THE SEARCH 

As Chicago Humanities (CH) approaches its 40th anniversary in 2029 and plans for its third endowment campaign, the organization seeks an inspiring, forward-thinking, and visionary leader to serve as its next Executive Director (ED). As the leader of one of Chicago’s most vital civic and cultural institutions, the ED will exhibit passion for protecting and advancing the humanities and the arts in the region and beyond. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED will serve as CH’s chief strategist, ambassador, and fundraiser; focus on expanding its audience, member, and donor base; and sustain CH as a crucial cultural platform where curiosity, creativity, and community converge. The ED will manage a budget of approximately $5 million and a staff of 25, plus approximately 30 seasonal employees, and serve as a key architect of strategic planning in the furtherance of CH’s mission, vision, and financial health. 

A unique, innovative, and dynamic not-for-profit, Chicago Humanities is a presenting organization that features programs that reflect on the past, explore the present, and consider the future through the multiple lenses of the arts, humanities, and social sciences. With the core belief that the arts and humanities play a fundamental role in understanding and addressing the pressing civic, social, and cultural issues of our time, CH hosts compelling conversations, engaging events, and powerful performances. These feature authors, artists, scholars, policymakers, and thought leaders at the forefront of their fields, sharing new insights into the human condition. 

Chicago Humanities has retained Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist in the identification and selection of this new leader. All inquiries, applications, and nominations for this opportunity should be directed to the search firm as indicated at the end of this document. 

ABOUT CHICAGO HUMANITIES 

A vital Chicago cultural institution, Chicago Humanities connects people and ideas to cultivate a more informed, inspired, empathetic, and participatory society. Insightful, entertaining, and interactive, CH events bring diverse audiences together to consider the ideas of notable figures, both established and emerging, including Nobel Laureates; Pulitzer Prize-winners; MacArthur Fellows; Oscar, Tony, and Grammy Award-winning artists; and Chicago’s most powerful civic and cultural voices.  

Chicago Humanities was founded in 1989 by a determined group of Chicago’s cultural leaders eager to extend the humanities' rich ideas to wider public audiences. The first Chicago Humanities Festival, a one-day symposium, was held on November 11, 1990, at the Art Institute of Chicago and Orchestra Hall. Since then, programming has expanded to year-round, gathering some of the world's most exciting thinkers, artists, and performers to celebrate ideas in the context of civic life. Presented in partnership with premier local and national cultural, educational, and civic organizations, and produced in some of Chicago’s most remarkable venues, the thoughtfully curated Fall and Spring Festivals bring approximately 80 events to neighborhoods across Chicago – from South Shore to Pilsen, Bronzeville to Hyde Park, Old Town to Evanston – in partnership with organizations in those neighborhoods. To reach an expanded audience in the digital age, Chicago Humanities now also offers online viewing of past events and a podcast, Humanities Tapes. Prior to COVID, all CH programming was live and in-person. Since the onset of the pandemic, the organization has introduced these types of online programs, demonstrating adaptability as it continues to determine the appropriate revenue model for a presenting organization in today’s digital and cultural landscape.

Chicago Humanities has a long history of experimenting with new formats and content to evolve with changing times. Upon resuming events after the pandemic shutdown, CH experienced significant programmatic growth, expanding to new neighborhoods and upwards of 130 programs annually. In the past year, the organization has reshaped programming with an emphasis on maintaining the tent-pole events that drive earned revenue and are financially sustainable. This change is aligned with the organization’s 2025 strategic refresh that outlined the following priorities: 

• Deepening audience and donor engagement. 
• Creating a new model to reshape programming, production, and philanthropy in the post-pandemic environment and return to economic sustainability. 
• Developing a new community conversation to strengthen the distinctiveness of seasonal festivals and community partnerships while introducing new program models that enhance financial performance. 
• Better telling of CH’s story and impact. 

Chicago Humanities has an annual operating budget of approximately $5 million and an endowment of approximately $16 million. It has over 1600 member households and more than 140 giving society donors. CH’s inclusive model demonstrates its long-standing commitment to offering accessible programs at affordable ticket prices. With less than 20 percent of revenue earned from ticket sales annually, CH currently relies on other financial support, including philanthropic support (individual, institutional, governmental) and a modest distribution from the endowment to cover expenses. 

