Executive Director | The Investigative Project on Race and Equity

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
The Investigative Project on Race and Equity is a mission-driven nonprofit news organization committed  to producing impactful investigative journalism through collaboration, data analysis and a focus on racial  and social equity. In addition to reporting, the organization invests  in training the next generation of journalists— particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds—through mentorship, hands-on experience and professional development. 

ABOUT THE POSITION
The full-time executive director manages the operational and financial aspects of the Investigative  Project on Race and Equity. Duties include supervising and managing staff, budgeting, preparing  accurate financial reports for the Board of Directors, and supervising communications, collaborations, training and fundraising activities.  

The executive director reports to the Board of Directors and supports the work of an active group of  volunteers, known as the Advisory Council. The Executive Director will have four direct reports: Director of Engagement, Training Coordinator, Editorial Director and a development consultant. 

Chicago area residence is required.  

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Staff Oversight

• Supporting and supervising staff; ensuring they feel valued and connected to  the organization’s mission; and fostering a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing  work culture. 
• Work with the editorial director and audience engagement teams to refine editorial  policy and goals and increase readership for high-quality, trusted reporting that  distinguishes the Investigative Project and enhances the organization’s brand.  
• Support editorial leaders and staff in the design, implementation and management of  newsroom operations that can produce impactful accountability journalism. 
• Support Training Coordinator in implementing and managing training initiatives that  prepare journalists to produce impactful accountability reporting. 
• Ensure diversity is a key part of the organization’s framework and that equity and  inclusion are ingrained in the organization’s work and strategic vision, including hiring, retention  and compensation. 
• Promote organizational culture that stimulates open communication and supports collaboration.

Financial Management

• Create and execute a plan that addresses long-term funding and sustainability through a  diverse mix of revenue streams, including individual gifts, grants and earned income  such as sponsorships, events and memberships.  
• Oversee risk mitigation, including ensuring that the organization has adequate financial  controls and meets legal and regulatory requirements.
• Set benchmarks for program spending and delivery that reflect financial realities and  ensure fiscal stability. This includes efficient and professional administration of day-to-day operations, at the highest levels of transparency, accountability and consistency.  

Communications and Stewardship

• Participate in and lead meetings and communications with stakeholders, including media partners, donors  and the public to raise the profile of the Investigative Project and its work.  

Board Relations

• Work collaboratively with the president of the Board of Directors and chair of the  Advisory Council to meet organizational objectives. 
• Perform administrative functions – including scheduling meetings, calendars, invites and  internal databases – and maintain records for ongoing reports that will be used by the  board, in grant management, donor stewardship and brand strategy.   

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
Experience

• Five or more years' experience managing a nonprofit organization, including fundraising 
• Bachelor's Degree required
• Basic bookkeeping and accounting skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Excel 
• Ability to set up and manage systems for efficient operation of the organization 
• Experience with and commitment to investigative and data journalism 

Competencies

• Ability to work cooperatively with a diverse group of leaders 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, for multiple audiences
• Commitment to maintaining high standards of accuracy, integrity and honesty 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
 
The salary for this position is $100,000.  The Investigative Project offers a competitive benefits package that includes four weeks of paid vacation (which includes two weeks off at the end of the year), health-care, vision and dental coverage and a flexible schedule. This is a hybrid position and Chicago area residence is required.
 
HOW TO APPLY
 
The Investigative Project has retained Morten Group, LLC to conduct this search. Applicants should complete the form available at mortengroup.com/executive-placements/ipre including the submission of a cover letter and resume in PDF format by the best consideration date of Friday, December 5, 2025. Cover letters will be evaluated as a writing sample. Please note that only those applicants invited to a screening interview will be contacted between December 12 and December  22, 2025.
 
The Project  encourages individuals from traditionally underrepresented communities to apply and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, order of protection status, physical or mental disability, veteran/military status, unfavorable discharge, marital status, pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation.  The Project prohibits all forms of unlawful discrimination, including discrimination because of any one of the protected statuses listed above.