Job Responsibilities: ... organizational identity issues and programmatic activities. ... Build a strong management team
VGIF Job Posting: Executive Director Background: VGIF is an international fund that provides small grants to grassroots projects that help women and girls in developing countries empower themselves. VGIF has historically been a volunteer-driven organization but is in the process of establishing a professional office staff. Increasing the professional staff is a goal of the Board of Directors which will enhance the capacity of the organization to achieve its mission. In 2016, the organization has five full-time staff members working in collaboration with the Board, its committees, and other volunteers, as well as outside consultants. VGIF’s work is funded by its members, individuals and groups in addition to foundations, funds and corporations that support its mission and goals. VGIF has consultative status with ECOSOC at the UN which allows it to inform the UN on key issues in local communities around the world, and bring information on UN policies and discussions to the VGIF members, leadership and grantees.
Job Purpose: The Executive Director (ED) partners with the Board of Directors to provide strategic vision and leadership to VGIF, and is responsible for the successful implementation of the goals of the recently adopted strategic plan. The ED will build on existing internal infrastructure to ensure organizational oversight and develop effective systems and procedures for development and fundraising; grantmaking; monitoring and evaluation; and both internal and external communications. Investing in close working relationships with members of the Board, the Executive Director supports the Board President and other Board members, officers, and committee conveners in their grantmaking and fiduciary responsibilities, and provides guidance for the further development of the board over time. The Executive Director is the primary external-facing representative of VGIF, with frequent public-speaking engagements, and opportunities to cultivate critical contacts and partnerships.
Job Responsibilities: Strategic Vision and Leadership
Proactively build on progress to date by contributing to the foundation’s vision for the future, and by leading VGIF to its desired outcomes. Guide strategic decision-making in partnership with the Board pertaining to critical organizational identity issues and programmatic activities.
Fund Development
As the primary driver of all organizational fund development activities, work in close partnership with the Director of Development and Board to ensure sustainable and diverse revenue streams.
Steward critical fund development relationships with current and prospective institutional and individual donors to ensure ongoing communication, and facilitate Board introductions, as well as to secure gifts and grants.
Public Representation
Act as the face of VGIF; publically represent the foundation with the UN and other outside groups, institutions, and individuals involved in women’s empowerment, international development, grantmaking, and other relevant issues. Cultivate relationships with a robust and diverse group of high-level stakeholders outside the Fund interested in contributing to the realization of VGIF’s vision and mission.
Board Governance
Cultivate authentic and mutually-respectful relationships with Board members to ensure optimal collaboration in achieving VGIF’s strategic objectives. Educate the Board on external trends and issues that stand to impact the future direction of the organization. Ensure ongoing improvement of the Board’s ability to govern the Fund by maximizing the strengths of current members, and nurturing continued professional development efforts as needed.
Organizational Oversight
Leverage knowledge of organizational development to build appropriate structures that increase VGIF’s effectiveness. Build a strong management team of best in class experts that can execute critical functions of VGIF autonomously, as well as in partnership with the Executive Director. Enhance staff capacity through mentoring; empower staff to take increased ownership and responsibility. Support VGIF’s commitment to active engagement of volunteers dedicated to the realization of the Fund’s mission, and ensure continued demonstration of appreciation for volunteer stakeholders
Essential Personal Attributes:
Self-awareness: confidence in personal strengths and clear understanding of personal limitations. Attentiveness and Listening: ability to discern important nuances and ingest content in communications with a diverse group of stakeholders. Integrity: strong desire to keep and deliver on promises and be held accountable for outcomes. Self-confidence: ability to surround oneself with experts that can challenge one’s thinking and contribute to stronger ideas; willingness to “pitch in” and help to curtail possible crises. Social skills: ability to manage relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders; ability to build engagement and buy-in in order to move stakeholders in a desired direction.
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Empathy: ability to understand the perspective of others when assessing situations and making decisions; willingness to compromise as appropriate. Self-regulation: ability to remain levelheaded and calm under pressure; able to adapt to shifting circumstances. Pragmatism: willingness to take appropriate risks grounded in a solid understanding of potential implications. Team player: demonstrated aptitude and skills in building and leading effective teams consisting of staff and external support personnel; working in partnership with colleagues and Board members to accomplish shared goals. Openness: appreciation of the benefits of diverse opinions, diversity of racial, ethnic and economic backgrounds, and cultures. Sense of humor: ability to maintain a healthy perspective amidst difficult situations.
Job Requirements:
Previous experience as Executive Director, Assistant Executive Director, or Deputy Director in either the nonprofit or philanthropic sector required. A minimum of seven (7) years in a leadership position in the nonprofit or philanthropic sector. Experience cultivating high-quality relationships with Board members, and deep knowledge of nonprofit governance processes. Demonstrated and established track record building high-level management teams, and mentoring staff. Demonstrated success designing and leading strategic fundraising and marketing plans. Excellent communication, relationship building, and organizational skills. Advanced degree in nonprofit administration, business, or other related fields a plus.
VGIF is an equal opportunity employer and offers a competitive salary and benefits package; commensurate with experience. How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and most recent salary information to
[email protected] with VGIF in the subject line—no telephone calls please. The deadline for applications is Friday, August 12, 2016.
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