ROLE OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 

Reporting to a 26-member board of directors, the Executive Director provides strategic and operational leadership for Chicago Humanities. The ED leads CH’s staff and seasonal employees in developing and achieving strategic priorities, including program, audience, and financial goals. This includes managing the organization’s annual operating budget as well as capital expenditures to ensure fiscal health, resource alignment, and accountability through the development of multi-year budgets. With the director of finance and the finance and audit committee of the board, the Executive Director manages the investment of the organization’s endowment. The centerpiece of Chicago Humanities is its two seasonal festivals – the Fall Festival and the Spring Festival. In collaboration with the two co-creative directors, the ED guides the successful production of these hallmark festivals, ensuring programmatic excellence, innovation, and accessibility. The Executive Director’s senior leadership team includes: a chief operating officer, two co-creative directors, a director of development, a director of marketing and communications, and a director of finance. 

KEY OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 

The next Executive Director will be empowered and expected to: 

Lead Chicago Humanities into its next era with an expansive, inclusive, and sustainable vision of public humanities 

Building on CH’s reputation as a vibrant hub for public humanities, the ED will provide visionary leadership to explore how to strategically develop and grow the organization’s strengths to effectively meet the moment. The next leader has an opportunity to enable CH to boldly and sustainably move forward, building on its strong foundation to embrace a changing era in live programming. Expanding upon the 2025 strategic refresh, CH must continue to prioritize promoting the value of the public humanities and intentionally cultivate a diverse and inclusive community of employees, presenters, and audiences, all while ensuring the financial viability of the organization as it embarks on its next chapter. 

Strengthen and expand Chicago Humanities’ resource and donor base to support the organization’s mission and secure its long-term sustainability 

The Executive Director will be responsible for ensuring that Chicago Humanities attracts the resources required to produce the exceptionally high-quality programs for which it is known. As Chicago Humanities' chief ambassador, in close collaboration with the board of directors and the development team, the Executive Director will inspire and steward current individual and corporate donors, foundations, and government funders by building authentic relationships and compellingly communicating CH’s value. They will also identify and cultivate new funding sources, as well as create and implement long-term financial strategies to reduce the organization’s operating deficit, allowing the endowment to grow over time. This will entail exploring new models of revenue generation. It will be essential to expand earned income streams, partnerships, and sponsorships with key leaders in the cultural, civic, academic, media, and philanthropic communities of Chicago to strengthen institutional resiliency. With an ambitious campaign focused on individual giving on the horizon, the Executive Director will partner with the board of directors and the development team to ensure the organization is well-positioned to thrive in the medium- and long-term. 

Enhance Chicago Humanities’ brand, build audience loyalty, and leverage community partnerships to ensure the continued success of the organization 

To ensure that Chicago Humanities continues to flourish in an increasingly saturated Chicagoland cultural market, the organization must continue to distinguish itself and gain further local and regional recognition for its top-quality programming that is thought-provoking without being agenda-driven. While its anticipated 2025 revenues are nearing pre-pandemic levels, expenses have risen significantly over the past five years. The Executive Director will lead the organization in effectively conveying CH’s value proposition to prospective audience members and in developing a robust case for support from CH members and donors. The ED will inspire enthusiasm and passion for Chicago Humanities’ vital mission of protecting the arts and humanities in civil society, thereby drawing others into programming and partnerships. Through galvanizing messaging that shapes communication across all audience and donor segments, the organization will foster broad support and a vibrant and visible public presence. 

The ED will be a forward-thinking leader with a broad vision and an ability to enthusiastically identify and pursue creative approaches that attract new, younger, and more diverse attendees and developing them into loyal, long-time supporters of the organization and its mission. Recognizing that the organization’s revenue model is not static, the ED will partner closely with the co-creative directors to deepen CH’s civic relevance, expand platforms, and find new ways to reach a broader audience without significantly increasing production costs. One strategy will be to work with the co-creative directors and the programming team to deepen critical programmatic partnerships with cultural, academic, and civic institutions, as well as develop new partnerships. 

