The Organization

Greater Toledo Community Foundation is the community foundation serving the Toledo region, including northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan with a particular emphasis on the greater Toledo area. Since 1973, Greater Toledo Community Foundation has worked with individuals, families and businesses, assisting them in making effective choices that match their philanthropic interests and needs while creating a better community for generations to come. Currently, the assets of the Foundation are approximately $420MM, made up of over 950 funds. The Foundation is the largest grantmaker in the Toledo area, granting approximately $20MM annually. The Foundation is also the home of The Center for Nonprofit Resources, an affiliate organization that seeks to ensure nonprofit organizations in Greater Toledo have the information and resources required to operate in an efficient and effective manner. The Foundation is governed by a 16-member Board of Trustees composed of community and business leaders and managed by a professional staff recognized for its expertise in specific program areas.

More information can be found on the Foundation’s website: www.toledocf.org

The Position Location

The position is based at the Greater Toledo Community Foundation offices, 300 Madison Avenue, Suite 1300, Toledo, Ohio 43604; telephone (419) 241-5049.

Reporting Relationships

The Executive Vice President for Operations & Special Projects is a newly created role that reports to the President and supervises the Vice President-Community Investments, Vice President-Philanthropic Services & Advancement, Director-Marketing & Communications; total staff of 15. Other important relationships include members of the Board of Trustees; 6 Affiliated Community Foundations from throughout the region; donors and their representatives, investment advisers, public and private sector community leaders, members of the media and outside advisors.

Position Charter

The Executive Vice President for Operations & Special Projects is charged with meeting goals and contributing to the overall growth of the Foundation; to oversee the day-to-day operations for the organization, including marketing, communications, internal relations and technology, as well as leading special initiatives or projects on behalf of the Foundation. In addition, this position will work with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) by providing support for internal operations. The goal of the Executive Vice President position is to secure the functionality of business to drive extensive and sustainable growth.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Develop a thorough understanding of the Foundation and its mission, operations, structure and culture, with a focus on how these have impact on all internal and external segments of the organization, to ensure the highest level of support and counsel to the President.
Participate in the Foundation’s Management Team.
Design and implement business strategies, plans and procedures under the direction of the President that allow for Foundation and staff growth.
Work with each department/team to set comprehensive goals for performance and growth.
Collaborate with the President and CFO to establish policies that promote the Foundation’s culture and vision.
Collaborate with colleagues to implement policies and develop improvements.
Oversee daily operations of the Foundation (outside of HR and Finance) and the direct work of IT and Marketing as well as inter- and intradepartmental operations in collaboration with the CFO.
Ensure transparency and compliance with the Foundation’s governing documents and standards of a public charity. Consult with legal counsel when appropriate on all matters of governance and compliance.
Lead employees to encourage maximum performance and dedication.
Evaluate performance by analyzing and interpreting data and metrics.
Write and submit reports to the President.
Assist, when necessary, the President in fundraising ventures and special projects initiated by the Foundation.
Manage relationships, when necessary, with partners/vendors.
Ensure the timely flow of information and responsiveness from the Executive Office to other necessary parties, as requested.
Maintain professional competency by pursuing industry knowledge, keeping apprised of current and national donor trends, and building awareness of the latest technologies and best practices to promote performance.
Assist with mentoring team members and colleagues.
Work cooperatively with other staff to assist, as needed, with his or her responsibilities to ensure a smooth and timely flow of support services within the Foundation.

Compensation

The Executive Vice President for Operations & Special Projects is expected to earn an attractive base salary; appropriate benefits and some relocation assistance provided.

The Candidate:
Education

A Bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree is strongly preferred.

Professional Qualifications

The ideal candidate is currently functioning as a senior leader in a comparable community foundation or a complex nonprofit organization with a mission of service to the community. Alternative backgrounds could include a senior leader at a similar organization who is professionally prepared to step up to the COO-level position or an experienced for-profit leader with background of service to nonprofits and an interest in this kind of career path. At least 4 years of professional management experience is required.

Experience, Personal Characteristics and Key Competencies

Proven experience in management or relevant role.
Demonstrable competency in strategic planning, marketing, and business development.
Experience in fundraising a plus.
Working knowledge of data analysis and performance/operation metrics.
Working knowledge of IT/business infrastructure and MS Office.
Outstanding organizational and leadership abilities.
Aptitude in decision-making and problem-solving.
Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of state and federal taxes and gift and estate giving methods as it relates to charitable giving is a plus.
Knowledge of community foundations preferred, but not required.
Understanding of and commitment to the Foundation’s goals and mission.
Outstanding written and verbal skills.
Able to develop interpersonal relationships with multiple constituents.
Ability to plan, organize and remain accountable.
Ability to function in a confidential manner.
Impeccable ethics, initiative, enthusiasm, and ability to establish credibility.
Able to organize own work in the Marketing, Philanthropic Services, and Program Departments to meet deadlines.
Able to think and act independently and with good judgment.
Advanced word processing skills.

Physical Requirements

While this is mainly an office position, the ability to lift small boxes (letter stock, postcard stock, paper) is required occasionally.
Additionally, this position will require travel outside of the office to meet with prospective donors, financial planners, current donors and professional development opportunities.

Challenges and Opportunity

The projected first year accomplishments for the new Executive Vice President for Operations & Special Projects of the Foundation include:

Become completely familiar with all operating aspects of the Greater Toledo Community Foundation organization including staff, finances and investments, grant programs, community relationships and Board members.
Initiate formal and informal introductions and connections throughout Greater Toledo and the surrounding region through varied communications and in-person gatherings and meetings.
Learn and lead each department within the organization, establishing goals for each department that lead to the continued growth of the Foundation.

The Foundation enjoys a strong reputation with key organizations in the area along with a track record of solid fiscal and investment results. The EVP will join an enthusiastic and dedicated Foundation staff and a committed Board of Trustees. This position represents a leadership opportunity to help bring the organization and the entire Toledo region to “the next level” along with an exciting role in defining the Greater Toledo area for years to come.

Greater Toledo and Northwestern Ohio

Located on western Lake Erie, the Greater Toledo area offers all the attributes of a large cosmopolitan city, while maintaining small town atmosphere and charm. The three county MSA has a population of over 650,000 and the 11 county Northwestern Ohio region has almost one million people.

The Greater Toledo community includes residents from diverse ethnic backgrounds and has maintained a solid economy with a mix of service, healthcare, and manufacturing businesses. There are 33 colleges, universities and community colleges within 60 miles of Toledo, accounting for one of highest such concentrations in the United States. With an enrollment of more than 71,000 undergraduate and graduate students, Northwest Ohio offers a comprehensive selection of higher education programs including nationally recognized schools of engineering, pharmacy, education, business, law and medicine.

There are recreational, sporting, and cultural activities available year-round and the area is home to an extensive Metroparks system, a nationally recognized zoo and symphony orchestra, a world renowned museum of art, and a variety of neighborhood festivals. Professional and collegiate athletics include minor league baseball and minor league hockey along with collegiate Division I, II and III sports programs.

More information can be found on the following websites:

Destination Toledo: www.visittoledo.org
Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce: www.toledochamber.com
City of Toledo: www.toledo.oh.gov

Contacts

The client organization we represent, and WAVERLY PARTNERS firmly support the principle and philosophy of equal opportunity for all individuals, regardless of race, religion, sex, age, national origin or disability. Interested candidates should send a resume/CV in confidence to WAVERLY PARTNERS, the executive search firm retained by the Foundation on this search.

Email: [email protected]