IEEE Foundation- Executive Director

IEEE; Piscataway Township (NJ); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

IEEE is seeking an Executive Director for its Foundation to provide strategic leadership, oversee a $100M+ asset base, and manage a team of 12+. The role focuses on diversifying philanthropic revenue and enhancing impact.

The ideal candidate has over 15 years in nonprofit leadership, proven fundraising success, and excellent communication skills. Ensure compliance and governance while fostering an adaptable and collaborative team culture.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of senior leadership experience in mission-driven organizations.
• Experience working with Boards, volunteers, and matrixed organizations.
• Strong financial and operational governance expertise.

Responsibilities

• Drive organizational performance and impact measurement.
• Lead comprehensive fundraising efforts.
• Oversee day-to-day operations and staff management.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Fundraising success

Communication skills

Relationship-building

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree

CFRE and/or CAE credentials

Job description

IEEE is an EEO/AAP Employer/Protected Veterans/Disabled

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Executive Director, IEEE Foundation

Purpose of the Role

The Executive Director provides strategic and operational leadership for the IEEE Foundation, IEEE’s philanthropic partner. Reporting jointly to the IEEE Executive Director and Foundation Board, the role advances the Foundation’s mission, oversees a $100M+ asset base, leads fundraising growth, manages a team of 12+, and serves as the primary liaison to the Foundation Board, IEEE leadership, donors, and external partners.

Key Priorities

• Grow and diversify philanthropic revenue beyond current levels.
• Shift fundraising to a proactive, relationship-driven model focused on major and principal gifts.
• Strengthen the Foundation’s visibility and impact across IEEE and externally.
• Build strategic partnerships and expand global fundraising capabilities.
• Engage and activate the Board as fundraising and ambassadorial leaders.
• Enhance donor stewardship, impact storytelling, and long-term philanthropic growth.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Partner with the Foundation Board to set strategy and priorities.
• Drive organizational performance, impact measurement, and governance excellence.
• Align Foundation efforts with IEEE’s public‑imperative initiatives.
• Lead comprehensive fundraising efforts ($8M–$12M annually).
• Cultivate major donors, volunteers, and institutional partners.
• Develop compelling philanthropic opportunities and donor engagement strategies.
• Serve as the Foundation’s primary ambassador and spokesperson.

Operations & Team Leadership

• Oversee day‑to‑day Foundation operations and staff management.
• Foster a high‑performing, collaborative, and accountable team culture.
• Ensure effective execution of programs, agreements, and stakeholder partnerships.
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, investments, compliance, and risk management.
• Ensure sound governance and fiduciary oversight.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• 15+ years of senior leadership experience in nonprofit, association, philanthropy, or mission‑driven organizations.
• Proven fundraising success, including major gifts and strategic development programs.
• Experience working with Boards, volunteers, and matrixed organizations.
• Strong financial, operational, governance, and change‑management expertise.
• Exceptional communication, relationship‑building, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Global mindset with the ability to navigate complex, volunteer‑driven environments.

Personal Attributes

• Strategic, collaborative, and mission‑driven leader.
• Strong executive presence, integrity, and judgment.
• Skilled influencer who can drive results without direct authority.
• Adaptable, culturally agile, and relationship‑focused.
• Passionate about leveraging philanthropy and technology for social impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• CFRE and/or CAE credentials preferred.
• Approximately 25% domestic and international travel.

Other Requirements

As defined in IEEE Policies, individuals currently serving on an IEEE board or committee are not eligible to apply. This position is not budgeted for employer‑sponsored immigration support, including all persons in F (both CPT and OPT), J, H, L, or O status. For information on work demands and conditions required for this position, please consult the reference document, ADA Requirements. This position is classified under Category II – Mobile Positions.

Disclaimer: This job description is proprietary to IEEE. It outlines the general nature and key features performed by various positions that share the same job classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties and qualifications required of all employees assigned to the job. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or re‑assign duties to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodations or other business reasons.

A non‑profit organization, IEEE is the world’s leading professional association for the advancement of technology.