Chief Executive Officer

Council of Foundations; Dubuque (IA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Paid time off

Job summary

The Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque (CFGD) seeks a visionary Chief Executive Officer to guide a Rural Development Hub in Greater Dubuque and the seven-county region. This leader will unite boards, funders, partners, and staff to advance housing, education, mobility, health, and climate resilience through equitable solutions.

The role emphasizes collaboration, trust-based leadership, and national partnerships, with a focus on sustainable, community-driven impact.

Qualifications

• Proven executive leadership experience in nonprofit/philanthropy.
• Strong board relationship and donor engagement track record.
• Experience guiding cross‑sector collaboration and partnerships.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to travel nationally and within region periodically.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic vision and board partnership for CFGD.
• Lead and mentor a mission-driven team toward equity and excellence.
• Convene regional partners and advance community-led solutions.
• Cultivate donor relationships and grow endowments over time.

Skills

Executive leadership

Board partnership

Donor engagement

Strategic planning

Relationship building

Cross-sector convening

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Job description

The Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque (CFGD) is seeking a visionary, collaborative, and community-centered leader to serve as its next Chief Executive Officer. This is a rare opportunity to lead a nationally respected community foundation that has evolved into a Rural Development Hub, driving systems-level change across Greater Dubuque and the seven-county region it serves.

This is not a traditional foundation CEO role. While CFGD manages nearly $190 million in assets and makes strategic grants, philanthropy is just one small tool in the service of a larger mission. We have grown to be a Rural Development Hub: strengthening: communities, building systems, and supporting local leaders to create sustainable, equitable prosperity across the region. convening partners, building capacity, and addressing complex regional challenges through collaboration and trust-based leadership.

About the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque

Founded in 2003, CFGD envisions a vibrant, inclusive region where everyone can thrive. The Foundation mobilizes generosity, builds partnerships, and supports community-led solutions addressing housing, education, economic mobility, health, climate resilience, and civic life. Through affiliate foundations and regional collaboration, CFGD serves as a connector, convener, and catalyst for lasting change across 85 communities

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Board Partnership

Partner with the Board of Directors to advance CFGD’s strategic vision and long-term sustainability

Engage board members as thought partners through meaningful dialogue, learning, and shared leadership

Organizational & People Leadership

Lead and mentor a mission-driven team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, learning, and equity

Develop leaders and systems that support organizational excellence and future growth

Community Convening & Regional Systems Leadership

Serve as the region’s backbone leader by convening cross-sector partners and supporting community-led solutions

Maintain a visible and trusted presence across the seven-county region

Donor Engagement & Resource Development

Act as chief relationship builder with donors, fundholders, and partners

Cultivate major gifts, grow endowments, and steward generosity as a long-term partnership

National Partnerships & Sector Leadership

Represent CFGD in national philanthropic networks and collaborations

Stay attuned to emerging trends to ensure relevance, innovation, and impact

Qualifications:

Proven executive leadership experience, preferably within the nonprofit, philanthropic, or community development sectors.

Strong track record of engaging with boards, leading teams, managing donor relationships, and building partnerships.

Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.

Experience navigating complex stakeholder environments and managing strategic initiatives.

Willingness and ability to travel nationally and regionally up to 6–8 times per year.

Must have a minimum of a Bachelors degree, Masters degree is preferred

Ideal candidate will have 10+ years of senior leadership experience and a proven track record of building teams and developing innovative community partnerships

Preferred Attributes:

The ideal CEO is an entrepreneurial, relational, and systems-oriented leader who understands that transformation, not transaction, is the goal. They bring:

Proven executive leadership experience in philanthropy, nonprofit, community development, or related fields

A strong track record of board partnership, donor engagement, and organizational leadership

Deep commitment to community-driven solutions, equity, and collaboration

Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and convening skills

The ability to listen deeply, lead with humility, and mobilize diverse stakeholders toward shared outcomes

Compensation & Benefits:

CFGD offers a competitive salary, negotiated based on experience and history of success, along with a generous benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement contributions, paid time off, and more.