Be The Difference!

Full-Time | Exempt

Help Shape the Future of a Growing Organization

The Center for Enriched Living (CEL) is a nationally respected nonprofit creating opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to build relationships, pursue their goals, experience belonging, and participate fully in their communities.

As CEL enters an exciting period of strategic growth, we’re seeking an accomplished executive to lead our Advancement & Engagement division.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and serving as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, this position oversees Development, Marketing & Communications, and Strategic Partnerships & Community Engagement. The successful candidate will integrate these functions into a unified external strategy that expands organizational visibility, strengthens community relationships, diversifies philanthropic revenue, and supports long-term organizational sustainability.

This is an opportunity for a leader who enjoys building organizations, developing people, and creating systems that position a mission-driven organization for its next stage of growth.

Executive Leadership Opportunity

The Senior Director of Advancement & Engagement serves as the organization’s chief strategist for external engagement, helping shape how CEL is known, supported, and connected throughout the community.

Working in close partnership with the CEO, Board of Directors, and Senior Leadership Team, this executive will:

• Lead an integrated advancement strategy that aligns philanthropy, marketing, communications, strategic partnerships, and community engagement.
• Drive diversified revenue growth through philanthropy, corporate engagement, grants, sponsorships, and strategic partnerships.
• Build scalable systems that strengthen donor engagement, organizational visibility, and long-term sustainability.
• Expand relationships with donors, corporations, foundations, and community leaders to advance CEL’s mission and influence.
• Develop high-performing leaders while integrating Development, Marketing & Communications, and Strategic Partnerships into a unified advancement division.
• Partner with the CEO and Board as a strategic advisor on organizational growth, external engagement, and long-term sustainability.

The ideal candidate brings experience leading integrated Advancement, Development, Marketing & Communications, External Affairs, Strategic Partnerships, or Community Engagement functions. Most importantly, they are a collaborative executive who enjoys building organizations, developing leaders, strengthening community relationships, and creating sustainable systems that expand mission impact.

What Success Looks Like

• An integrated Advancement & Engagement division operating under a unified strategy.
• Sustainable growth in philanthropic revenue and a stronger major donor pipeline.
• Increased organizational visibility and meaningful community partnerships.
• Scalable systems that support continued organizational growth.
• Trusted executive partnership with the CEO and Board in advancing CEL’s strategic priorities.

The ideal candidate is energized by building organizations, developing leaders, strengthening community relationships, and creating sustainable systems that expand mission impact.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $125,000–$155,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

CEL offers a competitive benefits package including:

• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and retirement benefits
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities
• A collaborative executive leadership team committed to innovation, growth, and mission impact

Why CEL?

At CEL, you’ll join an organization with a strong reputation, a committed Board, an experienced executive leadership team, and a clear vision for growth.

This role offers the opportunity to shape organizational strategy, build a modern advancement function, strengthen community partnerships, and create sustainable systems that will influence the future of the organization for years to come.

If you’re energized by building organizations, developing leaders, and expanding community impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Click Here to Apply: https://www.experiencecel.org/cel-application/

Full Time – Non-Exempt

CEL (Center for Enriched Living) is an independently funded nonprofit that empowers teens, adults, and seniors with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live fully and confidently. Through programs, services, and inclusive education initiatives, CEL equips people to form real friendships, develop essential life skills, and pursue opportunities in work, learning, and community life. Our universally designed building and deeply caring staff create a welcoming environment where people with disabilities are not an afterthought, they’re the focus. Learn more at ExperienceCEL.org.

As an instructor in our REACH Day Program, you will be a hands-on leader, guiding members through activities that enhance life skills, promote independence, and build confidence. Every day, you’ll create opportunities for growth, learning, and connection in a fun and inclusive environment!

Primary Benefits:

• Pay starts at $20.00 per hour, based on experience (increase $1.00 after becoming an eligible driver of CEL vehicles). The position begins at a fixed starting rate, with eligibility for a salary evaluation and potential adjustment based on performance within the range of $20 – $23/hr after 90 days of employment.
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, Accident Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off Package + Holidays + 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible scheduling to support your lifestyle
• Monday-Friday Schedule – no evenings/weekends
• Ongoing training/growth opportunities

Essential Responsibilities:

• Plan and lead engaging activities that support our members in promoting social interaction and developing life skills
• Cultivate community involvement by spending time with the members in exploring local resources, events, and volunteer opportunities – our REACH program spends about 60% of the time in the community!
• Foster relationships and build trusting connections with members and their families, by focusing on member needs and goals
• Empower members to learn and celebrate achievements
• Adapt activities and provide personalized assistance to meet the unique needs of each member

Skills You Bring to CEL:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Preferred: One year of on-the-job experience, working with people with developmental disabilities
• Team player, positive attitude, and an ability to work with all types of personalities
• Valid driver’s license with access to working vehicle, or adequate alternative transportation
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
• Ability to attend annual mandatory 40-hour training.

Fill out the application here: CEL Job Application

The Young Leadership Committee (YLC) is a group of passionate young professionals dedicated to advancing CEL’s mission. Members help lead philanthropic events, support fundraising initiatives, volunteer programs, and use their skills to strengthen our community and impact.

Learn More: Young Leadership Committee – Center for Enriched Living
YLC Interest Form: YLC Interest Form – Center for Enriched Living 

Have a special skill, hobby, or creative idea? Volunteers can contribute their talents in unique ways, whether it is leading a workshop, sharing expertise, or helping us innovate new programs. Every skill you share helps make our community stronger. 

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Volunteers in our REACH Day Program help provide community-based activities that promote learning, growth, and engagement for adults 18+ who have finished high school. Your support helps create meaningful, enriching experiences all over Chicagoland each day. 

Learn More: REACH – Center for Enriched Living
Volunteer Application: Volunteer – Center for Enriched Living 

Volunteers in the Catalyst Life Skills Program assist adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in practicing essential life skills. Your guidance helps members build independence, confidence, and personal growth. 

Learn More: Catalyst Life Skills – Center for Enriched Living
Volunteer Application: Volunteer – Center for Enriched Living 

Bring energy and fun to our weeknight and weekend social programs. Volunteers help lead games, activities, and events that foster connection, friendship, and community for our members. 

Learn More: Volunteer – Center for Enriched Living
Volunteer Application: Volunteer – Center for Enriched Living 

Board members provide leadership and guidance to help shape our organization’s vision and strategy. Volunteers in this role lend their expertise to strengthen our mission and community impact. 

Learn More: Join the CEL Board – Center for Enriched Living
Board Interest Form Application: Board Interest Form – Center for Enriched Living 

Partner with CEL to make a meaningful impact while supporting your company’s goals for Diversity and Inclusion, Disability Rights, Community Involvement, and Social Responsibility. Together, we can advocate for our members and create engaging, purpose-driven volunteer experiences for your team.

Learn More: Partner with Us – Center for Enriched Living
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