The Organization
Founded in 1928, East Bay Community Foundation is one of the nation’s first community foundations. Named the country’s “boldest” community foundation in 2019 by Inside Philanthropy, EBCF is dedicated to employing innovative strategies to advance an inclusive, fair, and just East Bay through four core program strategies; Arts and Culture for Social and Racial Justice Capacity Building with a Racial Equity Lens Community Organizing, Power Building, and Movement Building Fostering Inclusive Economic Models.
As a community foundation, our donors are a critical partner in addressing the racial and economic inequities in the region. We take the time to understand what’s important to donors, provide opportunities to align their giving to the priority areas of the foundation, and work in collaboration with our programmatic team that has a thorough understanding of the social and economic challenges in the East Bay and has deep relationships with the nonprofits and policymakers that are most effectively tackling those challenges. With a strategic regional focus on Alameda and Contra Costa counties, EBCF works towards its framework of A Just East Bay, which includes grantmaking, impact investing strategies, and a new way of taking steps to build solidarity among donors and community. We commit to employing all of our resources in service to our mission and push beyond industry norms to offer uniquely impactful opportunities for our fund advisors to help build economic equity for all. As a result, East Bay Community Foundation (EBCF) gives fund advisors the ability to make impact investments from their Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs), in addition to grants, as a part of their overall giving strategy. Approaching 100 years of service in the East Bay, join EBCF in eliminating structural barriers, advancing racial equity, and transforming political, social, and economic outcomes for all who call the East Bay home for generations to come.
Position Overview
EBCF facilitates the flow of resources to increase racial equity, economic justice, community organizing and advocacy in low-income communities of color. The next Vice President of Philanthropy (VP of Philanthropy) has a rare opportunity to take an established, mission-driven community foundation into the next 100 years of impact in the East Bay. EBCF is seeking a racial equity-centered executive who will build upon the legacy of EBCF while leveraging a growing donor base in one of the world’s wealthiest, most dynamic regions. The next VP of Philanthropy will bring leadership and business acumen to the development team and be a natural advocate for the people of the East Bay. EBCF is dedicated to cultivating an internal culture and operations anchored in racial equity, racial justice, and belonging.
Reporting to and partnering with the President & Chief Executive Officer, the VP of Philanthropy sets strategy and provides oversight of all development and donor engagement functions and processes for EBCF. As a member of the foundation’s senior leadership team, the VP of Philanthropy also has a leadership role in addressing issues including but not limited to fund development, organizational change, and governance. This individual will play a pivotal role in evolving our revenue model for long-term financial sustainability to increase impact in the community. EBCF thrives through a culture of internal collaboration and aligned contribution, and this individual’s leadership must align as a member of this team. This individual will also serve as a vocal champion for the racial equity and community strategies of EBCF and will present articulately to a host of different audiences. The VP of Philanthropy will identify fundraising needs in relation to existing programs. They will develop attainable fundraising strategies, both near and long-term, in the areas of annual giving, major gift campaigns, planned giving, special events, and endowment building. The VP of Philanthropy will explore new areas of development revenue. They will evaluate existing and new methods of donor solicitation, cultivation, recognition, and affinity programs to ensure that current and prospective donors are informed and connected to the Foundation’s mission, work, and accomplishments. The VP of Philanthropy will play an instrumental role in the Foundation’s 100th anniversary and the fundraising aspects of this event. The VP of Philanthropy will also champion and support bold strategies that center community voice, reimagine traditional donor engagement and learning, and build solidarity among grassroots community leaders and fund advisors/donors. As needed, this individual will evaluate strategies regularly and adjust to achieve goals. The VP of Philanthropy will take a very hands-on and active role with the solicitation and stewardship of major donors and engaging in ongoing communication with the executive leadership and Board ensuring initiatives at the highest level. EBCF is implementing exciting strategies to advance the vision of A Just East Bay by partnering with donors, social movements, and the community to eliminate structural barriers, advance racial equity, and transform political, social, and economic outcomes for all who call the East Bay home. As a relatively small community foundation doing BIG things, EBCF must evolve its revenue model for long-term financial sustainability. EBCF seeks a strategic and innovative team leader passionate about pooling community assets to affect systemic economic and social change. This position will require a deep understanding of the lived experiences of our community, racial and social justice analysis, and the business acumen of a visionary leader and team player. Are You: A strategic thinker and seasoned development professional who lives the values of racial justice and racial equity, embraces disruption and discomfort, who centers BIPOC communities, and acts with integrity? A visionary changemaker passionate about the East Bay and working in community and coalition? A team leader skilled in coaching and developing a unique, thoughtful, and talented team toward a common vision? An excellent listener, communicator, and organizer who prioritizes community needs?
