The Organization
ABOUT MEYER MEMORIAL TRUST
Established in 1982 from the estate of Fred G. Meyer, Meyer Memorial Trust is one of the largest private funders in Oregon, committing its position, resources, and energies to improve community conditions and dismantling the barriers to equity so that all Oregonians can reach their full potential. The organization’s mission is to work with and invest in organizations, communities, ideas, and efforts that contribute to a flourishing and equitable Oregon.
Meyer Memorial has awarded grants and program-related investments in excess of $840 million to more than 3,432 organizations. Beginning in 2022, Meyer will be working closely with our communities to design a funding process that is more integrated and fundamentally community centered. It will be a process that better aligns with our new strategic framework: to use an anti-racist feminist lens to strengthen movements, change systems, and support communities to build an Oregon that works for all.
In 2020, Meyer embarked on the long-term key initiative Justice Oregon for Black Lives — the organization’s largest initiative in its 38-year history. Co-created with Black communities working to advance racial justice and equity in Oregon, the initiative deepened the organization’s commitment to racial justice by making community-informed investments in the lives of Black Oregonians.
Meyer has a diverse and committed six-member board of trustees who each bring a wide breadth of expertise from a variety of industries.
Learn more about Meyer Memorial Trust at mmt.org
Position Overview
POSITION SUMMARY
Meyer Memorial Trust seeks an experienced leader, collaborator, and critical thinker who is committed to bringing about positive change. This individual will pilot a dynamic leadership team, while leveraging the talent of the staff and board of trustees.
The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for providing strategic oversight and leadership. Meyer seeks a leader with experience building framework that supports the execution of the strategic plan initiatives. The ideal candidate brings a proven track record of producing positive outcomes because of direct leadership action. The Chief Executive will lead the extensive range of the Meyer portfolio, including programs, investments, and community engagement.
The CEO will collaborate with the board of trustees and offer strategic critical thinking to accomplish Meyer’s current and long-term goals.
The CEO reports to the Board of Trustees and directly supervises the executive team and an executive assistant.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Organizational Leadership:
- Collaborate with the board of trustees in the implementation of the strategic plan
- Assess organizational measures to strengthen funding outcomes and accountability
- Build strong, respectful, working relationships with the board, staff, and key community leaders
- Ensure financial health and integrity of the Trust through sound fiscal oversight, strategic financial input, and budget oversight
- Keep the board of trustees informed on a regular basis regarding the state of the organization
Organizational Excellence & Business Operation:
- Build on Meyer’s culture of racial and gender equity
- Monitor and respond to the changing nature of Covid-19
- Ensure effective organizational governance and board affairs
- Collaborate with the Chief Investment Officer and board to maintain an equitable investment policy and investment operational excellence
- Lead, motivate, and mentor a high performing team
- Use workplans and annual reviews to promote outcomes and accountability
- Conduct annual performance reviews of direct reports
Skilled Communicator & Convener:
- Experience engaging and partnering with elected officials
- Possess an inspiring public presence and public speaking skills
- Ensure strong community and partner agency relationships
- Build strategic partnerships, alliances and coalitions within the nonprofit sector in the region
- Serve as Meyer’s key brand ambassador through media, public speaking, and writing
- Consistent awareness of trends and opportunities that align with the Meyer mission
Performance to Social Outcome Targets:
- Establishing metrics and accountability measures that align with funding priorities
- Ensure alignment of staff, leadership team and board along philanthropic goals
- Collaborate with board of trustees, staff, and leadership team to ensure strategic grant making alignment
- Adaptability to changing social and economic needs of the Oregon community
- Create funding approaches that support Meyer’s north star
EQUITY
Our goal is to make equity as much a part of our everyday operations, as it is a part of Meyer Memorial Trust’s mission: To contribute to a flourishing and equitable Oregon. We believe if we really want to achieve a flourishing Oregon, we cannot get there without equity. To that end, this role requires:
- Deep knowledge, commitment, and personal interest in working in a diverse and inclusive work environment that places a high value on equity
- Leadership in promoting a positive workplace culture of collaboration, innovation, and respect
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to establish effective working relationships in a multicultural, gender-diverse, multi-ethnic environment (please refer to Meyer’s Equity Statement)
- Engagement in equity trainings and service in related work groups as needed
IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE
The CEO will have a passion for the mission of Meyer and for advancing equitable outcomes in the quality of life for Oregon residents. This individual will possess an understanding of different facets of philanthropy, including grantmaking and investments with a strong focus on racial and gender equity.
