Career Center

In 1976, a coalition of diverse North Side congregations hired Rev. Tom Behrens to reach out to people on the streets of Chicago who had gathered because of isolation, despair, and homelessness. Tom conducted street outreach, using the trunk of his car as his first office. During his early work, Tom met a young person experiencing homelessness, raising his awareness of the issues faced by homeless youth and motivating The Night Ministry (TNM) to focus on improving services for unhoused youth.

The next President & CEO will have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young people and adults who have experienced homelessness as well as to support and help lead The Night Ministry in its journey of excellence and equity.

The next President & CEO will join the agency at a critical and impactful time. They will work with the agency, not only to maintain the mission and programs of TNM, but also to lead the agency in the implementation of its strategic plan and beyond. The Night Ministry has more than doubled its size during the last ten years, and the organization must now assess and stabilize staffing and operations to accommodate and support the many gains in programming and persons served.

The Night Ministry seeks an inspiring, confident and collaborative leader with a profound commitment to the mission and values of The Night Ministry.  With a high degree of emotional intelligence and humility, the next leader will help The Night Ministry continue to serve as a leader in combating homelessness and will motivate a community of staff, youth, volunteers and partners to take part in and remain engaged with the mission of the Night Ministry through the lens of building systems and services that promote equity and justice.

Passion for the mission: Candidates must bring a zeal for the mission of the Night Ministry and a commitment to centering and elevating the voices of staff and clients.

Strategic vision and planning: We seek applicants with a clear vision and track record for advancing a mission-driven organization.

Business and financial acumen: Candidates will have several years of progressive leadership experience in a similar-sized or larger not-for-profit agency. 

Demonstrated skill in cultivating positive culture and collaboration: The successful candidate will be a leader with a proven ability and desire to nurture and build a healthy and diverse culture, with a shared sense of community, mutual trust and respect, and pride in The Night Ministry’s work with young people.

Communications and fundraising skills: The successful candidate will be a strong communicator and fundraiser, with excellent listening, public speaking, presentation and writing skills that tell a story and inspire action.

Board relations and engagement: Candidates will have the ability to successfully partner with a volunteer Board of Directors and Associate Board. 

Commitment to racial equity & justice: Candidates must have a strong personal commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion; a track record of advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in a multicultural organization; and the ability to work with Night Ministry’s staff team and Board to help identify barriers and guide the organization towards becoming a fully inclusive, anti-racist organization.

Knowledge of youth and social services: Candidates will have knowledge of the operational issues, challenges and opportunities facing social services agencies, especially those addressing vulnerable and marginalized young people, homelessness, healthcare, or similar issues.