Executive Director, Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression

Department

FFIE Chicago Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression

About the Department

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.

Job Summary

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 to advance the University’s storied tradition and practice on free expression, 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.

More information about the Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression can be found at this link: https://thechicagoforum.uchicago.edu

Responsibilities

• Plans, develops, and implements the organization’s short- and long-term strategic vision and goals in collaboration with the Faculty Director and key stakeholders internally and externally.

• Advances the principles and values of the University of Chicago through internal and external communications and engagements.

• Designs and oversees relevant programs and initiatives; monitors emerging topics within the field; and proactively builds and maintains relationships with scholars and other experts to strengthen organizational knowledge, influence, and partnerships.

• Provides strategic leadership and guidance for program development; ensures alignment with organizational goals and standards.

• Fosters a culture of innovation and continuous improvement in all Forum activities. Builds a collaborative and dynamic team culture.

• Collaborates intensively with academic and administrative leaders at the University, building opportunities to advance aligned goals across campus.

• Serves as a key partner to faculty, students, and staff to deepen the practice of free inquiry and expression.

• Represents the University of Chicago and the Forum in the media and public fora, builds and maintains a positive public image, and oversees media relations, marketing, and communications strategies.

• Supports fundraising efforts, cultivates relationships with donors, and ensures effective stewardship of gifts and philanthropic support working closely with the Faculty Director and University Advancement.

• Engages with the Faculty Advisory Board to foster advisory input, partnership, and alignment of organizational initiatives.

• Develops and manages multi-year budgets and financial strategies for the Forum; oversees financial controls and compliance, working with the appropriate offices to ensure responsible stewardship of all resources.

• Responsible for regular financial reporting to the Faculty Director and leadership as requested.

• Drives initiatives to enhance organizational structure, capacity, culture, and operational effectiveness through a high-performing team.

• Sets and enforces clear goals, responsibilities, and performance metrics for staff, and intervenes as needed to ensure accountability at all levels.

• Provides strategic leadership for a Center with senior management and serves as a liaison to academic departments, professional organizations and administrative units of the University.

• Manages multiple related teams. Establishes department priorities, is responsible for the management of the center budget, allocates resources and executes strategic plans.

• Performs other rel