Open Books
Executive Director
About the Organization
For more than 20 years, Open Books has inspired a love of reading and expanded educational opportunities for thousands of children and families across Chicago. Guided by the belief that books can transform lives, Open Books combines literacy programming, book access, and community partnerships with an innovative earned-revenue model that includes neighborhood bookstores and book distribution operations.
Today, Open Books operates across three locations in Chicago, providing access to books throughout the south and west sides of Chicago, with a large presence and focus in North Lawndale and targeted expansion into Little Village and Englewood.
As Open Books enters its next chapter, the organization is well-positioned to build on more than two decades of impact. With a committed staff, an engaged Board of Directors, and a respected reputation across Chicago, the next Executive Director will have the opportunity to strengthen financial sustainability, deepen community partnerships, and shape the future of one of the city's most beloved literacy organizations.
For more information about Open Books, please visit: https://www.open-books.org/
About the Position
The Executive Director serves as the chief executive and primary ambassador of Open Books, providing strategic leadership while ensuring the organization's long-term financial health, operational excellence, and mission impact. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will partner closely with board leadership and staff to advance Open Books' mission, strengthen organizational capacity, and position the organization for sustained growth.
This is a highly visible leadership role that requires balancing long-term strategic vision with day-to-day operational leadership. The Executive Director directly manages five senior leaders and is responsible for the overall leadership, performance, and success of Open Books' 15-person staff along with over 500 volunteers. The role oversees fundraising, literacy programming, bookstore and earned-revenue operations, finance, marketing and communications, community partnerships, and organizational administration while cultivating a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Open Books is a relationship-driven organization, and the Executive Director's leadership is most effective when it is visible. This role requires regular presence across the organization's three Chicago locations in North Lawndale, Pilsen, and the West Loop, as well as throughout the community meeting with donors, partners, schools, and stakeholders. While the position is hybrid, candidates should expect to work primarily onsite, with the flexibility to work remotely approximately one day per week.
Morten Group is committed to creating an accessible application process. To request and arrange for reasonable accommodations, please contact IT@mortengroup.com.
