Director of Funder Engagement
September 04, 2012
The Fund for Our Economic Future, a collaboration of the philanthropic community of Northeast Ohio working on issues of long-term economic competitiveness, seeks a Director of Funder Engagement. The Director will be one of the most senior members of a small paid staff of the Fund. S/he reports to the President and is responsible for the efficient, effective, and inspiring engagement with current and potential Fund members around economic competitiveness. As such, the Director is responsible for the Fund strategy to connect philanthropy to regional economic issues through and beyond the Fund. S/he will also lead efforts to identify and attract additional regional and national members to the Fund.
Originally formed in 2004, the Fund will soon embark on its fourth 3-year strategic phase. Although the Fund is now a 501(c)3 nonprofit entity, it is run and managed by its 50+ members, who comprise most of the leading foundations, universities, and hospitals in Northeast Ohio. Several corporations and high net worth families are also members. Fund members guide the work of the Fund through their active participation in committees. The Fund makes grants, sponsors research, engages the public, and convenes civic leaders in the areas of Business Growth & Attraction, Talent Development, Racial & Economic Inclusion, and Government Collaboration & Efficiency. The Fund works closely with partners in other sectors and a major thrust of this strategic phase will be to develop and advance a shared regional economic agenda with the organized business community. The Fund works with a total direct budget of approximately $5 million annually, but influences expenditures many multiples of that. More information can be found at www.futurefundneo.org.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Funder Engagement:
Ensure that each Fund member has a positive and productive experience with the Fund in which their talents are brought to bear and they value their interactions with the Fund:
• Establish both a strategy and tactical plan for interacting with Fund members that includes a variety of approaches suited to individual members’ preferences and culture;
• Track satisfaction with the Fund and report on this to the President and relevant Fund committees;
• Regularly meet with Fund members (staff, leadership, trustees) to understand their expectations, perspectives, and needs and to communicate Fund activities
• As appropriate, provide support to funder-led affinity groups on key topics (e.g. entrepreneurship, local strategy), coordinating with the Director of Regional Engagement as appropriate;
• Work with President and Fund Coordinator to plan and execute Fund meetings that are vibrant and engaging;
• Coordinate with community foundations, the Ohio Grant Makers Forum, and others on funder education activities, including learning visits to other metropolitan areas
• Provide staff leadership to the Fund Membership Committee
Funder Cultivation:
Work closely with the Chair, President, and Membership Committee to expand membership in the Fund:
• Identify potential institutions/individuals that could have an interest in the Fund’s mission and
strategy and build relationships with them, ultimately leading to Fund membership
• Explore and develop new approaches for reaching new categories of Fund members who may have different needs and expectations for their philanthropy (e.g. business owners, high net worth individuals, younger philanthropists); as appropriate, explore collaboration with others such as community foundations to accomplish this
• Develop funding proposals for new members and/or proposals for specific initiatives backed by the Fund
• Ensure timely and effective follow-up on grant reports, etc.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
The Director of Funder Engagement must be a seasoned professional with the following qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree (advanced degree preferred) in nonprofit or business management, economic development, urban planning, or a related field;
• Eight to ten years of experience in donor relations, key account management, or corporate sponsorships
• Demonstrated deep and effective relationship skills, especially with very senior executives and high net worth individuals
• Knowledge of and interest in economic development and public policy;
• Experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team;
• Familiarity with the civic environment in Northeast Ohio and its key players
• Strong communications and influence skills
CONTACT:
Interested individuals should send a cover note and resume (preferably electronic) to:
Colette Taylor, Fund Coordinator
1360 East Ninth Street, Suite 210
Cleveland, OH 44114 ctaylor@futurefundneo.org
The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job. At the employee’s request, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.