President & CEO

The Rasmuson Foundation is the largest private foundation in the State of Alaska with assets of approximately $800M and annual grantmaking in excess of $35M.  Since its founding in 1955, the Foundation has supported nearly $500M in grants and support to organizations across Alaska. The Foundation’s primary funding priorities for Alaskans include support for civic responsibility and individual philanthropy, economic possibilities, educational opportunity, quality health care, and vibrant arts and culture.

For the past two decades, the leadership of the organization has expanded the impact and influence of the Foundation, establishing it as the premier private funding entity in Alaska.  With the recent transition in leadership at the Board level, the fourth generation of the Rasmuson family is assuming leadership and stewardship of the Foundation and driving its future in new and exciting ways.

From an organization that in the 1990s largely operated and made small capital grants once a year, the Foundation has grown significantly in the last two decades.  While it still largely focuses on making capital grants, it has become more active in initiating change where it has identified a need.  This has resulted in the Foundation taking on more initiatives, which require more time and more resources, and more strategic engagement across the Board and the key stakeholders.

As the Foundation enters a new era of impact, the incoming President & CEO will be provided the opportunity to expand the scope and activity of the Foundation, guiding the Board in their efforts to create positive change throughout Alaska.  This will include the development of an aligned strategy to drive philanthropy and grantmaking in the future, increased staff support and growth in their professional roles as leaders within the organization, and, importantly, candid and supportive dialogue with the Board to shape their future philanthropic strategies and their role in supporting the broader success of Alaskans.

Rasmuson Foundation seeks a leader who has a strong passion for service and an authentic interest in and commitment to the Foundation’s mission and vision.  This leader must have a deep love of, and commitment to, Alaska and its people.

The ideal candidate will have a keen understanding of multi-generational family dynamics and the ability to communicate and build relationships with individuals of different ages, backgrounds and perspectives. The candidate should have experience and comfort with an organization that is evolving and working through strategic and structural change. A history of successfully engaging with an active governing board is critical.  Work with a private foundation and/or a family board is highly valued.

The candidate should have experience and comfort with developing an organization’s strategic objectives to achieve its mission and measure success. The candidate should be able to demonstrate success in implementing an organization’s strategy.  The ideal candidate will be a thought leader among the Board and the communities where the organization is active. They should have the ability to listen, collaborate and develop consensus. Critical thinking and project management experience are important attributes. The individual should have the ability to assimilate and translate diverse thoughts into actionable and cohesive initiatives and activities.

The successful candidate will exhibit exceptional interpersonal skills to effectively interact with diverse communities, including Board, staff, grantees, community groups, policy leaders, governmental officials, and other key stakeholders. The President & CEO must be able to convey the mission of the Foundation to a variety of constituents, some of which the organization has not successfully engaged in the past and maintain effective and efficient external communication with all key stakeholders. This individual must be confident, thoughtful and have the appropriate skills and presence to work in an effective, collegial and collaborative manner with grantees and partners involved in the Foundation’s work, knowing when the Foundation should lead, and when others in the community should step forward.

The ideal candidate will be both a strong and effective leader with a commitment to positive relationships among the organization’s staff, supporters and any volunteers.  The candidate will have experience and the ability to foster a collaborative and welcoming work environment in leading and working with a competent, accomplished staff. A proven ability to hire, coach and lead employees as an effective team of closely coordinated, highly professional staff members is a must. This individual will have an inclusive, team-oriented, delegatory management style that inspires, empowers, motivates and develops staff while setting measurable goals and holding each other accountable.

The ideal candidate must be able to speak extemporaneously and intelligently to diverse audiences about the issues and subjects related to the Foundation’s primary fields of interest. This person must exhibit professional skills honed through public speaking and collaborating with key stakeholders. Successful candidates will demonstrate an ability to be comfortable in a broad variety of social settings and communicate effectively and respectfully with a broad and diverse range of individuals.

A strong temperament for risk-taking and a willingness to challenge the status quo are highly valued.  The candidate should be a fierce advocate, convenor and educator while understanding the Foundation’s non-partisan role in advancing its mission.  This person will possess well-developed administrative skills and will have a predilection toward action in their day-to-day management.

Experience and/or connection to Alaska is highly valued. Candidates who have had experience in rural communities would be advantageous.  Individuals with foundation or nonprofit experience would be ideal.  Comfort with extensive travel across Alaska will be important.  A Bachelor’s degree is required, a Master’s degree is a plus. Affiliation with and leadership in local, state, or national professional associations and continuing education and professional development is helpful.

Rasmuson Foundation offers a competitive salary and benefits package.  Overall compensation will be in-line with national compensation benchmarks for a private grantmaking entity of similar asset size.  Benefits include a robust health care package which include medical, dental and vision benefits, paid time off for vacation, family care, mental and physical health, religious holidays, civic duties, and bereavement, as well as a retirement plan.

To apply, submit a current resume and letter of introduction to Kittleman & Associates, LLC at https://bit.ly/3c20uVl (click on the Apply button at the bottom of the page). For more information about Rasmuson Foundation, visit https://www.rasmuson.org/