Executive Director

Uptown People’s Law Center Rooted in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood for more than 45 years, the Uptown People’s Law Center provides legal services to Chicago’s poor and marginalized, including Illinois prisoners. Their expertise keeps low-income people housed, ensures they receive the public benefits to which they are entitled, and protects the rights, health, and well-being of those incarcerated in Illinois prisons. Relentless advocates and deeply caring, the UPLC team leverages the law to improve the quality of life for individuals and to effect lasting social change through impact litigation and policy advocacy. UPLC seeks to effect systemic change and is unafraid to take on big fights, while staying committed to offering dignity and respect on an individual level to those it serves, from offering clients walk-in hours and appointments to responding to every letter received from an Illinois prisoner. Recognizing that the work is often challenging, UPLC fosters work-life balance and a positive and collaborative work culture that encourages creativity and relishes humor in the day-to-day. Having expanded significantly over the past 10 years, with 17 staff members, a board of 14, and a $2.2MM budget, UPLC’s expertise, legal wins, reputation, and partnerships position it for strategic growth. View our annual report: https://www.uplcchicago.org/who-we-are/financials.html The Opportunity This is an opportunity to lead an organization buoyed by success, including significant recent awards and contracts, a robust board, a financial reserve, and a newly expanded fundraising team. The executive director’s success will help keep people in their homes, preserve affordable housing, secure benefits for people with disabilities, and advocate for Illinois prisoners, including pursuing systemic reform through litigation and advocacy. The new executive director will set UPLC’s vision and strategic direction with the staff and board, expand the organization’s reach and reputation, and grow its fundraising success. The ED is supported by experienced legal and program directors delivering on the mission, the organization has built solid financial and administrative systems, and staff enjoys a new office space established in 2026. The new director will inherit an organization with a sound foundation and systems, allowing them to focus on developing and implementing their strategic vision in collaboration with staff and the board. The new director will have many possibilities for creativity and shaping the organization’s future. The Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate is an experienced leader who nurtures a positive culture, fosters collaboration, and treats every person with dignity. They love fighting for the underdog and match UPLC’s ethos: fierce advocates who work for marginalized and disenfranchised people and who drive social change. The ideal candidate genuinely enjoys people and brings charisma and energy to their leadership. They balance their emotional intelligence with sharp administrative chops, leading the operations that make the mission possible, including strong financials, people policies, IT, and administration – all the elements that reduce friction and make an organization hum. Key Elements of the Role Serve as the passionate voice of the organization and its mission, building internal and external advocacy, and ensuring strategic and tactical focus. Collaboratively develop a strategic plan embraced by both staff and the board, which supports and amplifies the mission. Recruit, retain, manage and develop talented staff Foster a positive, collaborative, and respectful workplace culture, building and maintaining strong relationships with unionized and non-union positions. Develop budgets and cash flow forecasts; manage benefits, insurance, and other risk-management strategies; ensure annual independent audit. Oversee infrastructure – facilities, information systems, telecommunications – to ensure reliable operations and support growth plans. Cultivate personal relationships with top-tier donors while growing this key constituency. Required Characteristics and Experience A track record of success leading a small-to-medium nonprofit organization, or leading teams or a department within a nonprofit, legal services, or public interest setting. At least ten years of professional experience, with at least five years of experience supervising staff. Bachelor’s degree required; Juris Doctor (law) degree or relevant master’s degree preferred. An active law license is not required, and the Executive Director will not carry a personal caseload. Strong financial acumen and ability to evaluate financial opportunities and recognize potential threats; wisdom in setting and managing budgets. Exceptional written and oral communication skills. Leads with humility, humor, self-awareness, and approachability, which builds trust with staff, clients, community partners, and the Board. Fundraising experience is helpful, but an understanding that fundraising is a significant part of the job is essential. Experience in a legal services, civil rights, or public interest organization; alternatively, experience in organizations serving and advocating alongside communities affected by poverty, incarceration, housing instability, or other systemic marginalization. Passion and demonstrated commitment to social, economic, and racial justice. Benefits and Perks UPLC values its employees and offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous vacation, sick, personal, and flex time; group health insurance; employer contributions to an IRA; and a flexible work week. The salary range for this position is between $140,000 and $170,000 and will be commensurate with experience. This is not a remote position. UPLC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and as an organization committed to diversity and the perspective of all voices, we strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ folks, people with disabilities, and/or former prisoners to apply. Staff members are chosen on the basis of ability without regard to race, color, religion, ethnicity, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, HIV status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, or prior record of arrest or conviction, in accordance with federal and state law.