Neighborhood Funders Group (NFG)
Executive Director
Position profile
About the Neighborhood Funders Group
The mission of the Neighborhood Funders Group is to strengthen the
capacity of philanthropy to understand and support community-based
efforts to organize and improve the economic and social fabric of
low-income urban neighborhoods and rural communities.
As a membership association of grantmaking institutions, NFG is governed
by a set of core values:
· We believe justice is achieved only when people, individually
and collectively, gain the political and economic power necessary to
make key decisions about their futures, and the future of their communities.
· We believe in inclusiveness and affirm diversity in its various
forms, recognizing that building sustainable and just communities
requires efforts that reflect the diverse nature of those living in the
communities we serve.
· We believe respect is the key to developing positive and
effective relationships between funders and their community partners.
· We believe excellence is achieved through continuing
improvement in the quality of our work and the work of our members and
the organizations that they fund.
· We judge our success by the extent to which we foster increased
social and economic justice; strong, vibrant, and effective community
partners; and the ability of communities and individuals to shape their
own destinies.
Founded in 1980, NFG has grown to encompass a network of 250 grantmaking
institutions. With its offices in Washington DC, NFG serves a wide
range of members, including rural and urban funders, large to small
grantmaking institutions, and grantmakers who are engaged in a range of
community development strategies, from bricks and mortar housing
development to community organizing. Its members include private,
public, community, corporate, and religious foundations. The
organization is known for the quality of its core services and programs,
which include: an annual conference; regular papers, workshops and
collaborations that address issues relevant to the community grantmaking
field; and learning tours that enable funders to meet with community
leaders and learn about emerging strategies to address economic and
social injustice.
The Neighborhood Funders Group is home to several member affiliations,
such as the Working Group on Labor and Community Partnerships and the
Rural Funders Network. The Community Giving Resource, recently
developed by NFG, uses the internet to educate donors about
opportunities and strategies for grantmaking to support low- and
moderate-income communities. The Neighborhood Funders Group has
successfully incubated two organizations: the National Rural Funders
Collaborative and the PRI Makers Network, which continues to operate as
a special NFG project.
Spence Limbocker, NFG’s able Executive Director for the last 12 years,
has led the organization through a phase of growth and expansion. With
Mr. Limbocker’s planned retirement at the end of 2007, NFG is looking
for a new and capable leader to shepherd the organization through its
next phase of development.
Position Summary
The Executive Director is the chief executive officer of the
organization and provides NFG with leadership and direction to
accomplish its mission and strategic goals. The Executive Director is
responsible for positioning the organization as a philanthropic leader;
reaching out to and retaining members; and developing relevant
networking and educational programs and activities. Working with the
Board of Directors, s/he develops and carries out a resource development
plan. S/he is responsible for designing and updating NFG’s
communication strategy and for organizational management, human resource
development and financial and legal oversight. The Director manages a
staff of four and a number of consultants. S/he reports to and is
accountable to the NFG Board of Directors.
Specific responsibilities
Strategy and Leadership
· Provides leadership and guidance in the development, promotion
and achievement of NFG’s vision and mission.
· Positions NFG as a philanthropic leader and ensures that NFG is
a valued and valuable force for philanthropy.
· Leads annual and strategic planning processes to ensure that
NFG’s programs and services are meeting the needs of members and serving
the fields of community and economic development.
· Serves as primary liaison to Board of Directors and works
actively with Board to ensure that NFG remains a viable and vibrant
organization.
Membership Development and Communications
· Leads efforts to cultivate, nurture, retain and expand membership.
· Develops strong, collaborative working relationships with
members, other affinity groups, and nonprofit leaders at the local,
regional and national levels.
· Acts as a spokesperson for NFG and its members.
· Oversees the development and dissemination of products and
services that are relevant and educational for members.
· Ensures that NFG makes use of emerging technology to engage and
educate members and other donors committed to community-based philanthropy.
Resource Development
· Develops and implements fundraising and earned income plans.
· Works with Board of Directors to ensure the organization’s
sustainability and financial health.
management, Finance and Human Resources
· Directs and implements day-to-day operations.
· Develops and proposes annual budget and ensures fiscal
viability and accountability.
· Ensures compliance with local, state and federal laws and
regulations and promotes the highest ethical standards.
· Recruits, assesses, and builds capacity of and collaboration
among staff.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will be someone who is a deft and passionate
nonprofit leader committed to social and economic justice. He or she
will be a reflective thinker, a seasoned manager, and an excellent
relationship builder. Specific qualifications include:
1. Demonstrated leadership in at least one, and knowledge of all,
of the following:
* Community organizing, housing and economic development;
* Membership and/or trade association management; and,
* Philanthropic and/or nonprofit management.
2. Demonstrated commitment to economic and social justice and
credibility within the field of philanthropy.
3. Creative and innovative approach to the work, coupled with the
ability to navigate the needs of multiple stakeholders.
4. Excellent relationship building skills with an ability to
represent NFG as a leader in philanthropic and nonprofit communities.
5. Proven track record in fundraising and resource development.
6. Sound judgment and a keen analytical ability that can be applied
to NFG’s operations and finances as well as to evolving philanthropic
needs and economic and social trends.
7. A strong administrator who is attentive to detail and skilled at
managing and overseeing administrative and financial systems.
8. Ability to recruit, motivate, evaluate, develop and direct staff.
9. A proactive but respectful work style and experience working in
a diverse, multi-cultural and team-oriented environment.
10. Experience working with nonprofit board(s) of directors.
11. Sense of humor.
12. Preference for someone with experience in building and running a
major program or an organization.
Note that NFG is located in Washington DC; the Executive Director must
work from there.
Application Process
Position provides excellent benefits; salary commensurate with
background and experience. The Neighborhood Funders Group is an equal
opportunity employer and, as such, strongly encourages applications from
women, people of color, and members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and
Transgender communities.
Due date for applications in June 15, 2007. Interested applicants
should send a letter of interest, resume, three references and salary
requirements (preferably via email) to:
Karie Brown
KB Consulting
415-388-3542
NFGSearch@kbconsultingservices.com
