One Mindset Shift: One Game-Changing Partnership

One mindset shift changed how Jeff Sadowski leads — and how his entire organization performs. Moving from tactical to strategic decision-making opened a new world for Sadowski, Executive Director of the Neighborhood Boys & Girls Club (NBGC), Chicago, its Board, and leadership team.

"Partnering with Executive Service Corps (ESC) of Chicago was a game changer," Sadowski said. "We needed a true partner that understood our history and mission — and ESC delivered. We moved from reactive, tactical decisions to strategic ones, our Leadership Team is more empowered, and our mission is the strongest it's been in our 94-year history."

A Partnership of Champions

ESC Engagement Manager Bob Hubberts described the team's work as wide-ranging, supporting NBGC's strategic planning process and establishing SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound) goals now being implemented by Board-managed working groups.

The engagement included a Board retreat, SWOT analysis, and interviews with Board members and staff leadership. Three priorities guided the work:

• Develop a three-year strategic plan
• Ensure broad Board and staff involvement to drive acceptance and implementation
• Establish a process for NBGC to regularly update the plan

NBGC Board Member Mind-Shift Delivering Results

Two years in, NBGC's leadership is fully aligned and action oriented. “Processes, structure, and a clear communication framework ensure every leader understands their role. Target dates keep working groups accountable, and progress is reported at each Board meeting,” Sadowski stressed.

Sadowski reports on the following “wins” from NBGC strategic plan subgroups:

·Organization & Staffing: Conducted salary analysis, established annual reviews and training, and updated job descriptions with a clear salary scale.

·Programs: Formed committees for out-of-school, athletics, and youth leadership programs. Committees are evaluating program relevance, monitoring registration trends, and reviewing athletic staff training needs.

·Marketing & Communications: Developed and launched a marketing calendar.

·Fund Development: Exploring new revenue streams; cleaned up and fully activated our CRM to identify, retain, and steward donors, alumni, corporations, foundations, and grant prospects.

·Business Model: Analyzed revenue and expenses by cost center (out-of-school, athletics, youth leadership) and completed a competitive market pricing study for youth programs.

·Facility & Park District: Secured a permanent storage pod and free off-site storage at a local bank partner. This is highlighted by strategically collaborating with an architect to repurpose clubhouse space for expanded administrative use.

What Makes the Partnership Work

"The ESC consultants are all retired, successful C-Suite professionals," Sadowski noted. "I learned something from each of them — it was transformational for me and for our organization. If you want to be data-driven, strategic, and results-oriented, we highly recommend ESC.”

The engagement team — Bob Hubberts, Mary Lee Schneider, Ron Goldberg, and Tim Thompson — brings deep C-Suite experience and nonprofit board expertise and continues to stay in touch with Jeff Sadowski and his team as implementation progresses.

Neighborhood Boys and Girls Club: Enhancing the Lives and Future of Our Youth

Founded in 1931, NBGC is a nonprofit dedicated to youth development in Chicago, offering athletic fields, a clubhouse, after-school programming, and more. Visit nbgc.org or call 773-463-4161.

Executive Service Corps of Chicago:Strengthening Nonprofits

Founded in 1978, ESC of Chicago is a nonprofit that provides affordable professional consulting services to Chicago-area nonprofit organizations for a substantially reduced cost. Visit execservicecorps.org or call 312-880-7734.