Executive Director

ECUMENICAL INSTITUTE; Iowa; A distancia; USD 70.000 - 80.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

The Ecumenical Institute seeks a seasoned nonprofit Executive Director to lead the organization through a period of growth and capacity building. You will provide overall leadership, work closely with the Board, and drive development, fundraising and stakeholder relations to secure sustainable resources.

The role focuses on strategy, operations, finances, and people, with a remote-friendly arrangement that includes travel within Iowa and occasional travel beyond.

Formación

• Minimum of three years as nonprofit Executive Director or equivalent senior leadership.
• Minimum of five years in fundraising, donor cultivation and stewardship.
• Experience leading growth, change or capacity building in a nonprofit.
• Strong strategic thinking and ability to turn strategy into action.
• Excellent relationship-building, communication and presentation skills.
• Financial oversight and budgeting experience.
• Experience working with a nonprofit board and governance roles.
• Ability to work independently in a remote environment with clear communication.

Responsabilidades

• Provide overall executive leadership for EI, aligning mission, strategy, programs, finances, people and priorities.
• Partner with the Board of Directors, maintaining governance–management distinctions.
• Strengthen systems, policies, processes and accountability for sustainable growth.
• Provide financial leadership, budgeting and long‑term sustainability.
• Lead EI's development efforts: donor cultivation, major gifts, grants and revenue strategies.
• Build relationships with donors, alumni, educators, faith communities and partners.
• Communicate EI's mission, impact and future vision.
• Establish development systems: CRM, donor records, prospect management and stewardship.
• Engage the board as ambassadors and partners in resource development.
• Represent EI with external partners across Iowa and beyond.

Conocimientos

Strategic thinking

Fundraising

Relationship building

Communication skills

Financial literacy

Governance knowledge

Remote work

Descripción del empleo

Full-time | Exempt | Remote with travel within Iowa | $70,000-$80,000, commensurate with experience

The Opportunity

The Ecumenical Institute (EI) is seeking a seasoned nonprofit Executive Director to lead the organization through an important period of growth and capacity building.

EI prepares people for the ministry of caring for others, equipping chaplains and other spiritual caregivers for the difficult and meaningful moments when people need compassion, understanding and skill. Our work is grounded in a strong culture of care, accessibility and generosity.

The next Executive Director will provide leadership for the organization as a whole while also bringing substantial development and fundraising experience. This is an opportunity for an accomplished nonprofit leader who understands that strong organizations are built through clear priorities, sound systems, meaningful relationships and sustainable resources.

The Executive Director will work closely with the Board of Directors to strengthen EI's organizational foundation, expand its network of supporters and position the Institute for long-term growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide overall executive leadership for EI, aligning mission, strategy, programs, finances, people and organizational priorities.
• Partner effectively with the Board of Directors, maintaining appropriate distinctions between governance and management.
• Strengthen organizational systems, policies, processes and accountability to support sustainable growth.
• Provide financial leadership, including budgeting, revenue planning, financial oversight and long-term sustainability.
• Lead EI's development efforts at the executive level, including donor cultivation and stewardship, major gifts, annual fundraising, grants and other appropriate revenue strategies.
• Build meaningful relationships with donors, alumni, former students, educators, faith communities, healthcare organizations and community partners.
• Strengthen EI's case for support and help communicate the organization's mission, impact and future vision.
• Establish effective development systems and practices, including CRM use, donor records, prospect management and stewardship.
• Engage the board as ambassadors, advocates, connectors and partners in resource development.
• Represent EI professionally with external partners and constituencies throughout Iowa and beyond.
• Build the organizational and development foundation necessary to support continued growth and the eventual addition of dedicated development staff.

Required Qualifications

The successful candidate will bring:

• A minimum of three years of experience as a nonprofit Executive Director or in a comparable senior organizational leadership role, with significant responsibility for strategy, operations, finances, people and board relationships.
• A minimum of five years of professional fundraising and development experience, including demonstrated success in donor cultivation and stewardship and securing philanthropic support.
• Experience leading an organization or significant organizational function through growth, change or capacity building.
• Strong strategic thinking paired with the ability to translate strategy into practical action.
• Strong relationship-building, communication and presentation skills.
• Financial literacy and experience with organizational budgeting and financial oversight.
• Experience working effectively with a nonprofit board and a clear understanding of governance and management roles.
• The ability to work independently in a remote environment while maintaining strong relationships and consistent communication.
• A genuine connection to EI's mission and appreciation for pastoral education, spiritual care and EI's culture of care.

Compensation and Work Arrangement

This is a full-time, exempt position with a salary range of $70,000-$80,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Remote work is possible and reflects EI's established practice of working and communicating virtually. The Executive Director will travel within Iowa as needed to cultivate relationships, develop strategic partnerships and represent the organization. Occasional travel beyond Iowa may be necessary, but very infrequent. EI will provide the technology and equipment necessary to perform the role professionally.

The Ecumenical Institute is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without unlawful discrimination based on age, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, disability or any other status protected by applicable law. Qualified applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process.