An adept facilitator who will partner with others to define and help realize the goals of the organization?
Reporting Relationships
The VP of Philanthropy reports directly to EBCF President and CEO Brandi Howard. A third-generation Oakland native, Brandi has deep experience with equity and justice-based change and organizational development. She is excited to partner closely with the VP of Philanthropy to advance EBCF’s mission. The VP of Philanthropy leads, mentors, and coaches a talented team of 12 development and donor services professionals, including two directors who provide direct supervision to other team members. The VP works closely with board members and donors. The VP of Philanthropy will have a strong racial justice and social justice background and will know how to lead, listen, and learn concerning issues around power, privilege, and identity with integrity and authenticity. Do You: Have experience facilitating transparent decision-making and consensus-building processes. Have a passion for building community, creating change through social impact organizations, and leading high-impact teams? Have experience working with high-net-worth donors of color, individuals and families at the intersection of wealth and social justice? Believe in the importance of inspiring donors to become powerful participants and allies in local social justice movements? Have the ability and interest to engage in difficult conversations around wealth, privilege, class and race for the purpose of creating understanding, building coalitions, and drawing in newcomers? Have knowledge of and relationships in the East Bay, particularly around philanthropy and its social justice landscape.
Primary Responsibilities
SETTING STRATEGY
Quickly grasps the opportunities and challenges of the Foundation and the role and understands how to develop innovative and creative fundraising plans.
- Significant experience in major gift fundraising and a proven and successful track record of working with prospective individuals and families, and their teams of professional advisors.
- Significant experience with the creation of donor stewardship and donor service strategies alongside implementing donor organizing principles.
- Demonstrated ability to strategically partner with institutional leaders in the development of transformative gift ideas while also managing a development program designed to build lifelong donor relationships.
- Has strong analytical mindset and uses data to support thinking and decision-making.
- Has the flexibility to create nuanced plans and objectives that adapt to the situation and/or partners at hand, while bringing to life an inspirational future for the organization as a whole.
- Has experience evolving a fundraising program for a leading nonprofit organization with defined priorities, sophisticated metrics, and a highly sophisticated structure.
- Strong grasp of community foundation business models and viable revenue
EXECUTING FOR RESULTS
- Capacity to set priorities and achieve goals, individually and for teams. Balances financial wisdom and prudence with innovation and calculated risk-taking.
- Ability to link the work of the East Bay Community Foundation to the concerns of donor and prospective donors; articulate forward-thinking strategies and compelling stories that inspire and motivate constituencies to achieve ambitious revenue generation goals.
- Significant experience with development systems and process; successful track record of utilizing CRM platforms and other technology effectively.
- Demonstrated ability to strategically partner with institutional leaders in the development of transformative gift ideas while also managing a development program designed to build lifelong donor relationships at every gift band.
- Ability to work thoughtfully and decisively in complex, successful organizations seeking transformational growth; has a proven ability to set priorities, achieve individual and team goals, and demonstrate impact.
- Has an established track record of driving results, as well as developing, soliciting, and closing six and seven-figure gifts from individuals, foundations, corporations, and government sources.
LEADING TEAMS
- Model and foster a strong team culture of collaboration and commitment to racial equity and racial justice, providing support for the ongoing professional development and growth of the team.
- Has a proven ability to recruit, mentor, lead, and develop high-performing, diverse, and loyal teams through a positive and collaborative environment.& A flexible, inclusive approach to leadership, which adjusts to different audiences and gives focus to colleagues’ work.
