Posted on February 25, 2013

print

Executive Director

The Foundation engages in numerous philanthropic endeavors in furtherance of its mission. To support its daily operations and pursuit of its short and long-term goals, the Foundation created the position of Executive Director (ED).

The ED will have several roles including: 1) representing the Christopher family in the community, 2) working with multiple generations of the Christopher family, 3) understanding the scope of the Foundation’s current engagement and helping to formulate a vision for its future, and 4) overseeing its strategic grantmaking in the context of creating a family legacy.

The Executive Director position requires a minimum of three days per week, and possibly a fulltime commitment.

Responsibilities Include:

General Operations & Administration

• Manage Foundation office and oversee all administration, operations, correspondence, forms, and database
• Act as media contact, prepare communications materials about the Foundation, and respond to public inquiries about the Foundation’s mission, program areas, and grant application process
• Represent the Foundation at professional meetings and events, serve on other organizations’ committees and boards where such service will benefit the Foundation, and as approved by the Board

Grantmaking and Programmatic Support

• Oversee the Foundation’s grantmaking processes, and at direction of the Board, award grants to recipients
• Review submitted proposals, presenting summaries to the Board for review
• Work closely with grantees to establish reporting and payment schedules, monitor past grants and programmatic impact.
• Solicit grant proposals, conduct interviews and site visits as needed, and assist with timely and complete proposal submissions
• Develop and maintain strong collegial relationships with key organizations and experts in the Foundation’s program areas to allow regular consideration of issues and needs in the community and opportunities for the Foundation to assist

Financial Management

• Develop and monitor the Foundation budget. Oversee, approve and administer expenditures, trustee compensation, and grant checks, and track paid and pending grants
• Coordinate management and record keeping of the Foundation’s assets with the Board, investment consultants, and individual portfolio managers
  
  

Fiduciary Compliance & Oversight

• Make sure all policies, articles of incorporation, by-laws, operating polices and mission are followed throughout the Foundation
• Be aware of the legal and regulatory issues related to foundations and the non-profit sector as a whole, and ensure that the Foundation operates accordingly

Board Management and Development

• Schedule, lead, and prepare materials for all Board meetings and inform Board of meeting schedule
• Formalize Board meetings with goal of standardizing proceedings
• Keep Board informed of upcoming grantee activities, challenges and opportunities between Board meetings, including upcoming site visits and other opportunities for Board member attendance and participation
• Identify opportunities to enhance Board engagement in Foundation and grantee activities
• Assist in developing and articulating the legacy and vision of the Foundation, guidelines for succession, and planning for future Board leadership

Qualifications:

• Must reside in Greater Chicago area
• Undergraduate degree required; advanced degree in a related field preferred
• Experience in the private foundation sector through board service, and familiarity with issues relating to nonprofit grantmaking, administration, strategy, compliance and finances
• Top-notch writing and presentation skills. Excellent ability to communicate clearly and effectively in both written and verbal formats
• Experience facilitating meetings

Personal Attributes:

• The desire to assist the Foundation in making a difference in the community
• Poise, maturity and ability to serve as an ambassador of the Foundation
• Ability to take initiative, manage multiple tasks and adhere to deadlines, achieve high productivity, and work independently

The Foundation will offer the Executive Director compensation commensurate with experience. Candidates cannot have a material financial interest in any entity doing business with the Foundation.

Application Instructions

How to Apply: Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume by March 30, 2013 by email to jschrank@ChristopherFamilyOffice.com or US mail to Jennifer A. Schrank, Family Office Manager, Christopher Family Office, PO Box 133, Western Springs, IL 60558.