Join Our Board of Directors: Be the Change for People with Disabilities!

For over 50 years, Esperanza Community Services has been providing life-changing support to hundreds of children and adults with Autism and other disabilities in the West Town neighborhood of Chicago, along with their families. Our mission is to help individuals achieve their fullest potential and become as independent as possible through a range of services, including adult residential, adult day training, home-based support, art exploration, Esperanza Therapeutic Day School, and Esperanza Learning Center.

Through our programs and services, we help people build academic and life skills that lead to independence, happiness, and a higher quality of life. Every time an individual achieves a goal, it strengthens their family and enriches our entire community. Join us in making a difference in the lives of those we serve.

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Esperanza Community Services - Board Member

Role Summary

Board members are visionary leaders who help expand and advance Esperanza’s mission. As a member of the Board of Directors, you will shape strategy, ensure financial stewardship, and champion our work in the broader community to create greater opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Board members are expected to actively engage their personal and professional networks to bring time, talent, and treasure to the organization-expanding Esperanza’s reach, visibility, and impact. Each board member is required to meet a minimum annual give/get commitment, and all members must include Esperanza in their personal giving, making it one of their preferred philanthropic priorities.

Board members should have a minimum of 12 years of professional experience and hold the professional credentials necessary to bring credibility and expertise to their role.

Your leadership on the board will directly contribute to the continued growth, sustainability, and innovation of Esperanza’s programs-and to a more inclusive, empowered future for the people we serve.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership Help guide Esperanza’s long-term vision, including priorities such as financial resilience, program growth, and facility expansion.
• Governance Uphold fiduciary and legal responsibilities, ensuring compliance with all bylaws and nonprofit laws.
• Financial Oversight Understand and review financial reports, budgets, and major expenditures. Provide oversight to maintain and strengthen the organization’s fiscal health.
• Fundraising & Resource Development Contribute and raise at least a total of $2,500 annually ("give/get"), and participate in donor cultivation, fundraising campaigns, and events, including required attendance at the annual gala.
• Advocacy & Outreach Act as an ambassador for Esperanza, promoting its mission in the community and helping to expand its network of supporters.
• Committee Participation Actively serve on at least one board committee (e.g., Executive Committee, Finance Committee, Board Development Committee, and Resource Development Committee.)
• Meeting Attendance Attend at least 75% of bi-monthly board meetings and key events like the annual gala.
• Capital & Growth Support Engage in capital campaign efforts related to facility expansion and programming capacity building.
• Policy & Program Support Provide input on key issues affecting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, especially considering evolving Medicaid and education policy changes.
  
  

Desired Attributes

• Commitment to Esperanza’s mission and values.
• Integrity and ethical conduct.
• Financial literacy and comfort with nonprofit governance.
• Willingness to advocate, fundraise, and support organizational growth.
• Ability to collaborate and work effectively in a team setting.
• Professional or lived experience with intellectual/developmental disabilities or the nonprofit sector is a plus.
• Diverse perspectives and backgrounds encouraged.
  
  

Why Serve?

Joining Esperanza’s Board is a chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people with disabilities. As we work to expand our reach and adapt to a shifting policy landscape, your leadership will help shape a stronger, more inclusive future for our community.

If you’re interested in serving or would like to learn more, please contact Esperanza CEO Jayne Drew at jdrew@esperanzacommunity.org and Director of Development & Marketing Joanna Wagner at jwagner@esperanzacommunity.org.