- Ability to provide leadership that will challenge, inspire, and motivate the range of people involved in and with East Bay Community Foundation.
- The personal inclination and professional ability to be a positive and unifying figure who can lead by influence and example in order to create an integrated development culture across the Foundation.
- A commitment to transparency in the service of building trust and confidence in the central advancement operation among a wide group of colleagues around the institution.
COMMUNICATING, INFLUENCING, AND BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS
- Adept at establishing trust and strong relationships quickly with key constituents by demonstrating sound judgment, strategic thinking, and meaningful expertise. Builds genuine, productive relationships with others both inside and outside the organization, demonstrating strong emotional intelligence.
- Outstanding communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to articulate the need for the East Bay Community Foundation in an engaging way. Highly articulate; makes arguments in a clear and compelling manner and is able to motivate others to pursue common goals, who can consistently articulate the Foundation’s mission in a clear and compelling manner.
- A healthy, balanced ego and the confidence to recognize his/her own strengths and weaknesses; has a penchant for continual refinement and intellectual rigor in his/her work.
- Lead beyond the department as a senior leader for the entire organization increasing transparency and connectedness to the overall mission, vision, and operational goals
- Serve as an effective and inspiring spokesperson for EBCF’s collective work for both external and internal audiences.
INTERPERSONAL ACUMEN AND CHARACTER
- A demonstrated commitment to personally oppose injustice and work toward inclusion and equity.
- Supportive consensus builder and active listener.
- Dedication to a diverse and inclusive workplace through programs and practices.
- Spirit of entrepreneurship, innovation, and creative problem-solving.
- Commitment to customer service and responsiveness.
- High energy, charisma, focus, and drive.
- Belief in the collective strength of the entire foundation.
Qualifications
- Experience fundraising with individuals and institutional funders, including experience deploying “moves management” strategies resulting in increased engagement and giving over time.
- Passion for the mission of EBCF to partner with donors, social movements, and the community to eliminate structural barriers, advance racial equity, and transform political, social, and economic outcomes for all who call the East Bay home.
- Ten (10) plus years of philanthropic advising or fundraising, donor organizing, or philanthropic advising experience (paid and unpaid experience)
- Five (5) plus years managing and leading teams.
- Demonstrated commitment to racial, economic, and social justice and equity.
- Fluency in and comfort talking and educating others about oppressions such as racism, sexism, and classism.
- Results-oriented, solutions-oriented, and goals-oriented team player: “low ego, high output” mindset and high level of emotional intelligence, compassion, creativity
- Ability to delegate tasks and manage others with trust.
- Enthusiastic to build a stronger organization that operationalizes its mission, vision, and values, internally and externally.
- Excellent persuasive communication skills (written, visual, oral) with internal and external stakeholders.
- Location: Hybrid
- Travel: 25% minimum includes travel to the EBCF offices, events across the state to support fundraising efforts, conferences, etc.
Salary Range and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $180,000 to $190,000.
Benefits include:
- Full employee premium and a percentage of dependents premium, depending on the health insurance plan chosen by the employee
- Flexible Spending Account, Employee Assistance Program,15 days PTO in year one, 20 days in year two and thereafter, sick leave, and 17 paid holidays a year
- 401k retirement savings plan with 5% employer match, group term life insurance, disability insurance
- Annual professional development budget, commuter benefits, and matching gifts program
In keeping with our commitment to equity and equal pay for all, Cook Silverman Search posts salary ranges on all job descriptions.
How To Apply
To apply for this position, or for additional information on the opportunity, please send a copy of your resume with a cover letter to Victoria Silverman at apply@cooksilverman.com”>apply@cooksilverman.com. All applications and inquiries will receive a response and be kept strictly confidential.
COVID-19: All employees of the East Bay Community Foundation are required to adhere to the COVID-19 policy.
DEI Statement East Bay Community Foundation (EBCF) is an equal-opportunity employer with a commitment to racial justice and racial equity. EBCF does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law and is an employment-at-will organization. The Foundation welcomes and encourages people of color, women, LGBTQIA+ people, and members of other historically disenfranchised groups to apply.