Develop, lead, retain, and inspire a cohesive team of high-performing, mission-driven staff in a hybrid environment 

Chicago Humanities’ staff are exceptionally mission-driven and hard-working, frequently on a tight timeframe that follows the festival schedule. A majority of staff have joined the organization in the last few years, including two co-creative directors who joined in 2022. CH follows a hybrid schedule in which most staff are in-office three days each week, but this varies by season depending on programming. The Executive Director will set the tone in fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and inspiring organizational culture. They will recruit, nurture, and retain a talented, skilled, and diverse team, empowering them to grow professionally as they advance organizational priorities. Enthusiasm for supporting individuals with a range of tenures and responsibilities will be essential. The ED will model leading with transparency, accountability, and empathy so that teamwork and innovation thrive, and reporting lines between senior leadership and the rest of the staff are clearly delineated. 

Leverage the talent, passion, and commitment of an engaged board in advancing Chicago Humanities’ mission 

Chicago Humanities is supported by a devoted and active board of directors – both newer members and longer-standing members – all of whom share a deep passion for CH’s mission and engagement in its work. As the chief visionary, ambassador, and fundraiser guiding CH in its next chapter, the Executive Director will work closely with the board in setting and advancing strategic priorities, and ensuring strong governance and organizational alignment. As an ex officio member of the board of directors, the ED will act as a trusted partner and advisor to the board in building a shared vision for CH’s next era of impact. They will also help to translate between the board and staff, serving as a bridge between the two to promote understanding. 

QUALIFICATIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS 

Research shows that people belonging to structurally marginalized groups often only apply to jobs if they meet 100 percent of the qualifications. As no one ever meets 100 percent of the qualifications, we encourage you to apply if you feel that most of the following qualifications reflect your experience and expertise. 

• Demonstrated passion for Chicago Humanities’ mission of promoting and protecting the arts and humanities. 
• Fluency in communicating the importance and impact of the arts and humanities and inspiring a range of audiences. 
• Executive-level leadership experience, including the management of a highly skilled staff, complex programming and budgeting, strategic planning, and building a strong and inclusive organizational culture with best practices and a high level of staff morale. 
• Demonstrated financial management and significant fundraising experience for long-term organizational planning and sustainability. 
• A creative and open mindset with enthusiasm for trying new ideas. 
• Demonstrated ability to quickly build and nurture partnerships within a rich and complex cultural landscape, including with non-profits, community organizations, civic leaders, and donors. 
• Understanding of and appreciation for the potential of technology in the live performance space. 

COMPENSATION AND LOCATION 

The anticipated salary range for this position is $200,000-220,000 annually. Chicago Humanities provides this salary as a good-faith estimate of the starting pay range, considering factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, and education. In addition to the salary offered, Chicago Humanities offers health coverage (fully funded for the employee), dental, vision, 403b retirement plan (with a 7% employer match), life insurance, short and long-term disability, equitable parental leave, and paid time off accrued at 20 days per fiscal year. The entire Chicago Humanities office has a winter break (December 25—New Year’s Day) and a select number of Summer Fridays. Chicago Humanities recognizes ten observed holidays and provides for one floating religious holiday annually. 

Chicago Humanities works in a hybrid model, with three days in the office and two days working remotely. The organization’s offices are located in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. While working remotely, the Executive Director will have access to a laptop computer and a $50/month stipend to offset home internet and personal phone expenses. 

APPLICATIONS, INQUIRIES, AND NOMINATIONS 

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent via the Isaacson, Miller website: https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/chicago-humanities/executive-director

Jeff Kessner, Partner 

Mia Carpiniello, Senior Associate 

Jenny Rubin, Senior Search Coordinator 

Isaacson, Miller 

Chicago Humanities is committed to providing a diverse, equitable, accessible, and inclusive workplace where all employees and volunteers, whatever their gender, race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation, education, or ability, feel valued and respected. We are committed to a nondiscriminatory approach and provide equal employment and advancement opportunities across all departments, programs, and policies. We respect and value diverse life experiences and heritages, and ensure that all voices are valued and heard. 

About Chicago Humanities

Chicago Humanities connects people to the ideas that shape and define us and promotes the lifelong exploration of what it means to be human. Chicago Humanities fosters curiosity, celebrates creativity, explores the boundaries of contemporary knowledge and culture, and challenges us to see ourselves and the world anew. Collaborating with nearly 40 of Chicago’s major cultural and educational institutions, Chicago Humanities produces over 100 events annually and partners with nearly 40 venues around Chicago, as well as stewards a vibrant online home for the humanities. Chicago Humanities has an international reputation for innovation and creativity, featuring an exceptional roster of writers, scholars, performers, and visual artists in its programs and online.

