to maximize collective advocacy efforts.

  • Develop and maintain communication strategies to support advocacy initiatives, enhance organizational visibility, and mobilize communities.

4. Organizational Leadership & Sustainability

  • Collaborate with the Board and Accountability Council to set goals, assess program effectiveness, and refine the strategic plan.

  • Supervise Catalysts, staff, interns, and consultants to meet shared goals, providing necessary support and conducting regular evaluations.

  • Ensure financial stability and oversight by leading or delegating fundraising activities, grant writing, donor relations, and administrative compliance.

  • Provide regular updates to the Board, facilitate annual listening surveys, and encourage active Board involvement aligned with their skills and interests.


Compensation & Benefits

  • Salary range $35,000-40,000, commensurate with experience. The position is currently half-time, with the opportunity to grow into a full-time position.

  • Health insurance provided (equivalency to UUA plan 50% coverage).

  • Four weeks paid vacation. 

  • Work hours are flexible. Some weekends and evenings are required.

  • Professional expenses (such as travel reimbursement and continuing education).

Qualifications

Required:

  • Leadership experience.

  • Community organizing training and experience.

  • Familiarity with faith community dynamics and structures.

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred:

  • People with disabilities, people of color, indigenous people, Latine, and LGBTQ+ candidates are encouraged to apply. UUANI is committed to developing a diverse and talented team, and we value lived experience.

  • Ministerial training and/or experience.

  • Familiarity with Unitarian Universalism.

If you are excited about this role, but are unsure whether you meet 100% of the requirements, we encourage you to inquire and/or apply. 


To apply for this position, send a resume and cover letter to Chuck Ruth chuck.ruth1000@gmail.com. Applications due August 1, 2025. Position is projected to start November 1, 2025 (negotiable).