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About the Organization
Founded in 1919, Ada S. McKinley Community Services is one of Chicago’s most established and comprehensive human services organizations, dedicated to empowering, educating, and employing individuals to strengthen communities. For more than a century, the organization has expanded its reach and impact, now serving over 10,000 individuals annually across more than 70 locations in Illinois, with additional sites in Indiana and Wisconsin.
Ada S. McKinley delivers an integrated portfolio of services across three core areas: Behavioral Health and Clinical Services, Child Development and Youth Services, and Employment and Community Support Services. Its programs span early childhood education, foster care, college and career readiness, workforce development, housing and community living for individuals with disabilities, and comprehensive mental health services. Each year, the organization provides behavioral health services to more than 3,000 children and families, supports 2,500+ youth through education and development programs, and serves over 1,600 individuals through employment and community support initiatives.
At its core, Ada S. McKinley is committed to delivering holistic, community-based services that address the full spectrum of individual and family needs—from early childhood through adulthood. Under the leadership of CEO Jamal Malone, Ada continues to focus its resources and activities on improving and expanding opportunities for Chicago’s most vulnerable communities. With a strong reputation, deep community roots, and a broad service footprint, the organization continues to evolve its model to meet growing demand and expand access to high-quality, integrated care.
To learn more, please visit: https://www.adasmckinley.org/
The Opportunity
Ada S. McKinley Community Services is seeking a Controller to join its finance leadership team at a pivotal moment for the organization. As a $65M, multi-program human services organization, Ada S. McKinley operates in a complex environment shaped by government funding, regulatory oversight, and diverse service lines. Reporting to the Chief Financial & Administrative Officer (CF&AO), the Controller will lead core accounting functions, including month-end close and accounts payable, while managing a team of three. This role is central to ensuring strong financial operations while supporting the organization’s broader mission and growth.
Success in this role begins with listening and learning. The Controller will take the time to understand the organization’s programs, people, and funding structures, with a particular focus on behavioral health - a critical and evolving area of the organization’s work. The ideal candidate will bring experience with behavioral health funding models, including private insurance/payor relationships, Medicaid and Medicare billing, and related compliance requirements. This leader will work alongside program teams to identify challenges, strengthen financial processes, and ensure the infrastructure is in place to support effective service delivery and responsible program growth.
The Controller will serve as a trusted, proactive partner to the CF&AO and leadership team - someone who brings forward solutions, communicates clearly, and contributes to a collaborative culture grounded in shared ownership. In addition, this leader will play a key role in shaping the organization’s future financial infrastructure, leading the evaluation and implementation of a new ERP system as Ada S. McKinley transitions from Microsoft Great Plains. This is an opportunity for a thoughtful, hands-on leader to bring both stability and forward momentum to a mission-driven organization.
Location, Compensation and Benefits
This position is based in Chicago, Illinois, with a hybrid schedule that reflects the collaborative and cross-functional nature of the role. The Controller is expected to maintain a consistent on-site presence, typically three days per week, in alignment with leadership team expectations and to support engagement across departments.
The salary range for this position is $135,000 – $150,000, commensurate with experience. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement options, and paid time off.