Position Description

Audience Services Representatives (ASR’s) facilitate ticket and membership sales, being the frontline voice of Chicago Humanities. They provide friendly, welcoming customer service to people of all ages and abilities by phone, email, and in-person. They work independently as project leaders and together with their box office peers.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide excellent customer service by phone, email, and in-person.
• Effectively and accurately provide information regarding our various events and membership program to Chicago Humanities patrons.
• Responsible and accountable for properly handling transactions for ticket sales, membership, and donations, charging appropriate prices, and following guidelines for free and discounted tickets.
• Assist in reporting and monitoring sales, facilitating waitlist and standby as determined by the Audience Services Manager.
• Carefully maintain customer records using our ticketing system, Tessitura.
• Utilize Asana to work as a team, communicating customer issues, and support interdepartmental ticketing and audience requests.
• Assist customers and Chicago Humanities’ Audience Services Team with fulfilling customer requests for accessible accommodations, which includes closed captioning, ASL interpretation, and audio description.
• Serve as box office manager at assigned venues for in-person events, which includes interfacing with the public, processing ticket sales on-site, overseeing will call, standby and waitlist.
• Prepare Box Office materials for events as assigned and provide other front of house support as needed, as supported by Senior Audience Services Representative.
• As needed, assist administrative staff on projects as assigned. Including but not limited to research projects, creating audience materials, and various reporting projects.

Qualifications:

• Previous experience in box office, customer service/hospitality, or call center.
• A demonstrated commitment to excellent customer service and enjoy working with the public.
• A professional demeanor with good communication skills.
• Solid computer, data entry, and database management experience. Tessitura experience is preferred but not required.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
• A demonstrated resourcefulness and independence in problem solving/troubleshooting.
• A demonstrated flexibility and grace under pressure.
• Prior experience with arts or cultural organizations is a plus, though not required.
• Prior training in diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion is a plus. Be sure to describe your experience in these areas, if applicable.

Compensation and Hours

• This position pays $20 per hour, with a guaranteed minimum of 20 hours per week, based on employee availability. Employees are paid bi-weekly based on hours worked.
• This role is seasonal, supporting our Spring season running approximately from March through the end of May. ASR’s may be invited to return for our Fall season beginning in August - November, pending performance and organizational need.
• Standardized raises are provided for ASR’s who are invited back and return for future seasons.
• ASR’s work a predefined schedule that may include:
  • Monday-Friday, 9:30a-1:30p or 1:30p-5:30p on non-event days.
  • Weekday evening and weekend availability is required for event dates.
  • Our core festival days known as “hub days” will take place on April 18th, May 9th, May 17th. Availability for most of these dates is strongly preferred. Please let us know any dates you will not be available. There will be additional, singular events taking place outside of these dates, scheduled based on staff availability.
  • Training and orientation will be compensated.
  • Scheduling accommodations may be available based on caregiving, religious observances, or other significant commitments.

Work Location

As is true of our entire staff, weekday hours will be hybrid with remote “at-home” work and in-person work at our River North office. While working remotely, you will have access to a Chicago Humanities laptop. Chicago Humanities events are held at venues throughout Chicagoland. Travel stipend/reimbursement for mileage, parking, and/or rideshare is available for pre-event site visits and scheduled shifts on event days.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI)

Chicago Humanities is committed to providing a diverse, equitable, accessible, and inclusive workplace, where all employees and volunteers, whatever their gender, race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education or disability, feel valued and respected. We are committed to a nondiscriminatory approach and provide equal opportunity for employment and advancement in all of our departments, programs, and policies. We respect and value diverse life experiences and heritages and ensure that all voices are valued and heard.

WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE AUDIENCE SERVICES REPRESENTATIVE POSITION FOR THE SPRING FESTIVAL.

ORGANIZATION

Chicago Humanities connects people to the ideas that shape and define us and promotes the lifelong exploration of what it means to be human. Chicago Humanities fosters curiosity, celebrates creativity, explores the boundaries of contemporary knowledge and culture, and challenges us to see ourselves and the world anew. Collaborating with nearly 40 of Chicago’s major cultural and educational institutions, Chicago Humanities produces over 100 events annually and partners with nearly 40 venues around Chicago, as well as stewards a vibrant online home for the humanities. Chicago Humanities has an international reputation for innovation and creativity, featuring an exceptional roster of writers, scholars, performers, and visual artists in its programs and online.

