Be The Difference!

CEL (Center for Enriched Living) is an independently funded nonprofit that empowers teens, adults, and seniors with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live fully and confidently. Through programs, services, and inclusive education initiatives, CEL equips people to form real friendships, develop essential life skills, and pursue opportunities in work, learning, and community life. Our universally designed building and deeply caring staff create a welcoming environment where people with disabilities are not an afterthought, they’re the focus. Learn more at ExperienceCEL.org.

As CEL continues to grow, we are seeking a strategic and relationship-driven leader to serve as our Senior Director of Development & Engagement. This role is a key member of the senior leadership team and is responsible for shaping and advancing the organization’s philanthropic revenue and external engagement strategy.

Why This Role Matters

This is an opportunity to build and lead a fully integrated advancement function at a mission-driven organization with strong community roots and significant growth potential.

The Senior Director of Development & Engagement will:

• Lead the development and execution of a scalable, multi-year fundraising strategy.
• Align fundraising, marketing, and partnerships into a cohesive external engagement approach.
• Partner directly with the CEO and Board of Directors to expand CEL’s philanthropic reach.
• Build systems and infrastructure that support sustainable revenue growth beyond any single individual.
• Play a central role in shaping how CEL tells its story, engages its community, and funds its future.

What you’ll Lead

Philanthropic Revenue Strategy

• Develop and execute CEL’s annual and multi-year fundraising strategy across all revenue streams, including major gifts, annual giving, events, grants, and corporate partnerships.
• Establish and drive performance against clear revenue goals and growth targets.
• Identify and pursue new funding opportunities to support long-term organizational sustainability.

Donor & Partner Engagement

• Manage and grow a portfolio of major donors and high-value prospects.
• Lead strategies for donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Build and strengthen relationships with corporate partners, foundations, and community stakeholders.
• Partner with the CEO and Board to support high-level donor engagement and fundraising efforts.

Marketing, Communications, & Brand

• Oversee CEL’s external communications and brand strategy.
• Ensure consistent, compelling storytelling that connects program impact to donor investment.
• Guide campaigns, digital presence, and content development to drive engagement and visibility.

Strategic Partnerships

• Develop partnerships that expand CEL’s reach, visibility, and resources.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration that enhance both program impact and organizational growth.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and develop a high-performing team across development, marketing, and partnerships.
• Align team structure, goals, and performance with organizational priorities.
• Foster a collaborative, results-driven environment focused on growth and impact.

Who You Are

• 7-10 years of progressive leadership experience in fundraising, development, or nonprofit management.
• Proven success developing and executing fundraising strategies and achieving revenue targets.
• Experience managing major donor relationships and multi-channel fundraising efforts.
• Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to engage donors, partners, and stakeholders.
• Experience working with executive leadership and or boards of directors.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans and measurable outcomes.
• Effective team leader with experience building and developing high-performing staff.
• Bachelor’s Degree required; advanced degree preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range: $125,000 – $145,000
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and retirement plan.
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
• Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.

Apply Here: CEL Job Application

Employment Specialist

Full Time – Non-Exempt

CEL (Center for Enriched Living) is an independently funded nonprofit that empowers teens, adults, and seniors with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live fully and confidently. Through programs, services, and inclusive education initiatives, CEL equips people to form real friendships, develop essential life skills, and pursue opportunities in work, learning, and community life. Our universally designed building and deeply caring staff create a welcoming environment where people with disabilities are not an afterthought, they’re the focus. Learn more at ExperienceCEL.org.

The Employment Specialist supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in securing and maintaining meaningful employment that aligns with their goals, interests, and strengths. This role provides one-on-one job coaching, supports job readiness, and partners with employers to ensure long-term success. Through a person-centered approach, the Employment Specialist also delivers training and ongoing support to enhance workplace readiness and independence.

Primary Benefits

• Starting Pay: $21.00/hr – with opportunities for increase following a 90-Day Performance Review. The full hourly range for the position is $21.00 – $24.00.
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, Accident Insurance.
• Generous Paid Time Off Package + Holidays + 403(b) Retirement Plan.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible scheduling to support your lifestyle.
• Ongoing training/growth opportunities.

Essential Responsibilities

• Support members in preparing for, securing and maintaining competitive, community-based employment aligned with their goals.
• Conduct individualized job development, placement, and ongoing coaching at various employment sites to ensure job retention.
• Build and maintain relationships with employers to create and sustain employment opportunities.
• Assess member progress and adjust supports to promote independence and workplace success.
• Develop and deliver employment readiness training to address skill gaps and improve performance.

Skills You Bring to CEL

• Bachelor’s Degree; or 2 years’ experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities; or combination of equivalent education and experience.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with members, families, and employers.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple responsibilities effectively.
• Person-centered mindset with the ability to adapt support to individual needs.
• Proficiency in using technology and documentation systems to track progress and outcomes.
• Strong verbal communication skills in English; Spanish language skills are a plus.

Apply Here: CEL Job Application

REACH Instructor

Full Time – Non-Exempt

CEL (Center for Enriched Living) is an independently funded nonprofit that empowers teens, adults, and seniors with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live fully and confidently. Through programs, services, and inclusive education initiatives, CEL equips people to form real friendships, develop essential life skills, and pursue opportunities in work, learning, and community life. Our universally designed building and deeply caring staff create a welcoming environment where people with disabilities are not an afterthought, they’re the focus. Learn more at ExperienceCEL.org.

