Executive Director

Thank you for stopping by to take a look at the Executive Director role we posted here on LinkedIN, I appreciate it. First, a little about me. My name is Tom Welke, I am a volunteer at Exeuctive Service Corps (ESC for short). ESC is a nonprofit that helps other nonprofits with all kinds of things (HR issues, Strat Planning, ED searches). I have recruited talent for over 24 years. I say this because I understand that looking for work isn't the most fun activity you will ever have. I like to add humor to these job descriptions and make the process as easy as possible.

We here at Executive Service Corps are conducting a confidential search for an Executive Director for a client of ours. This Nonprofit is a 34-year-old nonprofit. We are looking for this next Executive Director to help transition the firm to its next phase of great successes. 

For Executive Director roles to succeed, paying attention to 'social fit' is incredibly important, as you know. Here are some of those social fit characteristics we are seeking for this role:

• We are seeking someone decisive, but not tyrannical. We all know decisive people who act like dictators. For this role, we are looking for a decisive person who is persuasive rather than dictatorial.
• We are seeking someone who can challenge legacy thinking while also learning from board members with long tenure at this nonprofit.
• Investment in the mission is crucial. This goes without saying. However, the board of this nonprofit almost without question has an emotional attachment to its mission. So that sensitivity and personal investment in the growth of this firm will be important to your long term success.
• We are seeking a true 'builder' as opposed to a caretaker. We all know nonprofits where you could - in a way - put them on 'cruise control'. For this role, we are seeking that person that will put their foot on the accelerator as opposed to set the cruise control. 

Here is a little more about this role:This role is based onsite in Downtown Chicago (overlooking the Chicago River). Additionally, you will report to the Board of Directors and manage a team of 4 individuals (this nonprofit is relatively small). As with other ED roles you might be considering, this role focuses on strategic, operational and fiscal leadership, ensuring the organization continues to deliver its programs in the most effective manner possible.  

Your first 90 days will focus on knowledge transfer from an interrim ED, the board and the 4 team members you will be managing. In addition, you will be interacting with existing donors, and look at donors that may have stopped giving in these past few years. Over your first year, you will be focusing on fresh ideas for donor and program engagement as well as taking a look at overall programs to determine where investment in time will yield the greatest results. During this first year, you will be taking on the role of fundraising leadership. You won't be doing this alone, however. One of your key hires will be someone to lead External Affairs (fundraising will be a significant portion of this External Affairs role).

Rather than sharing a zillion bullet points, I will share those key responsibilities for this role (a full JD will be shared with you when we talk):

• Provide oversight for the continual assessment of programmatic impact and community needs, making adjustments when necessary to strengthen outcomes.
• Partner with the Board of Directors to establish and evolve the organization’s strategic plan(s).
• Lead the organization through its next phase of development by translating vision into action, aligning programs, operations, and resources with strategic priorities.
• Maintain personal portfolio of high-net-worth donors and act as the institutional (foundation and corporation) development lead. This will include driving the organization’s annual fundraising plan in partnership with the fundraising staff team and Board committees, ensuring effective donor cultivation, stewardship, and growth.
• Reimagine and modernize fundraising and donor engagement strategies to diversify revenue, expand donor participation, and maximize long-term sustainability.
• In partnership with the Board Chair, create regular Board meeting agendas to reflect appropriate updates on organization successes, challenges, and opportunities.
• Lead the fiscal integrity and health of the organization to include development and management of the annual budget, regular monthly financial statements submissions to the board, and to leverage the expertise of the Finance committee for decisions.
• Oversee employment and administrative policies and procedures for all functions and for the day-to-day operations.
• Build a high-performing leadership team and play an active role in attracting, retaining and developing a best-in-class staff.
• Establish and monitor staff performance and set development goals, assign accountabilities, set objectives and establish priorities with staff members.
• Oversee the upgrade and implementation of appropriate systems, policies, internal controls, accounting standards, and procedures.

Here are some of the key things we are looking for in the candidate that will be chosen for this role:

• Experience working with a Nonprofit that is in a state of transition. Over the past 5 years role, this organization has struggled with growth. They would like to grow and are looking for that person that can drive that growth.
• At least 7 years of successful leadership experience in a nonprofit environment. We are seeking that individual who knows 'what to do' instead of asking 'what do I do'.
• At least 4 years of experience of staff management experience. This should include hiring, performance management, and nurturing of talent.