Join our team

The full-time Executive Director manages the operational and financial aspects of the Investigative Project on Race and Equity. Duties include supervising and managing staff, budgeting, preparing accurate financial reports for the Board of Directors, and supervising communications, collaborations, training and fundraising activities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:
STAFF OVERSIGHT

• Work with the editorial director and audience engagement teams to refine editorial policy and goals and increase readership for high-quality, trusted reporting that distinguishes the Investigative Project and enhances the organization’s brand.

• Support Training Coordinator in implementing and managing training initiatives that prepare journalists to produce impactful accountability reporting.

• Ensure diversity is a key part of the organization’s framework and that equity and inclusion are ingrained in the organization’s work and strategic vision, including hiring, retention and compensation.

• Promote organizational culture that stimulates open communication and supports collaboration.

• Create and execute a plan that addresses long-term funding and sustainability through a diverse mix of revenue streams, including individual gifts, grants and earned income such as sponsorships, events and memberships.

• Oversee risk mitigation, including ensuring that the organization has adequate financial controls and meets legal and regulatory requirements.

• Set benchmarks for program spending and delivery that reflect financial realities and ensure fiscal stability. This includes efficient and professional administration of day-to-day operations, at the highest levels of transparency, accountability and consistency.

• Participate in and lead meetings and communications with stakeholders, including media partners, donors and the public to raise the profile of the Investigative Projectand its work.  

BOARD RELATIONS

• Perform administrative functions – including scheduling meetings, calendars, invites and internal databases – and maintain records for ongoing reports that will be used by the board, in grant management, donor stewardship and brand strategy.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree required

• Basic bookkeeping and accounting skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Excel

• Ability to set up and manage systems for efficient operation of the organization

• Experience with and commitment to investigative and data journalism

• Ability to work cooperatively with a diverse group of leaders

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, for multiple audiences

• Commitment to maintaining high standards of accuracy, integrity and honesty

COMPENSATION
The salary for this position is $100,000. The Investigative Project offers a competitive benefits package that includes four weeks of paid vacation (which includes two weeks off at the end of the year), health-care, vision and dental coverage and a flexible schedule. This is a hybrid position and Chicago area residence is required.

TO APPLY
The Investigative Project has retained Morten Group, LLC to conduct this search. Applicants should complete the form available at mortengroup.com/executiveplacements/ipre, including the submission of a cover letter and resume in PDF format by the best consideration date of Friday, December 5, 2025. Cover letters will be evaluated as a writing sample. Please note that only those applicants invited to a screening interview will be contacted between December 12 and December 22, 2025.

The Project encourages individuals from traditionally underrepresented communities to apply and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, order of protection status, physical or mental disability, veteran/military status, unfavorable discharge, marital status, pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation. The Project prohibits all forms of unlawful discrimination, including discrimination because of any one of the protected statuses listed above.