Regional CEO, Illinois Region

About The American Red Cross

The American Red Cross' mission is to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. 

The mission of the American Red Cross (“Red Cross” or “ARC”) is more than words. The ARC always aims to prevent and relieve suffering with every action. The Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to people affected by disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families.

Founded by the visionary leader Clara Barton, for more than 130 years the Red Cross has been there to help people at the moment of their greatest need. One of the nation’s premier humanitarian organizations, Red Cross supporters provide a beacon of hope. From helping during disasters and ensuring access to lifesaving blood, to providing training to save lives and supporting military communities, the Red Cross is there when help can’t wait.

The fundamental principles of the global Red Cross community include:

• Humanity: The Red Cross, born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield, endeavors—in its international and national capacity—to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found. Its purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation and lasting peace amongst all peoples.
• Impartiality: It makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. It endeavors to relieve the suffering of individuals, being guided solely by their needs, and to give priority to the most urgent cases of distress.
• Neutrality: In order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the Red Cross may not take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature.
• Independence: The Red Cross is independent. The national societies, while auxiliaries in the humanitarian services of their governments and subject to the laws of their respective countries, must always maintain their autonomy so that they may be able at all times to act in accordance with Red Cross principles.
• Voluntary Service: The Red Cross is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner by desire for gain.
• Unity: There can be only one Red Cross society in any one country. It must be open to all. It must carry on its humanitarian work throughout its territory.
• Universality: The Red Cross is a worldwide institution in which all societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other.

With more than 90% of the Red Cross workforce comprised of volunteers, the American Red Cross is in large part a volunteer organization. The Red Cross is also the largest supplier of blood products in the United States.

The Red Cross operates through a variety of services, including:

• Disaster Relief: The Red Cross seeks to help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to natural and human-caused disasters. From small house fires to multi-state natural disasters, the ARC goes wherever they are most needed so people can have clean water, safe shelter, and hot meals when they need them most. The Red Cross provides support through the immediate mobilization of people and resources and the provision of community, workplace, and school-based training.    
• Blood Services: The Red Cross also leads a tremendous part of blood collection efforts nationally. In the United States, someone requires blood every two seconds, and with every blood donation there is the chance to save up to three lives. The American Red Cross collects nearly 40% of the nation’s blood supply.
• Service to the Armed Forces: The Red Cross helps members of the military, veterans and their families prepare for, cope with, and respond to, the challenges of military service. Volunteers provide home comforts and critical services on bases and in military hospitals around the world. The ARC supports military families during deployments and emergencies and continues to serve our nation's veterans after their service ends.
• Training Services: Training Services is a division of the Red Cross with the mission to spread knowledge and educate as many members of the national community in lifesaving procedures. Services include training courses for CPR and AED, First Aid, BLS (Basic Life Support), babysitting, caregiving, lifeguarding water safety, and more.
• International Services: As part of the world’s largest humanitarian network, Global Red Cross Red Crescent teams provide relief and hope in nearly every corner of the globe. Volunteers often come from the communities they serve, making them powerful change-makers. Together, Red Cross Red Crescent teams not only respond to emergencies such as earthquakes, droughts, and health epidemics but also help neighborhoods prepare for future disasters and ensure that children receive the vaccines they need to stay healthy.
• Volunteer Services: Red Cross volunteers are a critical and central part of the organization’s mission and efforts. There are many different ways in which volunteers can support the Red Cross. The Disaster Action Team responds to an average of about 65,000 disasters every year. Shelter volunteers work directly with residents to ensure their basic needs are met as well as help them access additional services. Licensed health professionals can provide essential hands-on care and education to those affected during large-scale disasters. No matter the position, the time and talent of Red Cross volunteers makes a real difference in people’s lives.

The American Red Cross, Illinois Region serves over 12.1 million people in 88 counties across Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri through a network of five chapters: Central Illinois, Greater Chicago, Illinois River Valley, Quad Cities & Northwest Illinois, and South & West Central Illinois. The Region total revenue is $28 million.

Over the last year, the Red Cross, Illinois Region has responded to more than 7,632 people affected by 1,689 disasters. This region delivers Community Disaster Education, First Aid/CPR, and other types of life-saving health and safety training to thousands of people to help individuals prevent, prepare, and respond to emergencies.