As an instructor in our REACH Day Program, you will be a hands-on leader, guiding members through activities that enhance life skills, promote independence, and build confidence. Every day, you’ll create opportunities for growth, learning, and connection in a fun and inclusive environment!

Primary Benefits:

• Pay starts at $20.00 per hour, based on experience (increase $1.00 after becoming an eligible driver of CEL vehicles). The position begins at a fixed starting rate, with eligibility for a salary evaluation and potential adjustment based on performance within the range of $20 – $23/hr after 90 days of employment.
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, Accident Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off Package + Holidays + 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible scheduling to support your lifestyle
• Monday-Friday Schedule – no evenings/weekends
• Ongoing training/growth opportunities

Essential Responsibilities:

• Plan and lead engaging activities that support our members in promoting social interaction and developing life skills
• Cultivate community involvement by spending time with the members in exploring local resources, events, and volunteer opportunities – our REACH program spends about 60% of the time in the community!
• Foster relationships and build trusting connections with members and their families, by focusing on member needs and goals
• Empower members to learn and celebrate achievements
• Adapt activities and provide personalized assistance to meet the unique needs of each member

Skills You Bring to CEL:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Preferred: One year of on-the-job experience, working with people with developmental disabilities
• Team player, positive attitude, and an ability to work with all types of personalities
• Valid driver’s license with access to working vehicle, or adequate alternative transportation
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
• Ability to attend annual mandatory 40-hour training.

Fill out the application here: CEL Job Application

Activity/Recreation Instructor

Part Time – Non-Exempt

CEL (Center for Enriched Living) is an independently funded nonprofit that empowers teens, adults, and seniors with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live fully and confidently. Through programs, services, and inclusive education initiatives, CEL equips people to form real friendships, develop essential life skills, and pursue opportunities in work, learning, and community life. Our universally designed building and deeply caring staff create a welcoming environment where people with disabilities are not an afterthought, they’re the focus. Learn more at ExperienceCEL.org.

As an Activity Instructor, you will be a hands-on leader, guiding members through activities that create opportunities for growth, learning, and connection in a warm, welcoming, and fun environment! We are hiring for various programs that operate year round with a variety of hours and shifts. This position typically works afternoons, evenings, and weekends. One weekend day is required.

Primary Benefits:

• Starting Pay: $19.00 per hour, based on experience ($20.00 after becoming an eligible driver of CEL vehicles). The position begins at a fixed starting rate, with eligibility for a salary evaluation and potential adjustment based on performance within the range of $19 – $22/hr after 90 days of employment.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible scheduling to support your lifestyle
• Paid time off for those who work an average of 10 hours per week or more (year round)
• Ongoing training/growth opportunities

Essential Responsibilities:

• Plan and lead engaging activities that support our members in promoting social interaction and developing life skills
• Cultivate community involvement by spending time with the members in exploring local activities
• Foster relationships and build trusting connections with members and their families, by focusing on member needs and goals
• Adapt activities and provide personalized assistance to meet the unique needs of each member

Skills You Bring to CEL:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Preferred: One year of on-the-job experience, working with people with developmental disabilities
• Team player, positive attitude, and an ability to work with all types of personalities
• Valid driver’s license with access to working vehicle, or adequate alternative transportation
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
• Ability to attend annual mandatory 40-hour training.

Fill out the application here: CEL Job Application

The Young Leadership Committee (YLC) is a group of passionate young professionals dedicated to advancing CEL’s mission. Members help lead philanthropic events, support fundraising initiatives, volunteer programs, and use their skills to strengthen our community and impact.

Learn More: Young Leadership Committee – Center for Enriched Living
YLC Interest Form: YLC Interest Form – Center for Enriched Living 

Have a special skill, hobby, or creative idea? Volunteers can contribute their talents in unique ways, whether it is leading a workshop, sharing expertise, or helping us innovate new programs. Every skill you share helps make our community stronger. 

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Volunteers in our REACH Day Program help provide community-based activities that promote learning, growth, and engagement for adults 18+ who have finished high school. Your support helps create meaningful, enriching experiences all over Chicagoland each day. 

Learn More: REACH – Center for Enriched Living
Volunteer Application: Volunteer – Center for Enriched Living 

Volunteers in the Catalyst Life Skills Program assist adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in practicing essential life skills. Your guidance helps members build independence, confidence, and personal growth. 

Learn More: Catalyst Life Skills – Center for Enriched Living
Volunteer Application: Volunteer – Center for Enriched Living 

Bring energy and fun to our weeknight and weekend social programs. Volunteers help lead games, activities, and events that foster connection, friendship, and community for our members. 

Learn More: Volunteer – Center for Enriched Living
Volunteer Application: Volunteer – Center for Enriched Living 

Board members provide leadership and guidance to help shape our organization’s vision and strategy. Volunteers in this role lend their expertise to strengthen our mission and community impact. 

Learn More: Join the CEL Board – Center for Enriched Living
Board Interest Form Application: Board Interest Form – Center for Enriched Living 

Partner with CEL to make a meaningful impact while supporting your company’s goals for Diversity and Inclusion, Disability Rights, Community Involvement, and Social Responsibility. Together, we can advocate for our members and create engaging, purpose-driven volunteer experiences for your team.

Learn More: Partner with Us – Center for Enriched Living
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