To Apply

Submit cover letter, resume, and three (3) professional references by February 27th, 2026, to: chair@champaigncenter.com with subject line to read CCP JOB SEARCH.

Position Title: Executive Director

Status: Full-time, exempt

Salary Range: $65,000–$85,000 annually, commensurate with experience

Benefits: Health care reimbursement (negotiable), 3% employer contribution to a Simple IRA cell phone reimbursement, time off, and paid holidays

Organization Overview

The Champaign Center Partnership (CCP) is a nonprofit, membership-based business organization dedicated to fostering a vibrant, inviting, and economically resilient core across Champaign’s Downtown, Midtown, and Campustown districts. CCP strengthens businesses, activates public spaces, and serves as a trusted partner to the City of Champaign and the broader community.

Position Overview

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of the Champaign Center Partnership and is responsible for the organization’s strategic leadership, financial sustainability, organizational growth, and external representation.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director leads CCP through a planned growth phase, with the explicit goal of expanding the organization to a three-person professional staff within three years and growing the annual operating budget to approximately $250,000.

Primary Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Organizational Growth

• Develop and build strong community relationships with a broad array of stakeholders, including business members, community partners, public officials, and media sponsors

• Collaborate with Board Chair and Secretary on creating the monthly board meeting agenda, attend meetings, and provide regular reports, tracking progress towards work plan goals

• Oversee all communications, financial and administrative managements, and develop effective systems to track progress and growth

• Serve as a non-voting, ex officio member of all standing committees of the CCP, providing staff support and coordination as appropriate

• Regularly report progress to the Board of Directors and City Council and recommend strategic adjustments as needed

• Champion the interests of CCP member businesses and cultivate a strong, mutually supportive relationship with the City of Champaign

• Collaborate with the Board to plan for future staffing, infrastructure, and long-term sustainability

Fundraising & Strategic Partnerships

• Lead all fundraising and revenue development activities, including:

  • Business membership recruitment and retention

  • Sponsorship development for events and initiatives

  • Identification of new funding and partnership opportunities aligned with CCP’s mission

• Represent the organization and its mission at community outreach events, public-facing meetings, and media channels, with a focus on increasing organizational credibility and visibility

• Strengthen CCP’s value proposition to members by ensuring programming,

• communications, and advocacy efforts are relevant and impactful

• Maintain regular engagement with member businesses to assess needs, identify opportunities, and strengthen relationships

• Build partnerships with institutions, nonprofits, and community organizations that expand CCP’s reach and influence

City Relations & External Representation

• Serve as CCP’s primary representative to the City of Champaign and other public-sector partners

• Administer and carry out the Champaign Center Agreement with the City, including preparation of work plans, reports, and presentations

• Advocate for the interests of CCP member businesses in public forums, policy discussions, and community planning efforts

• Represent CCP at public meetings, community events, and media engagements to enhance visibility and credibility

Management & Financial Administration

• Administer day-to-day operations of the CCP office

• Lead financial management in coordination with the Treasurer and contract accountant, including:

  • Budget development and oversight

  • Revenue and expense tracking

  • Invoicing and accounts receivable

• Collaborate with Board Chair in creating organizational budget

• Invoice members and sponsors, and follow up on accounts receivable

• Recruit and oversee interns and volunteers as appropriate to support organizational goals

• Manage and optimize the organization’s CRM to ensure accurate constituent data, streamline engagement workflows, and support effective communication with donors, partners, and community stakeholders

• Hire, supervise, and mentor staff as the organization grows, fostering a high-performance, collaborative culture

Events, Programs & District Activation

• Provide executive oversight of CCP events, programs, and district activation efforts

• Ensure events and initiatives:

  • Align with CCP’s strategic goals

  • Deliver clear value to members and sponsors

  • Are operationally and financially sustainable

• Support staff and volunteer committees responsible for event planning and execution

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in marketing, business management, communications or a related field

• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in nonprofit leadership, economic development, downtown management, business organizations, or a related field

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; comfortable and effective at public speaking

• Effective at volunteer recruitment and management, including cultivating existing board member relationships

• Ability to coach staff, manage, and develop high-performance teams

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with local government, community leaders, and the general public

• Creative, energetic, and entrepreneurial; mission-driven mindset

• Well-organized and effective at multitasking

• Self-starter capable of functioning effectively in a very independent situation

• Familiarity with Champaign’s Downtown, Midtown, and Campustown districts and business community is strongly preferred

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Neon CRM, Mail Chimp, WordPress, social media platforms, and QuickBooks

Work Schedule and Environment

Full-time, primarily weekdays with evening/weekend work as needed due to events and programs. The CCP office is located in M2 at 301 North Neil Street.

Performance Expectations

• The Executive Director will be evaluated based on progress toward:

• Membership growth and retention

• Revenue growth and budget sustainability

• Strengthened partnerships with the City of Champaign and key stakeholders

• Improved organizational systems and readiness for staff expansion

• Overall leadership, visibility, and impact of CCP within Champaign’s core districts

To Apply

Submit cover letter, resume, and three (3) professional references by February 27th, 2026, to: chair@champaigncenter.com with subject line to read CCP JOB SEARCH.