All employees and volunteers of the Illinois Region are committed to a unified Red Cross culture that emphasizes inclusion, limits bias, creates an environment that welcomes diverse traditions and experiences, and champions the dignity of all. The Red Cross honors and respects the beliefs, language, interpersonal styles, and behaviors of individuals and families receiving services as well as the employees and volunteers who are providing services. Of paramount importance is that all who partner with or work/volunteer for the Red Cross always feel safe and welcome and in all circumstances that involve the organization.

For more information on the American Red Cross, Illinois Region, please visit their website.

The Opportunity 

As the organization moves into this next chapter, the American Red Cross, Illinois Region seeks a mission-focused, empathetic, experienced, and action-oriented Regional Chief Executive Officer (“Regional CEO” or “CEO”).

Reporting to the Division Vice President (“DVP”), the CEO leads a team of paid and volunteer staff to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies and support resilient communities throughout the Region by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. 

The next CEO of the Illinois Region will be tasked to build upon the ARC’s achievements in the Illinois region. This leader is responsible for the delivery of overall targets and goals of the Region. With 8 direct reports, including the Chapter Executive Directors (“EDs”}, the CEO will lead the strategic and operational management of the Region. The CEO will grow and ensure consistent, responsive delivery of high-quality chapter services throughout the Region. This includes emergency and disaster response services, services to armed forces, and international services based on regional strategies and local community needs and objectives.

In conjunction with the DVP and Division Fundraising Vice President (“DFVP”), the CEO has primary responsibility across the region for achievement of fundraising goals of $28 million or as determined by the needs of the community as a result of episodic events. As the Region’s chief fundraiser, the CEO is charged with developing and growing financial resources within the Region, ensuring adequate and diversified financial resources. They will lead and participate in strategies to raise and leverage funds, including working with Regional and community boards.

A communicative and agile leader, the Regional CEO will thrive in a fast-paced, matrix environment. Serving as the primary ambassador and spokesperson for the Illinois Region, the CEO will prioritize effectively communicating measurable results and outcomes of impact. The CEO will have the character and confidence to work comfortably and connect genuinely with a variety of stakeholders, communicating in a timely and transparent way to build trust and credibility. This leader will be a highly visible member of the community, influencing local, regional, and national conversations that directly lead to the achievement of the Region and ARC’s mission.

Key priorities include:

• Supporting the mission, vision, and strategic goals of the American Red Cross, Illinois Region to support and provide resources for its richly diverse community, leaders, and external partners.
• Serving as an inspirational, innovative, and visionary leader for the ARC, balancing a collaborative, relational spirit with business acumen and discipline to ensure sustainability, accountability, and continued impact for the organization.
• Ensuring sound financial management and public accountability for contributions, income and all Red Cross assets.
• Cultivating new sources of revenue by creatively and strategically expanding and deepening the existing donor and funder base.
• Inspiring trust and confidence in ARC Illinois Region staff by developing strong internal relationships and collaborating with existing partnerships, key constituencies, and funding organizations; engaging with, and fostering relationships with the Red Cross’ valued volunteer base.
• Motivating and leading a high performing staff EDs; recruiting, retaining, and enhancing a diversified and skilled staff; providing mentoring, coaching and professional development opportunities; and instilling a culture of high performance and growth while using an inspirational and collaborative approach.
• Providing Regional oversight and support of EDs within the Region; identifying opportunities for sharing knowledge and resources between regional groups and provides access to best practices and training opportunities available through national headquarters.
• Serving as primary spokesperson for the American Red Cross, Illinois Region with appropriate delegation to national leadership and other employees.
• Representing the Illinois Region at the local, state, regional, and national level with integrity, displaying courtesy, tact, consideration, and discretion in all interactions with members of the community, including nonprofit partners, leaders, legislatures, donors, and the community at large.

Working with the DVP and other regional executives to ensure coordinated outreach/partnerships with external constituents within the Division (local and state government, donors, corporate partners, other community agencies); collaborative relationships and activities with local Red Cross Biomedical units; positive interactions with Community Boards, and management presence in local communities within the region.

