CEO Position - Family Counseling Services

CEO Position Description

Family Counseling Services of Northern Illinois (FCS) is seeking an inspiring and visionary leader to serve as our next Chief Executive Officer (CEO). FCS was founded in 1877 by a group of individuals who cared deeply about the well-being of individuals and families. Nearly 150 years later that same mission continues today. FCS has been a source of hope, help, support, and empowerment to individuals and families in the Rockford region impacted by mental health conditions. As CEO you will have the unique opportunity to lead a passionate team of mental health therapists and administrative professionals, drive strategic growth, and expand our impact in the community.

What we’re looking for:

A leader who can be visible in the community, cultivating strong relationships and partnerships
Someone who can inspire staff and stakeholders alike.
A business-minded professional with the ability to drive strategic growth and long-term sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership: Partner with the Board of Directors, staff, and other stakeholders to set the organization’s strategic direction and translate vision into actionable, measurable goals and objectives.
Board Engagement: Collaborate closely with the Board, leveraging their expertise and networks to advance the mission and ensure effective governance. Attend board and committee meetings and support committee activities. Prepare board reports and send board meeting notices and materials in advance of board meetings. Manage board and volunteer appreciation activities.
Team Development: Inspire, empower, and develop all staff to further enhance the collaborative and supportive work environment currently in place. Conduct monthly staff meetings. Review compensation and benefits, recommending needed changes and/or improvements to ensure market alignment and employee satisfaction. Conduct regular meetings with clinical directors and other staff as needed to provide support and collaborate on efforts to achieve organizational objectives. Recruit, interview, and hire all staff members, as well as manage any disciplinary or termination action needed. Manage employee engagement and appreciation activities.
Operational & Financial Oversight: Ensure strong financial management, operational efficiency, and accountability for results, aligning resources with mission priorities. Review and approve all expenditures. Create and manage the annual budget. Report on financial operations to the Board Finance committee, reviewing and sharing financial reports ahead of monthly meetings. Work with clinical team to facilitate timely submission and review of notes for payment processing. Engage outside providers for services such as IT, Audit, Legal, business insurance, employee benefits, building maintenance, security system, etc. Negotiate lease renewal or new space lease(s) for both Rockford and Belvidere offices.
Program Management: In partnership with the Clinical Directors and staff, champion client-centered services, strengthen service quality, and ensure client satisfaction. Review client satisfaction surveys, periodically reporting results to board, staff, and other stakeholders.
Address/resolve any client complaints. Establish, manage and strengthen partnerships with other community organizations. Ensure prompt response to all referrals from other organizations.
Public Presence & Community Engagement: Serve as the public face of FCS representing the mission and building relationships with donors, partners, volunteers, government officials, and the broader community with confidence and credibility. Attend community and partner events, resource fairs, grant meetings, and other special events. Manage marketing, advertising, communication and sponsorship initiatives.
Revenue Growth & Fundraising: Drive revenue diversification and growth through donor cultivation, corporate partnerships, foundation support, and innovative fundraising initiatives, along with earned income opportunities. Write grants and grant reports, manage grant implementation, and continue strong relationships with the Winnebago County Community Mental Health Board, the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois., and other grant making organizations. Maintain and improve ongoing stewardship practices. Manage review of insurance providers, reimbursement rates, billable services, and other revenue stream opportunities. Maintain awareness of laws, political environment, changes to allowable charges for services, and other outside factors that may impact income sources.

The Ideal Candidate

The CEO of FCS will be:

A strategic visionary with the ability to see the big picture while driving measurable results.
A confident, transparent, and steady leader with a calm presence and sense of humor.
A strong communicator and fundraiser, comfortable engaging with donors, board members, staff, and community leaders.
A compassionate, business-minded nonprofit leader who applies a “return on mission” mindset.
A culture-builder who empowers and develops staff, models appreciative leadership, and fosters innovation and collaboration.
An advocate for clients and champion of social justice, committed to elevating the mission of FCS and ending the stigma around mental health care.

Qualifications

Proven leadership experience in the nonprofit sector, preferably in healthcare, human services or related field.
Strong background in financial and operational management with experience improving processes and organizational efficiency.
Demonstrated success in service delivery and client satisfaction.
Excellent communication and public speaking skills; capable of serving as organization spokesperson.
Proven track record in fundraising, donor relations, and revenue diversification.
Proficiency with CRM/fundraising software, Google, and Microsoft Office. Familiarity with QuickBooks preferred.
Bachelor’s Degree in business, nonprofit management, social work, public administration, or related field. Advanced degree and clinical license a plus.

Core Values & Leadership Approach

The CEO must embody FCS’s values of transparency, integrity, collaboration, staff empowerment, and client-centered services. They will lead with an appreciative leadership style, demonstrating emotional intelligence, empathy, and professionalism, while holding themselves and others accountable to high standards.

Why This Role Matters

This is an extraordinary opportunity for a leader who is passionate about mental health care and organizational excellence. The CEO will not only sustain FCS’s critical work but will also elevate its visibility, expand its reach, and drive long-term financial stability—ensuring FCS continues to be a place of safety, healing, and hope for clients of all ages, from all walks of life.

Compensation and Benefits – $75,000 – $90,000 Salary, based on experience, Paid Time Off, health, dental, vision insurance, flexible schedule, hybrid work environment option, and more.

If you are ready to make a meaningful difference and lead FCS into our next 150 years we’d love to hear from you.

Send resume and inquiries to: Lynn Momberger at lynn@familycounselingrockford.org