The CEO will be driven by the legacy of Meyer Memorial Trust and the opportunity to deepen its impact on Oregon. The CEO will bring a track record of driving outcomes with measurable success. They will be an inspiring leader with an ability to lead through transformational change and coalition building expertise.
With equitable practices at the forefront, the new CEO will be deeply committed to diversity and inclusion in Meyer’s work. Additionally, we expect that the commitment will reflect a lived experience as well as a set of learned ones. The new CEO will have the confidence to work in a highly visible role and be a passionate ambassador for the most vulnerable Oregon residents.
- Leadership experience in the foundation, nonprofit, public, or private sector
- Demonstrated success in working with boards
- A fundamental commitment to equity, being skilled in analysis to understand the equity implications of individual, organizational and systemic decisions
- Deep concern for underserved communities and a disposition to help build their leadership capacity and resilience
- Demonstrated, effective experience working collaboratively with community-based organizations and understanding the need to capacitate partners.
- An understanding of Oregon’s communities, disparities, nonprofit infrastructure, and policy environment
- Willingness to commit to this position for the long-term. Oregon has clear needs and plans moving forward, and we are looking for a Chief Executive Officer that is ready to implement these long-range plans in the years ahead.
- Understanding of the role of philanthropy in building community engagement and resilience
- Strong track record in recruiting, retaining, developing, and maximizing the talents of a highly functioning team
- Ability to manage an efficient and effective organizational infrastructure and measure its performance over time
- Experience managing and building effective teams, implementing change management, accountability for managers and staff, and aligning behind a shared vision for staff while creating an operating environment for staff to do their best.
- A communicative and collaborative approach, demonstrated through strong written and oral skills as well as strong listening skills
- An inclusive, consensus-building leadership style both in and out of the public spotlight that inspires others
- Sharp business acumen, with a track record of effective and judicious deployment of financial resources
- Demonstrated appreciation of the value of stewardship and humility
- Demonstrated experience in taking risk and accountability
- Strong integrity and a commitment to professional excellence, combined with values that wear well over the long term
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT
Meyer Memorial Trust is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and compliance with all federal, state, and local laws concerning employment discrimination, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. To this end, Meyer ensures equal opportunity to all employees and applicants regardless of race; color; age; gender identity or expression; sexual orientation; religion; marital status; national origin or ancestry; citizenship; lawful alien status; physical, mental or medical disability; veteran status; or liability for service in the United States Armed Forces.
Transgender, gender non-conforming and gender non-binary job applicants, as well as applicants with disabilities and applicants with criminal record histories, are encouraged to apply.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will:
- Engage in regular communication in-person as well as through electronic means
- Routinely use computer laptops, tablets, desk phones, photocopiers and monitors including computer screens, TVs, and projectors
- Occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds
- Work in a business setting of open cubicles with an estimated 45 – 60 decibel noise level
The physical demands and work environment described are representative of those for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
TIME FRAME
Meyer is seeking to have a candidate in place by May 1st, 2022
COMPENSATION
Consistent with Meyer’s organization-wide values and practice, this position offers a competitive salary, with a base compensation informed by an independent, objective compensation and benefits analysis. We actively welcome all candidates from a wide range of backgrounds who have the skills to lead this dynamic philanthropic institution – regardless of compensation history.
REWARDING BENEFITS
We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental plans, a flexible spending account (F.S.A.) or health savings account (H.S.A.), a generous 401(k) plan with employer match, vacation time, tuition reimbursement and transportation options for the active commuter.
About Motus Recruiting and Staffing, Inc:
Founded in 2006, Motus is an award-winning recruiting and staffing firm in the Pacific Northwest, specializing in professional services and technology solutions. We are a group of people who not only recognize the importance of representation, but actively fight for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the recruitment process. Our goal is to educate organizations on the importance of DEI when hiring, promoting, and supporting diverse employees. We are calling organizations to demonstrate their commitment to DEI by being intentional about who they hire.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, disability or protected veteran status.
How To Apply