ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Our Mission toward an Equitable Future

Formed in 1947 by members of the Collins family, The Collins Foundation invests in Oregon nonprofit organizations, both rural and urban, that are dedicated to improving quality of life and well-being for the people in their communities. As a funder and partner, we are committed to the pursuit of equity, both in how we allocate resources across Oregon’s diverse communities and how we shape our internal structures.

Our Vision for Oregon

We want the state of Oregon to be a place where all people have access to high quality, culturally responsible services in sectors such as health, social services, education, housing, and employment. We also envision vibrant neighborhoods and communities where residents enjoy access to healthy food, a rich variety of artistic and cultural expression, and the benefits of Oregon’s natural environment.

Our Grantmaking

Racial equity is a high priority in our grantmaking. Further, we promote inclusion for all communities that are systematically denied access to resources and the opportunity to make decisions on matters that affect them, particularly people of color, immigrants and refugees, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ people, low-income individuals and families, and rural communities.

We understand that organizations, including The Collins Foundation, are at different stages in their pursuit of equity based on their history, leadership, and community, and we are interested in supporting the learning and growth of our grantees throughout Oregon.

The Foundation has assets in excess of $200 million and in 2019 awarded more than $11 million in grants.

How we Understand Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

• We welcome, and work to include, the multiple perspectives that diversity brings.

• We know that diversity and inclusion are essential to equity.

• We define equity as the practice and promotion of justice and the fostering of conditions necessary for all people to achieve their full potential.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is responsible for the overall leadership and management of the Foundation, which includes contributing to, and implementing all aspects of the Foundation’s strategic priorities and plans, overseeing the Foundation’s grantmaking and partnership activities, overseeing operations and staffing, and serving as a spokesperson and ambassador for the Foundation, along with the trustees.

The CEO strives to build a culture of learning, transparency, collaboration, and mutual support among Board and staff, leading and living the Foundation’s values around diversity, equity, and inclusion both internally and in its grantmaking.

In partnership with the Board and staff, the CEO works to ensure the Foundation fulfills its mission, operates with high ethical standards, responds with agility to evolving conditions, and has the systems and processes in place to monitor its effectiveness in achieving its goals.

Key Relationships

Reports To: The President of the Board of Trustees

Direct Reports: Chief Financial Officer, Director of Programs, Grants Manager,

Executive Office Administrator

Other Key Relationships

• Total Foundation Staff (8)

• External Community Leaders

o Area Nonprofits

o Other Foundations

o Local and State Leaders

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Governance and Board Relations

• Maintain a transparent, mutually-supportive relationship with the trustees, keeping them informed of keys issues that impact the Foundation and ensuring they have the information needed to uphold their fiduciary responsibilities and make sound decisions.
• Work collaboratively with the Board president and trustees to carry out the mission, advance shared priorities, and promote ongoing learning.

Internal Management and Operations

• Motivate and lead a dedicated, mission-driven management team and staff, cultivating leadership and growth.
• Recruit and retain staff with a focus on inclusive and equitable practices supporting a workplace that honors the unique perspectives of all.
• Oversee organizational infrastructure, ensuring ongoing refinement of systems and processes that build efficiencies and align with applicable laws governing private foundations.

Program Development and Grantmaking

• Work with the director of programs, providing overall direction and guidance to grantmaking initiatives, strategies, and programs.
• Oversee grants management, supervising the grants manager and providing leadership and guidance on compliance and legal issues as needed.

Finance and Investments

• Work with the CFO to oversee the prudent management of the Foundation’s assets and financial activities.
• Serve on the investment committee, staying current on investment issues and trends.

External Relations

• Build authentic relationships, partnerships and collaborations with community leaders from nonprofit, philanthropy, and community-based organizations to best meet the needs of the community.
• Communicate clearly, compellingly, and consistently the Foundation’s mission and goals.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE (Minimum Qualifications)

• 10+ years of management experience gained in a mission-driven organization, including management of staff and budget.
• An understanding of the role of philanthropy in helping bring about change and addressing inequity, including systemic racism and racial disparities.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• A solid understanding of the needs of different communities throughout Oregon, including rural communities and communities of color, and has experience and relationships here.
• A track record of leading and building strong, diverse teams and a proven ability to mentor and coach staff.
• Successful experience working with a Board of Trustees.
• An undergraduate degree is preferred; however, commensurate experiential learning will be considered.

CRITICAL COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESS

The following competencies are deemed to be important for success in this position:

1. Knowledge and Experience with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Communities of Color–

• Lived, relatable experiences; committed to ongoing DEI and transformational change across demographics, communities

2. Relationship Builder –

• Collaborative, inclusive; high emotional intelligence, practices humility; experienced and committed across nonprofits, foundations, communities, ethical, leads with values

3. Strong Operational Experience --

• Deep management experience, financial/ budget management, risk management, adaptive leadership, positive Board relationships, knowledge of philanthropy, fosters learning and growth within the team

4. Future-Oriented and Strategic --

• Strategic, courageous, innovative, intellectually curious; understands changing role of philanthropy; long-term vision and commitment; understands the importance of succession planning and knowledge transfer

5. Oregon Experienced --

• Well connected, understands regional differences and racial history of the state as well as the philanthropic landscape

OTHER PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Commitment to the values and beliefs that embody the mission and vision of the Foundation.
• A sense of stewardship and a developed perspective on the role of nonprofits and philanthropy in society, including sensitivity to the issues of trusteeship and the public interest.
• Comfortable working collaboratively with trustees.
• Unquestioned personal and professional integrity that will reflect favorably on the Foundation both internally and throughout all of its external arenas.
• Keen intelligence; a fast learner with a quick mind and sense of humor.
• A high-impact, low-ego executive who thrives in a team setting.

COMPENSATION

Initial salary range for this position is: $210,000 to $230,000 annually DOE.

Generous benefits package is included.

HOW TO APPLY

Send resume and cover letter detailing how your background and experience match our requirements to: [email protected] .

Questions? Please contact our search consultant, Joseph Wahl, at: [email protected] .