Candidate Profile

The Regional Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross, Illinois Region will have the following professional and personal qualities, skills, and characteristics, among others:

An Authentic Ambassador and Fundraiser for The American Red Cross, Illinois Region

This leader will be a compelling advocate for the mission and vision of the American Red Cross. They will be highly skilled at developing meaningful, authentic relationships with a diverse array of constituents and partners across the region and beyond. The CEO will attract new and diverse support for the organization, inspiring others to partner with and contribute to the organization. As the lead external voice of the region, the CEO will be a strong and compelling communicator who is able to work effectively with diverse groups and will be recognized as a trusted leader in the community. With a natural ability to build buy-in, the CEO will drive fundraising for the Region. They will exemplify authentic connected leadership and inspire confidence through fostering collaboration to amplify ARC, Illinois Region’s brand and reputation.

A Communicative Relationship & Culture Builder 

The CEO will embody the spirit of the mission of the Red Cross by serving as an inspiring, inclusive, and dynamic leader of the organization. They will have high personal and professional standards and will lead with a spirit of service, transparency, humility and joy. This leader will have a high level of emotional intelligence with a demonstrated ability to quickly build trust and credibility with a diverse array of internal and external constituents. An active listener, the CEO will be an approachable individual and will fully engage in conversations, creating an environment where all team members feel valued and heard. Culturally competent, the CEO will have the character and integrity necessary to develop rapport with people of varying experiences, backgrounds, and philosophies. This empathetic leader will have a deep understanding of the issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility and will infuse these concepts and values across the organization. The CEO will have experience working with diverse populations in every sense of the word and will bring a critical lens to the inclusivity in a unified Red Cross culture. This leader will foster a culture where staff can bring their whole selves to work and thrive.

A Strategic and Inspirational Leader

While prioritizing strategic and operational efficiency, the CEO will proactively identify opportunities to deepen and expand the organization’s impact on the Illinois region. This leader will recognize the uniqueness of ARC’s position in the region and the broader national landscape, proactively seeking out opportunities to increase its visibility and influence. In tandem with the DVP and national executive team, the CEO will provide critical input in the development of strategies needed to advance the work of a mission-based organization, from funding to mission delivery. This leader will bring experience building and leading high-performing teams of the highest degree of professionalism and guiding team members’ growth and development. The CEO will be energized by the task of building support internally and externally for ambitious goals and will have the capacity to drive measurable growth. The CEO will understand the importance of a robust partnership and alignment with the national leadership team.

A Passion for the Mission

Deeply committed to alleviating human suffering and empowering communities to be more resilient in the face of emergencies, the CEO will have a profound desire to make a tangible impact by mobilizing resources, volunteers, and donors to help those in need. The CEO will have the drive to serve diverse communities with compassion, inclusivity, and respect, fueling a genuine dedication to ensuring that help reaches those who need it most, whether through disaster response, support to military families, or community resilience programs. This passion is essential for anyone who seeks to contribute meaningfully to the organization’s lifesaving work. Above all, this leader will be an individual of unquestioned integrity, ethics, and values; someone who can be trusted without reservation.

Qualifications

• Education: Four year college degree (BS/BA) in Business, Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Finance or non-profit administration or equivalent experience required. Prefer Master’s degree in the field of community organization, public or business administration or nonprofit management.
• Experience: Minimum 10 years related experience in the profit or not-for-profit sector in business, sales, or corporate administration. Proven track record in raising significant financial resources.
• Management Experience: Minimum 7 years’ experience directing a workforce and program management responsibilities.
• Travel: Travel within communities served and region, occasionally division. May travel and participate in meetings and conferences throughout chapter jurisdiction, state and Red Cross system. May include sitting for long periods of time, driving a vehicle and working under challenging conditions. A current valid driver's license and good driving record is required.
• Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to handle or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 15 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. The work environment will consist of moderate noise (i.e., business office with computers, phones and printers, light traffic). The employee must have the ability to work in a small cubicle and have the ability to sit at a computer terminal for an extended period of time.

Compensation & Benefits

The American Red Cross will take care of you, while you take care of others. As a mission-based organization, they believe their team needs great support to do great work. Their compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range for this role is $250,000 - $280,000, plus up to a 30% bonus based on agreed upon deliverables and a generous benefit package.

Contact

Marissa Delgado and Judene Hylton of Koya Partners have been exclusively retained for this search. To express interest, please submit your materials by filling out our Talent Profile. Any questions can be directed to the team via email at [email protected]. All inquiries and discussions will be considered strictly confidential.

Koya Partners is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals living with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual living with a disability and need assistance expressing interest online, please email [email protected]. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.