POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Background

The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation (NNJCF) in Hackensack, NJ is seeking applications and nominations for an Executive Director. Established in 1998, the mission of the NNJCF is to improve community life through work in education, public health, civic engagement, the arts, philanthropy, and the environment with a growing emphasis on climate change. Central to its success is fostering collaboration among local governments, school districts, businesses, non-profits, and citizen groups. Our partners are building stronger communities in Northern New Jersey by answering the question, “What can we do together that we can’t do alone?”

Learn more about the NNJCF on our website.

The Opportunity

The Executive Director is the professional leader of the NNJCF, working in partnership with, and reporting to, the President and Board of Trustees. The Executive Director is the primary face of the NNJCF and is responsible for building and shaping the future of the NNJCF. By participation, facilitation and engagement in discussions of issues relevant to the NNJCF’s focus areas, the Executive Director assesses and responds to opportunities that realize NNJCF’s vision of fostering collaboration.

The Executive Director must be able to generate, build, and maintain relationships with a wide range of partners, including trustees, nonprofit executives, and funders. Fundraising is a key component of this role. The Executive Director will play a critical role in bringing greater visibility and financial support to the NNJCF. This position requires excellent communication skills and knowledge of foundation fundraising and best practices.

The major issue facing New Jersey from the Foundation’s perspective is climate change. The Executive Director must, therefore, have an interest in, and knowledge about environmental and climate change activities at local, state, and federal levels.

Roles and Responsibilities

Governance/Administration

• With the NNJCF Board of Trustees, support the vision and mission of the Foundation through the implementation, on-going execution, and regular revisions of the NNJCF strategic plan
• Oversee financial elements of NNJCF, assuring responsible fiscal management, reporting, budgeting, and adherence to audit and national foundation standards
• Execute all activities and decisions legally, ethically, and transparently, ensuring NNJCF resources are used in a fiscally responsible manner
• Provide oversight of human resources, benefits, technology, risk and insurance issues
• Develop objectives and measures for performance, and ensure these are clearly articulated and reflected in aligned goals for team members to ensure staff are performing at their highest capacity

Fundraising

• Lead the successful execution of NNJCF’s 25th anniversary celebration and campaign meeting predetermined fundraising goals
• Execute NNJCF’s fundraising plan and continually improve to ensure the growth of diversified funding streams including the planning and implementation of fundraising events, individual gifts, corporate sponsorships, and foundation support
• Establish responsible and meaningful fundraising goals, maintaining the proper tools and methodology for their accomplishment including measurement, tracking and reporting mechanisms
• Expand donor base through personal outreach, oversight of marketing and educational programs, and coordination with Board members and other stakeholders
• Maintain and cultivate relationships and partnerships with corporate, foundation, and government grant makers, as well as individual donors
• Oversee and participate in grant seeking, writing, and management

Board

• Source potential trustees for service on the Board of Trustees
• Serve as ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees, acting as principal advisor to the Board on fundraising, donor relations, and overall Foundation management.
• Plan and implement quarterly Board meetings, preparing agendas and background information and assuring actions at the meetings are properly documented
• Manage communication with trustees

Community Leadership

• Position NNJCF as a regional convener which fosters collaboration for addressing issues affecting Northern New Jersey
• Position NNJCF as a regional leader in the areas of climate change remediation and creative placemaking
• Act as a catalyst for change by facilitating public engagement and community problem solving rather than imposing solutions
• Establish relationships with Municipal, County, State, and community leaders and stakeholders
• Ensure all residents are represented in community discussions
• Develop and expand strategic community partnerships to optimize visibility, maximize funding, and broaden projects’ impacts
• Lead NNJCF’s environmental and climate change programs, including program design and implementation

Marketing and Outreach

• Serve as the face of the NNJCF and its primary spokesperson, enhancing NNJCF’s image to constituents, the media, and the public
• Communicate NNJCF’s mission, vision and priorities to partners, donors, and the public
• Oversee the NNJCF’s communications and marketing strategy to increase visibility of the Foundation and awareness of its programs

Qualifications

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree – master’s degree preferred – Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) certification a plus
• Seasoned professional with a minimum of five years’ experience in foundation or nonprofit management with a demonstrated ability to manage projects and grow an organization
• Successful experience in philanthropy, development and fundraising, financial management, business or nonprofit management, human resources, program development, brand management, board relations and public-policy making
• Leadership skills for establishing rapport and credibility with existing and potential donors and community organizations
• Proven fundraising experience securing and managing grants and donations from high wealth individuals, family offices, corporations, foundations, and government entities active in the Northern NJ region
• Experience translating strategic goals and direction into active programs with measurable results
• A successful track record as a consensus builder, collaborator and team-player
• Success cultivating, engaging, and working with a Board of Directors/Trustees
• Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills, ability to listen and present ideas clearly
• Capability for working independently and creatively and doing high-profile work as well as routine tasks

Specifics

• Salary: $100,000 – $115,000 annually – Commensurate with experience and qualifications
• Benefits: Full employer paid health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
• Hybrid schedule with flexibility to work from home as needed

How to Apply

Please know that no one ever meets 100% of the qualifications. If much of this describes you, we encourage you to apply.

Please submit a résumé and a cover letter to maureen@nnjcf.org. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis as received. No phone calls.

NNJCF is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected factor. We encourage talented individuals of all backgrounds to apply.