Posted on August 18, 2012

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Executive Director

The Educational Foundation of America (EFA), a $150 million family philanthropy, seeks an Executive Director to advance the mission, vision, and values of the Foundation and lead the day-to-day operations during a period of great opportunity and organizational transition. This leader will also assist a multi-generational family in evolving its governance and future strategy.

EFA was established in 1959 by Richard Prentice Ettinger and his wife Elsie P. Ettinger. Since its inception, the Foundation has made grants totaling just over $271 million. Today, its annual grantmaking budget is approximately $9 million and focuses in the areas of Environment, Sustainable Populations, and the Arts as well as other charitable priorities.

This is an exciting opportunity to work closely with a highly engaged family and chart the future of a Foundation committed to philanthropic impact and progressive change. The position calls for a leader with outstanding interpersonal and communication skills; someone with a track record of strategic leadership and experience professionalizing a mission-driven organization. S/he will bring an egoless approach to leadership and will place the Foundation’s values and family priorities first. Knowledge of family philanthropy would be ideal and specific experience and/or interest in one or more of the Foundation’s program areas would be an asset. The candidate is also expected to have strong business acumen, capacity building experience, organizational and governance skills and ideally experience working with a board of trustees. S/he should also have a personal style that fosters collaboration and inspires confidence and trust.

This Executive Director will report to an 11-member Senior Board, and will work closely with the Adjunct Committee of 16 – a junior programming committee – as well as a small team of staff and key organizational partners, advisors, and consultants.

Application Instructions

Please direct inquiries, nominations, and applications to Isaacson, Miller, a national retained executive search firm. Applications submitted by the middle of September will be assured full consideration. Resume, with cover letter and list of references should be submitted electronically to Sheryl Ash and Rebecca Swartz at 4606@imsearch.com