President and Chief Executive Officer

CFFRV Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide effective and rewarding ways for donors to fulfill their philanthropic objectives.

CFFRV Vision Statement

The Community Foundation’s vision is to be recognized as a trusted philanthropic leader in the communities we serve through the delivery of the highest quality donor services, customized and unique grant and scholarship programs, and bold initiatives to address community needs.

CFFRV Overview

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources (fund assets currently totaling $100 million) given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley Illinois.  The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the Greater Aurora Area, the Tri-Cities and Kendall County in the State of Illinois.  The area is vibrant and growing and serves the needs of a dynamic and diverse population.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and other non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowment and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.  Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students.

CFFRV Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate has strong interpersonal and relationship building skills with experience leading a philanthropic organization with a diverse constituency.  The candidate has a proven, measurable history of success securing major gifts and providing stewardship to endowment donors.  The candidate has a track record of developing strategies and collaborations with key stakeholders that have increased and maximized an organization’s awareness and impact.  The candidate is flexible and adaptable with the ability to motivate, lead and mentor staff.

Position Overview

The President and Chief Executive Officer of the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley (“CFFRV”) works under and with the guidance of the Board of Directors (Board) and in accordance with the Foundation’s articles of incorporation and by-laws. The President and Chief Executive Officer will plan, organize and exercise control over all operations of the CFFRV including a) fund/asset development, b) overseeing asset management and c) managing the day-to-day operations of the CFFRV.

Steward of the CFFRV

• Is the custodian of the institutional vision and culture
• Plans and implements public events and information programs of the Foundation
• Represents the Foundation in key community events

Strategic Leadership

• Is responsible for implementing the CFFRV strategic vision as well as managing the associated efforts necessary to enable the vision as adopted by the Board and within the scope of authority as provided by the Board and Foundation.
• Proposes and oversees the implementation of both short and long-range policies, the strategic vision, and the associated goals adopted by the Board.
• Serves as a community leader in identifying and working closely with key community leaders seeking solutions for compelling community needs.
• Promotes Fund/asset development and leads the CFFRV in raising funds by:
  • Developing, nurturing and strengthening relationships with present and potential donors.
  • Providing individual and group presentations to estate planners, attorneys, accountants, and other interested groups.

Management and Operations

• Hires, develops, motivates, and mentors Foundation staff.

• Directs staff activities to implement various initiatives necessary to achieve the CFFRV goals.
• Oversees and directs the general day-to-day operations of the Foundation including budget management (as adopted by the Board) and overall governance.
• Proposes and interprets policy.
• Establishes and appraises standards of performance.
• Monitors grantee performance and conducts post-grant evaluations.

Communications

• Acts as the chief spokesperson for the Foundation.
• Board of Directors:
  • Plans, prepares, and properly reports to the Executive Committee, and/or Board at their respective meetings.
  • Prepares agendas in conjunction with the Chairperson and provides appropriate administrative support for agenda items, as needed.
  • Ensures that minutes of all Board and committee meetings are completed and placed on file.
  • Plans annual Board of Directors meeting.

COMPENSATION

• CFFRV offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits benchmarked against compensation for leaders of comparable community foundations
• Relocation assistance provided if necessary

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree required. Master's degree and/or CFRE certification preferred.

• A minimum of 5 years of progressive fundraising experience in leadership and management, with documented ability to manage staff and lead teams.
• Previous top-level business or non-profit leadership experience including budgeting, and working with a board of directors.
• Proven successful fundraising efforts with a working knowledge of planned giving vehicles.
• Documented success in conceptualizing, developing, managing and evaluating non- profit, community-based projects.
• Excellent oral communication skills including experience in grant writing, research, news relations and public speaking.
• Good understanding of finances and fiscal oversight.
• Ability to work with a diverse community.

Please submit cover letter and resume by November 15, 2019 to:

applications@cffrv.org

David Bennett, Search Consultant
Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley
111 West Downer Place, Suite 312
Aurora, IL 60506-6106