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1 Breakthrough Executive Director Jobs Hiring Near You

... Breakthrough. This position works to ensure fiscal accountability and responsible stewardship of ... Oversee annual budget process in conjunction with the CAO and Executive Leadership Team * Oversee ...

BreakThrough Jobs Information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Executive Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Executive Director, you need strong leadership, strategic planning, financial management, and organizational development skills, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree and significant managerial experience. Familiarity with budgeting software, CRM systems, and nonprofit or corporate governance frameworks is often required. Excellent communication, decision-making, and relationship-building abilities are crucial soft skills for inspiring teams and engaging stakeholders. These competencies are essential for driving organizational growth, ensuring operational efficiency, and achieving long-term mission success.

What are some common challenges faced by an Executive Director when balancing strategic leadership with day-to-day operations?

Executive Directors often face the challenge of balancing high-level strategic planning with the demands of overseeing daily operations. While setting long-term goals and ensuring organizational sustainability, they must also address immediate issues such as team management, resource allocation, and stakeholder communication. Effective delegation, time management, and maintaining open communication with both staff and the board are key to navigating these challenges successfully. Building a strong leadership team can also help distribute responsibilities and ensure smooth organizational functioning.

What does an Executive Director do?

An Executive Director is the senior leader responsible for overseeing the operations and strategic direction of an organization, often in the nonprofit or public sector. Their duties include managing staff, developing policies, ensuring financial sustainability, and working with the board of directors to fulfill the organization's mission. Executive Directors also represent the organization to stakeholders, secure funding, and ensure compliance with laws and regulations. Their leadership is crucial for driving organizational growth and achieving long-term goals.

What do executive directors get paid?

Executive directors typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $70,000 to over $150,000, depending on the organization size, location, and industry. Compensation often includes benefits such as bonuses, retirement plans, and health insurance, and requires strong leadership and management skills.

What is the difference between Executive Director vs Nonprofit Program Manager?

AspectExecutive DirectorNonprofit Program Manager
CredentialsBachelor's degree often required; advanced degrees preferredBachelor's degree typically required; relevant experience valued
Work EnvironmentOversees entire organization, strategic planningManages specific programs or projects within the organization
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in nonprofits, associations, foundationsCommon in nonprofit organizations, community services
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles, organizational oversightFocus on program management, project execution

The Executive Director holds a top leadership position, responsible for overall organizational strategy and governance. In contrast, a Nonprofit Program Manager focuses on managing specific programs or projects within the organization. While both roles require relevant experience and similar educational backgrounds, the Executive Director has broader responsibilities, including fundraising and stakeholder relations, whereas the Program Manager concentrates on program delivery and operational details.

Infographic showing various Executive Director job openings at Breakthrough in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, and 31% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.
Controller

