Executive Director, Forum Inquiry and Expression

Executive Director, Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression

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University of Chicago provided pay range: $/yr - $/yr

FFIE Chicago Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression

The University of Chicago Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression builds on UChicago’s historic commitment and practices to provide a focal point for understanding and applying free expression, in academia and in the broader culture, in the United States and abroad. The Chicago Forum’s mission is to promote the understanding, practice, and advancement of free and open discourse, in collaboration with faculty and the broader university community.

The University of Chicago seeks a bold, strategic, and entrepreneurial leader to serve as the next Executive Director of the Chicago Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression (the Forum). Reporting to and working in close partnership with the inaugural Faculty Director, the Executive Director will build on the Forum’s impressive trajectory in a highly visible role to shape its next chapter of impact.

Founded in 2023 as a key Presidential initiative, the Forum quickly became a national leader in fostering open dialogue and rigorous debate. A transformative endowed gift in 2024 has positioned the Forum for long‑term investment that ensures the future of this important institutional anchor. The Executive Director will provide visionary leadership and deft management to expand the Forum’s reach and strengthen its programs, operations, and partnerships.

This role oversees all aspects of the Forum’s work, from strategy and external engagement to finance, communications, and programming, and will play a pivotal part in defining how the values of free inquiry and expression are understood and practiced at the University and far beyond. The successful candidate will be a collaborative and visible leader, actively participating in daily operations and team development.

• Plan, develop, and implement the organization’s short‑ and long‑term strategic vision and goals in collaboration with the Faculty Director and key stakeholders internally and externally.
• Advance the principles and values of the University of Chicago through internal and external communications and engagements.
• Design and oversee relevant programs and initiatives; monitor emerging topics within the field; and proactively build and maintain relationships with scholars and other experts to strengthen organizational knowledge, influence, and partnerships.
• Provide strategic leadership and guidance for program development; ensure alignment with organizational goals and standards.
• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement in all Forum activities; build a collaborative and dynamic team culture.
• Collaborate intensively with academic and administrative leaders at the University, building opportunities to advance aligned goals across campus.
• Serve as a key partner to faculty, students, and staff to deepen the practice of free inquiry and expression.
• Represent the University of Chicago and the Forum in the media and public fora, build and maintain a positive public image, and oversee media relations, marketing, and communications strategies.
• Support fundraising efforts, cultivate relationships with donors, and ensure effective stewardship of gifts and philanthropic support working closely with the Faculty Director and University Advancement.
• Engage with the Faculty Advisory Board to foster advisory input, partnership, and alignment of organizational initiatives.
• Develop and manage multi‑year budgets and financial strategies for the Forum; oversee financial controls and compliance, working with the appropriate offices to ensure responsible stewardship of all resources.
• Provide regular financial reporting to the Faculty Director and leadership as requested.
• Drive initiatives to enhance organizational structure, capacity, culture, and operational effectiveness through a high‑performing team.
• Set and enforce clear goals, responsibilities, and performance metrics for staff, and intervene as…