Executive Director, Courage Connection

Executive Director, Courage Connection

Helping individuals and families achieve safety, support, and success.

Courage Connection, a cornerstone provider of domestic violence services in the Champaign–Urbana area and surrounding region, is seeking a visionary, collaborative, and mission-driven Executive Director. This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected nonprofit with a powerful legacy, a generous community behind it, and an unwavering commitment to fostering safety and healthy relationships for those impacted by domestic violence.

About Courage Connection

Courage Connection provides help to individuals experiencing domestic violence. We believe deeply in the right of every person to safety and the potential of every person for success. All services are free, confidential, and designed to support individuals and families as they rebuild their lives. Comprehensive services include 24/7 crisis hotline, emergency shelter services, legal advocacy, therapy and counseling services, and housing assistance.

Courage Connectionwas created in 2010 by the merger of A Woman’s Place, one of the first shelters for survivors of domestic violence in the nation, and The Center for Women in Transition. As an active member of the Champaign–Urbana Continuum of Care, the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and other collaborative networks, Courage Connection is dedicated to identifying and addressing the evolving needs of our community. Our mission guides everything we do: To help individuals and families achieve safety, support, and success.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director (ED) will serve as the Chief Executive Officer, responsible for overall organizational leadership, operational oversight, and strategic direction. The ED ensures high-quality services, strong community partnerships, responsible stewardship of resources, and an organizational ethos rooted in respect, inclusion, and trauma-informed care.

This is a full-time, in-person leadership role requiring consistent on-site presence to effectively support staff and engage with clients, partners, and the broader community.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategic Vision

• Guide the organization’s overall operations in alignment with approved policies, procedures, and strategic goals.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate strategic plans, collaborating with and informing the Board as appropriate.
• Serve as a courageous and visible champion for domestic violence survivors, staff, and the agency’s mission.

Operational & Administrative Management

• Oversee all agency functions, including:
• Fiscal management
• Grant and contract procurement/compliance
• Fundraising and donor relations
• Human resources and staff development
• Program development and administration
• Facilities oversight
• Public relations and media engagement
• Legislative advocacy
• Board relations and reporting
• Maintain strong on-site leadership to support staff, monitor daily operations, and ensure quality services.
• Ensure compliance with agency policies, funder requirements, and relevant laws and regulations.

Community Engagement & Advocacy

• Build and strengthen relationships with community partners, coalitions, media, and civic leaders.
• Enhance the visibility and reputation of Courage Connection.
• Represent the organization at community events, meetings, and advocacy opportunities.

Additional Duties

• Attend required meetings and prepare reports for the Board and funders.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Board of Directors or required by agency needs.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Master’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong management, supervisory, and administrative experience.
• Experience in human services, including program management, grant writing and administration, fundraising, public relations, and facilities oversight.
• Demonstrated success in fiscal management and organizational leadership.
• Proven supervisory experience is essential.

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent leadership, communication, facilitation, and consensus-building skills.
• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and manage multiple priorities.
• Proven ability to build strong, collaborative relationships with staff, board members, clients, funders, community partners, and the public.
• Proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Ability to remain positive, composed, and solutions-oriented under pressure.
• Understanding of trauma-informed care and leadership practices

Required Training

• Completion of the Illinois 40-hour Domestic Violence Training (provided by Courage Connection if not yet completed).

Physical Requirements

• Ability to safely and effectively perform essential job duties in compliance with ADA, FMLA, and applicable standards.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual, on-site attendance.
• Ability to communicate clearly in person, by phone, in meetings, and on camera.

Job Type: Full-time, in-person

Salary range: $115,000-120,000 per year. This pay range represents the organization’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits include: Health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid time off; retirement plan

How to Apply

Please submit a résumé, cover letter describing your interest and qualifications, and contact information for three professional references, including a current or recent supervisor, to EDSearch@courageconnection.org by 12/30/2025.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should send an email to EDSearch@courageconnection.org.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history and credit report. All background checks will be conducted in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act, Illinois Employee Credit Privacy Act, Illinois Human Rights Act, and other applicable federal and state laws.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $115,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person