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Controller
Reports to: Chief Administrative Officer
Program Area: Administration
FLSA Code: Full time, Exempt
Hours: 40-hour workweek
Location: Men’s Center, 402 N. St Louis Ave., Chicago, IL 60624
POSITION SUMMARY
The Controller is responsible for the overall management of the fiscal operations of Breakthrough. This position works to ensure fiscal accountability and responsible stewardship of the organization’s resources throughout the organization.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / FUNCTIONS
Fiscal
Supervising the Accounting Coordinator and Financial Analyst, ensures efficient and effective management of financial operations, including accounts payable, payroll and other accounting functions. Other duties include but are not limited to:
  • Oversee annual budget process in conjunction with the CAO and Executive Leadership Team
  • Oversee relationship with outside accounting firm
  • Serve as Lead for Strategic Project to assess overall fiscal operations, including accounting forms and systems, identifying and implementing process improvement ideas in conjunction with the CAO.
  • Ensure Uniform Guidance compliance on federally funded contracts
  • Review monthly program financial reports prepared by the Financial Analyst, investigating significant budget to actual variances and working with Chief Program Officers and Program Directors to answer any questions.
  • Provide monthly financial reports for review by the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors.
  • Review amp; document fiscal controls annually and as needed throughout the course of the fiscal year.
  • Review and approve purchase orders and invoices for payment, periodically testing accounts payable for accuracy in coding expenses to appropriate line items
  • Review and approve expense reports related to use of corporate credit cards
  • Review bank reconciliations amp; monthly general journal entries prepared by outside accountants
  • Review and approve contracts for services provided by outside vendors
  • Manage overall spending based on current amp; projected cash flow
  • Assist as needed with preparation and review of monthly vouchers for government contracts and other funders. Ensure timely voucher submission through 3rd party systems or email as required by the funder.
  • Prepare grant budgets and monthly or periodic grant specific expense reports as needed.
  • Test employee expense reports to ensure integrity from start to finish of purchasing process
  • Review Salesforce revenue dashboards, periodically testing transactions for accuracy in coding to correct revenue accounts.
Staff Management
  • Supervise and coach staff.
  • Provide guidance and support to staff in client interaction and professional development.
  • Foster a positive and collaborate work environment.
  • Facilitate annual performance reviews and regular coaching sessions.
  • Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations and organizational policies.
  • Stay up to date on best practices and trends in accounting.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Demonstrated Values
  • Independently follows agency policy and procedures
  • Follows through with commitments including meeting established timelines
  • Identifies and resolves difficult issues
  • Project a professional image to all internal and external customers ensuring proper grooming
  • Promote wellness and customer care through all actions and behaviors
  • Works effectively with diverse staff, communities and population served
  • Maintain a high degree of sensitivity, tact, and diplomacy during stressful situations.
  • A passion for the mission of Breakthrough
QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, human services or related field
  • Minimum of five (5) years’ experience of successively responsible nonprofit, finance or operational experience.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage people, budgets, and operations and information.
  • Experience supporting and working with victims and/or their family of gun violence.
  • Must be able to develop and manage a team to achieve stated goals
  • Must be able to develop and sustain relationships with external stakeholders
  • Strong computer skills and a working knowledge of Microsoft Office
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Excellent conceptual, analytical, and quantitative abilities.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, especially the ability to communicate well and respectfully with diverse audiences.
  • Must have the ability to use initiative, discretion and independent judgment in making decisions.
  • Ability and commitment to maintain high level of confidentiality
  • Ability to demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, professionalism, and problem-solving ability.
  • Ability to display a warm, supportive attitude while promoting hospitality toward all people through all actions and behaviors.
  • Ability to demonstrate initiative and follow through and be comfortable working in a changing environment.
  • Demonstrates willingness to consistently improve work performance through their relationship and guidance.
SUPERVISION
Direction received from the Chief Administrative Officer
Supervises
  • Accounting Coordinator
  • Financial Analyst
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will work in an office located in a multi-purpose facility and/or outdoors and thus will be exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be high depending on the activities in the facility.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk and/or sit; use hands and fingers to feel objects, tools or controls, reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; regularly talk or hear. The employee must be able to bend, stoop, pull, lift as well as have overhead extension of arms. Must be able to stand for long periods of time; be able to lift, carry or move at least 50 pounds. Must adhere to proper handling and lifting techniques. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Equipment Used
The employee will generally use general office equipment including but not limited to telephone, computer, calculator, copier, overhead projector, paper shredder, paper cutter, and filing systems.
Safety Requirements
Prior to the first day of work, must complete a criminal background and sex offender clearance.

BENEFITS
  • Medical - We offer group medical benefits through UnitedHealthcare to full-time employees. You have the option of choosing between a PPO or HMO plans. Depending on the plan chosen, there may be no cost for an employee single coverage. There is a cost per pay period for coverage for family (i.e., employee plus spouse; employee plus child(ren) or employee plus spouse and child(ren).
  • Dental – We offer group dental benefits through UnitedHealthcare to full-time employees. You have the option of choosing between a PPO or HMO. This is an employee paid benefit.
  • Vision - We offer group vision benefits through UnitedHealthcare to full-time employees. This is an employee paid benefit.
  • Life - Through UnitedHealthcare, we offer full-time employees term life insurance to the employee’s family in case of death. The cost of this benefit is paid fully by the organization.
  • Short and long-term disability - If you become disabled, UnitedHealthcare provides both short-term and long-term disability insurance to full-time employees. The cost of this benefit is paid fully by the organization.
  • 401 (k) Plan - We offer a 401(k) plan which is a tax-deferred annuity to assist full-time employees in planning for retirement. We match 50% of your contribution up to a total of 3% of your base salary.
  • Section 125 Plan (FSA) - Through TASC, we allow full-time employees to make contributions toward premiums for medical insurance, out-of-pocket medical expenses, dependent care expenses, and/or transit and parking on a “before tax” rather than an “after tax” basis.
  • Vacation Days - Full-time employees in this position are eligible to accrue vacation days at a rate of 6.67 – 13.33 days per month based on tenure with the organization.
  • Personal Days - Full-time employees in this position are eligible for up to 3 personal days annually, pro-rated in year one.
  • Sick Days - Full-time employees in this position are eligible for up to 10 sick days annually, pro-rated in year one.
COMPENSATION
The actual salary within the range is determined by many factors including but not limited to skills, experience, education and internal equity.
$85,000-$90,000/annually
Breakthrough is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or any other non-merit factors. If a reasonable accommodation is needed for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact us via the telephone number listed above. The decision to grant reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.