Description

Vice President of Equity and Policy for The Indianapolis Foundation- The Indianapolis Foundation is seeking a Vice President of Equity and Policy to be part of the senior leadership within the Center for Racial Equity and Economic Opportunity (CREEO). This role involves leading initiatives that address racial and economic disparities in Marion County through innovative, research-based strategies and collaboration.

We are Central Indiana Community Foundation, The Indianapolis Foundation, Hamilton County Community Foundation and Women’s Fund of Central Indiana–a $1 billion collective of philanthropic organizations committed to making Central Indiana a community where all individuals have equitable opportunity to reach their full potential – no matter place, race or identity.

What We Do: For more than 100 years, we have helped people invest in the causes that matter most to them; awarded grants to effective not-for-profit organizations; and provided leadership to make Central Indiana a better, more beautiful, more equitable community. We believe in anti-racism, authentic relationships, inclusivity, leadership, effectiveness and sustainability.

What We’re Looking For: The Indianapolis Foundation is seeking a Vice President, Equity and Policy, to be part of the senior leadership within the Center for Racial Equity and Economic Opportunity (CREEO). This role involves leading initiatives that address racial and economic disparities in Marion County through innovative, research-based strategies and collaboration. The Vice President will report to the Chief Equity and Innovation Officer and work alongside foundation leaders and external partners to support BIPOC-led, grassroots organizations. Responsibilities include managing relationships with stakeholders, overseeing policy analysis projects, and fostering collaboration within the foundation and with external groups. The candidate should be knowledgeable about the foundation's strategic priorities, local, state, and federal policymaking, and key stakeholders in the field.

The Vice President will be expected to identify ways in which policies that improve racial equity and economic inclusion intersect with each of the foundation’s four strategic pillars:

· Health Equity

· Economic Equity

· Housing Equity

· Youth Voice and Empowerment

Responsibilities 

Leadership in Learning Amplification: Spearhead local efforts for The Indianapolis Foundation by enhancing the dissemination of insights from the national NEON cohort.

• Expansion of NEP Initiatives: Effectively broaden and implement all facets of the Neighborhood Empowerment Pathways (NEP), which include Organizing, Resident Leadership, Infrastructure Development, and Community Investment.
• Advancement of the Movement of 10,000 (MVMT10K): Elevate and expand the MVMT10K initiative, including the engagement of local, regional, and national partners, curriculum updates, and the formation of an expert panel to bolster the initiative.
• Policy Development Support: Collaborate with city and state officials to help shape policies aimed at eliminating racial and economic disparities.
• Strategic Communications: Develop a robust communication strategy focusing on racial equity and impact data in partnership with the Chief Equity and Innovation Officer and the Director of Communications and Community Engagement.
• Support for Racial Equity Efforts: Aid local and national racial equity programs and organizing activities of CREEO as required.
• Policy and Research Leadership: Provide daily leadership in crafting a policy and research agenda.
• Strategic Policy Direction: Work closely with the Chief Equity and Innovation Officer and the leadership team of the Indianapolis Foundation to define the strategic direction for racial and economic policy, including the initiation of intersecting efforts.
• Coalition Building: Assist in coalition-building efforts to fulfill the team’s policy work plan and augment the Foundation's interdisciplinary projects.
• · Representation: Act as a representative for the Indianapolis Foundation and the Center for Racial Equity and Economic Inclusion to the public, media, and external entities.
• Additional Responsibilities: other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree, with at least 7 years of professional experience, particularly in areas like race and identity studies, belonging, and community development.

• Additionally, you must have a minimum of 3 years in policy development, including analysis and research.
• Have a deep commitment to the values of a community foundation and its potential to impact the community.
• The ability to drive forward a bold campaign that sets new standards for generosity within the community.
• Have proven track record of delivering measurable outcomes, effectively using data to make informed decisions, and managing multiple priorities to achieve exceptional results.
• Excel at building relationships, teams, partnerships, and a shared vision with intentional and meticulous execution.
• Curiosity drives you to continuously seek understanding, challenge your perspectives, and consistently think about how to improve outcomes with your team and external partners.
• You thrive on guiding teams of talented individuals, fostering peak performance, and inspiring your colleagues. Your leadership style promotes a culture of possibilities and accountability.
• You are comfortable with ambiguity and complexity and capable of guiding your team through challenges while keeping the mission and values of the organization at the forefront of decision-making.
• You recognize the essential nature of diversity, equity, and inclusion in achieving positive outcomes and insist on incorporating a diverse range of races, ethnicities, socioeconomic statuses, and experiences in your coalition-building efforts.
• Preferred Qualification: Strong preference for an advanced degree.

What You Get:

• $150,000 salary plus generous benefits, including:
• Employer-provided health, dental, vision 
• 7% percent employer discretionary 403b contribution
• Potential for an annual bonus based on organizational and individual performance
• 10.5 paid holidays, including MLK Day and Juneteenth
• 20 PTO Days
• Flexible hybrid office environment (in the office three days a week). Home base–English Foundation Building in downtown Indianapolis in a newly renovated office space conveniently located just steps from Mass Ave.
• Occasionally working outside of standard business hours
• An opportunity to do meaningful, results-driven work with a passionate, diverse team, supporting organizations that are committed to building and maintaining a strong, equitable and supportive culture for our team of changemakers.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT:

Central Indiana Community Foundation, The Indianapolis Foundation, Hamilton County Community Foundation and Women’s Fund of Central Indiana are equal opportunity employers that seek to recruit persons of diverse backgrounds and to support their retention and advancement. Justice is one of our core values, and we are committed to fostering a workplace culture inclusive of people with respect to their race, ethnicity, national origin, gender/gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, veteran status, marital status, age, disabilities, political affiliation, religious beliefs or any other characteristic. Our commitment to justice and diversity also means providing a work environment that is welcoming, respectful, and engaging. 

Our mission is to mobilize people, ideas and investments to make Central Indiana a community where all individuals have equitable opportunity to reach their full potential—no matter place, race or identity. 

Racism deeply impacts the well-being of our communities, compounding existing disparities and creating intersectional barriers. We strive to name and address these barriers through community engagement and assessment, relevant and effective policy creation, and organizational accountability methods. We support initiatives that address all forms of oppression, however, maintaining an explicit focus on race is essential to advancing equity across our communities. Improving outcomes for people of color will improve outcomes for everyone.