POSITION OVERVIEW
Reporting to the Director of Operations, the Associate Director of Audience Services is a full-time position that leads the Audience Services team, holding a bird’s eye view of audience-facing initiatives and projects with the ultimate goal of creating an exceptional audience experience. This role is an expert people manager for internal and external teams: they lead a team of both full-time and seasonal staff members, and partner with external box offices, booksellers that contribute to the audience’s experience. This role creates staff training, makes audience egress plans, enforces life safety and emergency procedures, co-leads venue site visits, and infuses accessibility for people with disabilities and older adults into our operations. This role is also a data analyzer, creating budget projections and reporting on ticket sales performance.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

People Management and Leadership

• Hire, train, and supervise Audience Services personnel, including a full-time Audience and Accessibility Manager, part-time seasonal Audience Services Representatives (ASRs), and seasonal House Managers for both office and in-person responsibilities.
• Coordinate schedule and location assignments for ASRs and House Managers, and tracking payroll hours for these employees.
• Oversee holistic event staff scheduling, assuring all events are properly staffed.
• Create and facilitate FOH staff training, in collaboration with production leads, and Audience and Accessibility Manager.
• Support Audience Services Manager in Initiating project plans for the build of ticketing system content in preparation for ticket on-sales, delegating to team members to hit deadlines.
• As manager, can step in as head box office and house manager for events as needed.

Audience Experience and Event Management

• Ensure quality customer service for a diverse, multigenerational audience by phone, online, and at events.
• Oversee audience experience in collaboration with Audience and Accessibility Manager, approving audience communications, box office policies, and procedures.
• Work closely with the Marketing department to ensure consistency of customer service language and policy messaging and create plans for ticket promotions and discounts.
• Manage audience flow and floor plans ensuring ease for CH audiences in all venues, communicating plans to venues and vendors as needed.
• Participate in seasonal planning of festivals including consultation of audience flow, and communicating audience needs and behaviors within seasons structure.
• Work with the Audience Services team to ensure Box Office technology is running smoothly.
• Serve as an audience services lead onsite, ensuring quality audience experiences for both small and large scale events.

Operational Support

• Oversee partnerships with third party box offices and booksellers, providing reporting of sales data and plans for onsite logistics.
• In collaboration with bookselling partners, manage book inventory and drop shipment coordination between partners, venues, and internal teams.
• Manage catering logistics for audience concessions as needed, and event staff meals.
• Oversee scheduling of contracted security staff, when relational to Front of House. (bag check; magnetometer etc.) in collaboration with the Director of Operations, and Associate Producer.

Budgeting, Data Reporting, and Analysis

• Create and monitor the Audience Services budget for staffing and supplies.
• Oversee daily financial transactions and controls, and box office software and equipment.
• Evaluate marketing successes through end-of-production summaries, reporting out ticket sales data, audience demographics, buying behavior, use of accessible services, etc.
• Assist the Director of Operations on other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 6+ years experience in management of visitors services, front-of-house operations, and/or event management.
• A dedication to creating a culture of friendly, inclusive customer service and enjoy working with the public.
• Strong people management skills and the ability to delegate tasks efficiently to a team.
• Demonstrated ability to foster a positive, supportive work environment for your team.
• Tech-savvy with systems management experience (ticketing system, donor database, website content management systems, email marketing platforms, box office phone systems).
• A highly-organized team player, able to multi-task with several projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Grace under pressure, flexibility, resourcefulness, and assertiveness in problem solving.
• Excellent writing and communication skills. Must be comfortable communicating publicly while training staff and volunteers.
• Experience or training in accessibility, disability awareness, or diversity/equity/inclusion initiatives considered a plus.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends per our events schedule.

