KEES has been exclusively retained by Mutual Ground in its search for a CEO. Mutual Ground CEO

Mutual Ground seeks its next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the organization in its commitment to create a safe environment where individuals impacted by domestic violence, sexual violence, and substance use can reclaim their power. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO will serve as the organization’s chief ambassador, strategist, and operational leader, ensuring programmatic excellence and long-term financial sustainability.

Managing a complex budget of $6M, the CEO will be responsible for ensuring the financial health and sustainability of the agency while navigating compliance and reporting requirements of diverse funding streams. The next leader will partner closely with the Board to develop and execute a clear strategic plan and spearhead a capital campaign. The CEO will also play an active role in fundraising, donor cultivation, grant development, and sustaining positive relationships with state and local agencies to ensure continued contractual awards and organizational viability

The compensation for this position was recently benchmarked by Mutual Ground and KEES, and it falls within the fair market range. This position offers a competitive salary with strong benefits and is based on depth of experience. The salary range for this position will be $155,000-$175,000.

It is the policy of Mutual Ground, Inc. to afford  equal opportunity in all aspects of employment to all  persons without discrimination based on race, color, religion, physical disability, sex, sexual orientation,  gender identity, military status, marital status, age,  national origin, ethnicity, political affiliation, medical condition, pregnancy, immigration status or based  on genetic information. This policy applies to all employees, applicants for employment, board and committee members, and volunteers and extends to all phases of hiring, selection, promotion, transfer, pay, benefits, tenure, discharge, and discipline.

TO APPLY, PLEASE CLICK HERE: https://www.kees2success.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Opportunity-Guide-2026-Mutual-Ground-CEO.pdf

To assure confidential tracking of all applicants, no applications will be accepted via email. ALL INQUIRIES WILL BE HELD IN STRICT CONFIDENCE.

This search is being managed by Heather Eddy, President and CEO, and Randi Blasutti, Senior Project Manager of KEES. Questions may be addressed to rblasutti@kees2success.com

KEES (formerly Alford Executive Search) is a nonprofit executive search firm that builds diverse teams and dynamic leaders in the nonprofit and public entity sectors. A woman owned and operated firm, KEES offers a full array of nonprofit consulting services including executive search, leadership development, interim staffing, and HR support. For more information, please visit www.kees2success.com.

Founded in 1975, Mutual Ground is the premier provider of victim services and substance use treatment in Southern Kane and Kendall Counties.  Mutual Ground’s mission is to create a safe environment where individuals impacted by domestic violence, sexual violence, and substance use are able to reclaim their power. They support the healing of our community through education, awareness, and life changing services as a commitment to equity for all. To learn more, please visit https://mutualground.org/

Some specific requirements include:

• Unwavering commitment to the mission and services provided by Mutual Ground. Demonstrated experience with CARF accreditation standards and processes. Familiarity with funding and regulatory bodies, including ICADV (Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence), ICASA (Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault), and DHS (Department of Human Services), is highly desirable.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to represent the organization effectively to diverse audiences, internally and externally.
• Proven ability to manage complex organizational goals while attending to operational detail.
• Experience within nonprofit social services and mental health organizations is preferred but not required.
• Strong fundraising acumen with specific experience in capital campaign management is desired.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in leadership and management, with documented ability to manage staff and lead teams.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, social work, Psychology, Nonprofit Management, or an equivalent field is required. An advanced degree is strongly preferred

About Mutual Ground

KEES (formerly Alford Executive Search) is a nonprofit executive search firm that builds diverse teams and dynamic leaders in the nonprofit and public entity sectors. A woman owned and operated firm, KEES offers a full array of nonprofit consulting services including executive search, leadership development, interim staffing, and HR support. For more information, please visit www.kees2success.com.

Connections working at Mutual Ground