The Organization
Chinook Fund supports grassroots organizations working on issues of social and economic justice; by pooling our collective resources, we seed groups making a positive, systemic impact to improve the quality of life for all Coloradans.
Chinook Fund is both a fundraising and grantmaking organization. We award small grants to grassroots organizations that build power for social change. Funds for these grants are primarily raised through the organization’s innovative GIving Project, which unites a diverse group of people from all class backgrounds to strengthen their fundraising, grantmaking, and community building skills.
Since its founding in 1987, Chinook has awarded over $5 million in grants to more than 500 grassroots groups in Colorado. Now, the organization is poised for growth — financially and programmatically, with aims to support more social justice initiatives beyond Colorado’s Front Range. Accordingly, Chinook is seeking an Executive Director to lead the organization.
Position Overview
JOB DESCRIPTION
Chinook has a broad vision for the type of person that would excel in the Executive Director position and help the organization achieve its fundraising and grantmaking goals. Therefore, we pose the following questions to guide prospective job candidates in assessing whether or not you might be Chinook’s next Executive Director.
Are you a passionate advocate for social justice, amplifying community voices, and building intentionally diverse, multiracial, and cross-class community?
Are you well-networked in Colorado, including the Front Range and beyond, with grassroots groups, nonprofits, and donors? Or are you well-networked across the U.S. with like-minded social justice groups and funders?
Are you a rockstar fundraiser that has secured new & increased gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporate partners for progressive social change?
Are you an astute problem solver who can identify obstacles and solutions in alignment with social justice values?
Have you been a grantmaker and supported or facilitated community-led social justice programs?
Are you adept at wearing many “hats” and able to simultaneously dive into details while also bringing big picture ideas to the table?
Do you have experience managing staff, working with board members and volunteers, and providing mentorship opportunities?
Have you helped an organization grow its programming or fundraising activities and meet ambitious goals?
Are you interested in being part of a constantly learning dynamic team that builds community and promotes social justice while maintaining a positive work/life balance and investing in self-care?
Do the following qualities sound like your strengths? Passionate, Ethical, Effective Communicator, Team Player, Accountable, Enthusiastic, Mindful, Optimistic, Fun, Fearlessly Embraces Learning from Mistakes, and Skilled at Conflict Resolution.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The questions above provide a broad idea about the types of responsibilities that will be held by the Executive Director. While specific duties will be assigned based on strengths and skill-set, the primary areas of responsibility for the Executive Director will include the following (not listed in any particular order):
• Supervising and mentoring a small and mighty staff team
• Close collaboration with a supportive Board of Directors that brings deep institutional knowledge to advance Chinook Fund’s goals
• Leadership and direction related to fundraising, strategic partnerships, community outreach, events, and Giving Project program operations & development
• Running a smooth, effective, legally, and fiscally sound 501c3 organization
• Creating and monitoring an annual organizational budget (in collaboration with Board and staff)
• Communicating and sharing Chinook’s unique value as a grassroots grantmaker and donor organizer with a local, regional, state, national audience
• Other responsibilities co-created with the Board of Directors and/or staff
REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS
If you’ve answered yes to one or more of these questions, we invite you to apply for Chinook’s Executive Director role.
COMPENSATION / BENEFITS
The Executive Director is a full-time exempt position with full benefits (health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation; a 403(b) retirement savings plan) that reports to the Board of Directors. Intended salary range $60,000-$75,000. The Executive Director will work from Chinook’s office at the Posner Center in Denver, CO, with opportunities to work from home/remotely after one year.
How To Apply
The Board of Directors is leading this job search in collaboration with staff and the Chinook community. Together, we look forward to receiving compelling cover letters that discuss your values, experience in social justice work, and the skills/vision you’ll bring to Chinook. Applicant resumes should detail your community, work, and educational experience.
Please submit your cover letter and resume in PDF format to Hiring@Chinookfund.org by Wednesday, January 31 at 5pm Mountain Time.
The Board expects to conduct the first round of interviews with prospective candidates in early February. References and background checks will be requested from finalists. The incoming Executive Director will ideally start in mid-April, with flexibility given for the candidate of best fit.
Chinook strives to represent all our community members and welcomes applications from members of oppressed communities, including people of color, LGBTQ, and differently-abled individuals.