WORK LOCATION

Chicago Humanities maintains a collaborative and congenial environment. We work in a hybrid model, requiring in-person Tuesdays - Thursdays at our River North office. Mondays and Fridays allow remote work; exceptions might occur based on organizational and/or departmental needs. While working remotely, you can access a laptop computer and a $50 per month stipend to offset home internet and personal phone expenses. This role is required to work select night and weekend hours to support aspects of our in-person events across the city.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This is a full-time position with a salary of $60,000-$65,000. Benefits include fully-covered health insurance (with an option to upgrade), dental, vision, 403(b) with 7% employer match, equitable parental leave, tax-free commuter spending plan, life insurance, short and long-term disability, and 17 days of accrued paid time off. In addition, we offset busy seasons with additional paid office closures during the summer and a communal winter break (December 25 through New Year’s Day). Chicago Humanities observes ten holidays and provides one floating holiday and one volunteer day.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, ACCESS, AND INCLUSION

Chicago Humanities is committed to providing a diverse, equitable, accessible, and inclusive workplace where all employees and volunteers, whatever their gender, race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education, or disability, feel valued and respected. We are committed to a nondiscriminatory approach and provide equal employment and advancement opportunities in our departments, programs, and policies. We respect and value diverse life experiences and heritages and ensure that all voices are valued and heard.

WE ARE NOT LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF AUDIENCE SERVICES.

ORGANIZATION

Chicago Humanities connects people to the ideas that shape and define us and promotes the lifelong exploration of what it means to be human. Chicago Humanities fosters curiosity, celebrates creativity, explores the boundaries of contemporary knowledge and culture, and challenges us to see ourselves and the world anew. Collaborating with nearly 40 of Chicago’s major cultural and educational institutions, Chicago Humanities produces over 100 events annually and partners with nearly 40 venues around Chicago, as well as stewards a vibrant online home for the humanities. Chicago Humanities has an international reputation for innovation and creativity, featuring an exceptional roster of writers, scholars, performers, and visual artists in its programs and online.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Chicago Humanities seeks a reliable and detail-oriented Part-Time Administrative & Development Assistant to support essential administrative and development functions. This position will report to our Associate Director of People and Culture but will support projects across multiple teams. This role plays a key part in ensuring smooth day-to-day office operations as well as accurate fundraising and finance data management.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Office Administrative Support

• Order and maintain supplies for the office and kitchen
• Support HR in projects such as recruitment, workstation set up, planning staff celebrations/meals, etc.
• Assist with basic IT needs, including troubleshooting common issues, and managing computer inventory

Development Support

• Print and mail donor acknowledgements, pledge reminders, renewal letters, and other ad hoc mailings
• Enter gifts and pledges accurately into Tessitura
• Prepare and deposit checks in a timely and secure manner
• Provide development with pre- and post-event assistance, including packing and unpacking materials

Finance Support

• Scan and upload checks and related documents into the correct folders
• Assist with logging checks received and preparing deposits
• Maintain a simple deposit log (date received, payer, amount, purpose)
• Ensure check documentation is properly organized for tracking and reporting
• Support with pulling documentation as needed for internal review or external requests

QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Comfort with data entry and administrative systems (experience with Tessitura and/or QuickBooks Online is preferred)
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive financial data securely; uncompromising integrity and discretion
• Dependable, proactive, and able to work both independently and collaboratively
• Basic comfort with office technology and willingness to assist with IT and software-related tasks
• Interest in the arts, humanities, or nonprofit work a plus

WORK LOCATION

Chicago Humanities maintains a collaborative and congenial environment. We work in a hybrid model, requiring in-person Tuesdays - Thursdays at our River North office. Mondays and Fridays allow remote work; exceptions might occur based on organizational and/or departmental needs. While working remotely, you can access a laptop computer and a $50 per month stipend to offset home internet and personal phone expenses.

COMPENSATION AND HOURS

This is a part-time position that pays $25/hr for 25 hours per week. This position will require 9am-5pm hours Tuesdays - Thursdays, with some work remotely at other times depending on need and availability.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, ACCESS, AND INCLUSION

Chicago Humanities is committed to providing a diverse, equitable, accessible, and inclusive workplace where all employees and volunteers, whatever their gender, race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education, or disability, feel valued and respected. We are committed to a nondiscriminatory approach and provide equal employment and advancement opportunities in our departments, programs, and policies. We respect and value diverse life experiences and heritages and ensure that all voices are valued and heard.

TO APPLY

Please submit your application here, including resume and cover letter (please submit as PDFs). Applications are due by Friday, February 6, 2026. PLEASE NOTE: we have received a very large volume of applications. As such, it is not guaranteed that applications submitted after Wednesday, January 28th will be reviewed.

If you need any accommodations completing this application, please email our Associate Director of People and Culture, John Rooney at jrooney@chicagohumanities.org.