Executive Director

Rutgers Foundation; Chicago (IL); Remote; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nonprofit organization seeks an experienced Executive Director to implement its mission, develop programs, and lead fundraising efforts. Responsible for building a strong team and managing board relations, this role demands at least 12-15 years of leadership experience within nonprofit or complex organizations, along with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits

20 days Paid Time Off annually (increases to 25 after 3 years)

12 designated holidays plus 1 floating holiday

Qualifications

• Minimum 12-15 years in program management roles.
• 5-8 years in executive leadership.
• Track record of leading teams and managing complex organizations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the foundation's mission and vision implementation.
• Oversee program development and fundraising strategies.
• Manage daily operations including budgeting and HR.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

Collaboration

Job description

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the Board of Directors and consistent with the values of the Michael Phelps Foundation, the Executive Director is responsible for implementing the nonprofit organization’s mission, vision, and goals. This involves building and working with an outstanding staff, developing an active volunteer board of directors, and establishing the Foundation as a charitable and highly visible force for community development. The Executive Director oversees all program development and strategic initiatives, establishing an overall budget, major gift and annual fundraising, the strategic planning process, and implementing capital expansion plans.

Key Responsibilities:

• Organizational Leadership and Strategy Provide visionary leadership while maintaining a positive organizational culture that promotes transparency and collaboration throughout the Foundation. Maintain and establish a culture of integrity, high ethical standards, values, accountability, and performance. Collaborate with the Board of Directors to identify, create, and implement strategic plans that support the Foundation’s mission Identify and establish sustainable relationships with industry key leaders, significant donors, and current and future sponsors and partners. Participate in and help facilitate the continued process of a formal strategic plan.

Board Relations Collaborate and work with the Board of Directors to support governance, policy compliance, and appropriate modifications to the bylaws. Initiate Board cultivation through the fostering of strong relationships and proactive efforts. Provide regular reports and updates to the Board regarding organizational performance. Support all Board of Directors functions, including facilitating meetings and the development and work of Board committees. Operations and Financial Management Oversee the day-to-day operations, including HR, budgeting, and compliance. Develop and manage the annual budget and ensure financial sustainability. Program Development Oversee the Foundation’s programming and outreach initiatives. Fundraising, Marketing and Communications Participate actively in all aspects of fundraising for the foundation: help engage, recruit and cultivate, and solicit old and new prospects for the foundation. Serve as a key spokesperson for the foundation, both for fundraising purposes but also to enhance the role and prestige of the foundation. Cultivate and write compelling grant proposals and reports to other funding organizations to secure financial support for programs and initiatives. Create and communicate a compelling message advocating the Foundation’s mission and vision at the global level. Staff Management and Development Help manage a small staff and make recommendations on how to implement a formal development plan and/or manage it. Recruit, supervise, and develop a talented team of employees and volunteers who can excel at the programming and operations of the Foundation. Provide professional development opportunities and regular performance evaluations for staff.

Desired Qualifications:

• Minimum 12 -15 years of progressively responsible program and management positions, including 5-8 years in an executive leadership position managing a complex organization. A track record of outstanding leadership and experience in building organizational staff teams. Experience in program administration, financial administration, personnel administration, planning and development, human relations, and modern management techniques. Advanced knowledge of computer programs and outstanding written and verbal communication skills. A history of good judgment and exceptional human relations skills. Strong relationships with peers, board members, and the community. Ability to use analytical, interpretive, and evaluative thought in making decisions and solving problems, with the ability to work independently and as a team. A creative mind, constantly seeking to discover improved methods of work that apply to the foundation’s operation with volunteers, staff, and the community. A positive and collaborative relationship with the Board of Directors, the staff, and external stakeholders.

The Executive Director primarily impacts and develops the resources needed to realize the organizational goals. The effectiveness of the performance of this position can be evaluated by:

• Completion of objectives relating to the Foundation’s goals for programs, progressive growth in income, and volunteerism shown each year. Strong professional team of staff members sufficiently equipped and empowered to carry out the programming and operational goals of the Foundation. Outstanding, effective community relationships, resulting in successful collaborations and community influence. Assuring the organization meets its annual budget goals.

The Foundation is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Competitive salary Salaried, full-time Location: Remote (preference for candidates based in Arizona) Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits Paid Time Off: 20 days annually (for the first 3 years, then increases to 25 PTO days annually) Paid Holidays: 12 designated holidays, plus 1 floating holiday

To Apply:

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their resume and cover letter to [e-mail] with the subject line “Executive Director Application - (insert your name)”.

We thank applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.