Job Title: Executive Director

Location: Willowbrook, Illinois
Position Type: Full-Time
Date Posted: April 2026

Lead With Purpose. Serve With Impact.

The Mecca Center is more than a masjid—it is a thriving hub for worship, education, youth development, family services, and community connection. Rooted in Islamic values and committed to excellence, The Mecca Center serves as a spiritual home and a place of growth for thousands of families across the Chicagoland area.

Our vision is to spread the moderate, enlightening, and spiritual message of the Qur’an while helping build a distinctive, active Muslim community that contributes positively to American society. We believe in a comprehensive and inclusive understanding of Islam grounded in service, compassion, education, and leadership.

We are seeking a dynamic, strategic, and mission-driven Executive Director to help lead this vision forward. This is an opportunity for a passionate leader to make a lasting impact—strengthening an institution that shapes lives, nurtures faith, and builds future generations.

Position Summary

The Executive Director provides strong, values-driven leadership across all operational, strategic, and administrative functions of The Mecca Center. Reporting directly to the Executive Committee, this leader works closely with the Board, Imams, staff, and volunteers to ensure organizational excellence and mission fulfillment.

Key Responsibilities

The Executive Director is responsible for ensuring organizational excellence through effective leadership, collaboration, and stewardship.

  1. Board Governance
  • Partner with the Executive Committee and Board to implement policies and strategic initiatives
  • Provide regular updates on organizational performance and key initiatives
  • Support board and committee meetings through preparation of reports, agendas, and follow-ups
  • Ensure compliance with bylaws, policies, and governance best practices
  1. Financial Performance and Viability
  • Develop and manage the annual budget in collaboration with Finance Committee
  • Oversee financial reporting, forecasting, and internal controls
  • Lead and support fundraising efforts, including donor engagement and development strategies
  • Ensure responsible stewardship of organizational resources
  1. Organizational Mission and Strategy
  • Execute the strategic plan in alignment with the Center’s mission and values
  • Collaborate with Imams, Youth Directors, and program leaders to ensure impactful programming
  • Strengthen community engagement through outreach, partnerships, and initiatives
  • Uphold and promote the organization’s Islamic identity and integrity
  1. Organizational Operations
  • Oversee daily operations, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness across departments
  • Manage and support staff, including hiring, supervision, and professional development
  • Establish and maintain organizational systems, policies, and procedures
  • Ensure high-quality delivery of programs, services, and events

Qualifications

Required:

  • Strong commitment to Islamic values and community service
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Proven leadership and management experience, preferably with nonprofits
  • Experience in strategic planning, organizational development, and team leadership
  • Bachelor’s degree required (Master’s degree preferred in a relevant field such as nonprofit management, business administration, or public administration)
  • Proficiency in English (spoken and written)

Preferred:

  • Familiarity with youth development and interfaith engagement initiatives
  • Experience in financial oversight, budgeting, and fundraising
  • Knowledge of human resources practices and staff management
  • Strong organizational and project management skills
  • Arabic proficiency or familiarity with Islamic studies is a plus

Employee Benefits

We value the people who serve our community and are committed to supporting their professional and personal well-being.
Benefits include:

  • Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications
  • Competitive performance-based bonus
  • Paid vacation and personal time off
  • Health and wellness benefits
  • Professional development and leadership growth opportunities
  • The opportunity to serve a mission greater than yourself

Apply

If you are a visionary leader ready to serve with excellence and help shape the future of one of the region’s leading Islamic institutions, we invite you to apply.

Please submit a cover letter and resume to: hr@meccacenter.org
Subject Line: Executive Director Application – [Your Name]

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.