Jobleads-US is hiring: Executive Director in Boston

The Trust is a completely virtual organization with access to conference rooms and temporary office space in downtown Boston as needed.

Charles F. & Beatrice D. Adams Charitable Trust

Posted Thursday, November 21, 2024

Position Description

Do you believe in the power of philanthropy as a catalyst to transform the wellbeing of individuals, families, communities, and systems? Will you operate with an infectious optimism for building a better future for Downeast Maine and a stronger, more effective behavioral health system for children in the State of Massachusetts?

Do you have the commitment and sophistication to build coalitions to influence reform of complex systems as well as the passion, interest, and empathy to support underserved rural communities on the ground?

Do you share the fundamental belief that effective community solutions emerge from within the community from those impacted most? Are you committed to empowering communities to unleash their power, talents, diverse voices, and creative energy to drive community transformation and sustainability?

Do you feel charged to connect people, resources, and ideas to address the most profound community and systemic needs for comprehensive impact and solutions?

Do you have the gravitas to serve as an exemplary spokesperson and representative for the Trustees to promote the values and work of the Trust to a diverse set of audiences?

Do you have the entrepreneurial spirit and resourcefulness to work effectively in a small, lean organization, leveraging resources and facilitating effective partnerships for outsized impact?

If so, we invite you to keep reading and consider the untapped opportunities for you to make a lasting difference in the lives of others.

VALUES AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES

The Trust is guided by the following principles:

• Respect – The Trust draws inspiration and direction from its abiding respect for its history, donor founders, and lean but engaged grants management approach that have served the Trust well. Building on that history, the Trust is not afraid to break down unproductive patterns or silos.
• Learning – The Trust continuously learns about its targeted issues and what it takes to create change. The Trust understands that it is not all knowing. The Trust is committed to be a listening and learning organization, always seeking out new knowledge, perspectives, and experiences.
• Impact – The Trust strengthens its impact when playing a facilitative and catalytic role. By inspiring others to act, the Trust achieves far more than acting in isolation. In funding for both immediate change and sustainability, the Trust lays the groundwork for truly transformational change.
• Equity – The Trust is committed to relationships and opportunities that are both equitable and diverse.
• Collaboration – The Trust leverages support for its mission by collaborating with a variety of community partners, other funders, and experts. The Trust operates with the belief that a respectful and productive relationship between trustees, dedicated staff, and nonprofit partners yields optimal results.
• Empathy – The Trust recognizes the challenges nonprofit leadership and management face in pursuing their goals. Rather than withdraw funding in the face of a crisis, the Trust troubleshoots with its nonprofit partners to overcome obstacles.

THE GRANTMAKING PROGRAM

The Adams Trust works in collaboration with other funders, policy makers, and advocates to sustain creative problem solving led by dynamic nonprofit leaders. Its work is focused on Downeast Maine and Massachusetts with a distinct strategic emphasis in each geographic area. At the same time, it seeks to apply what is learned across both states, especially as it relates to the behavioral health and wellbeing of youth.

The Trust began its work in Downeast Maine in 2000, supporting community-based nonprofits to improve the quality of life there. The Trustees recognized the abundant natural resources and the resilient population of the region while also aware of the significant community needs and lack of philanthropic investment. With a focus on increasing opportunities for communities and families to succeed, the Trust makes grants to strengthen the nonprofit infrastructure and encourage linkages among the service providers.

With its “place-based” approach, the Trust addresses a range of issues, including fisheries, economic development, substance use response, the arts economy, and services for children and families. It helped to create the Downeast Nonprofit Network which continues to draw together executive directors from these different sectors and fosters collaborative initiatives.

In 2002, the Trust launched its behavioral health work in Massachusetts in response to the crisis of “stuck kids,” i.e., children languishing in hospitals because of a severe shortage of therapeutic resources for them. The response was and remains clear – support reforms in the behavioral health delivery system for children.

The behavioral health strategic priorities include: 1) advocacy efforts to advance access to service and reduce stigma; 2) demonstration projects to address emerging behavioral health issues; 3) community-based arts therapy to provide complementary treatment options; and 4) school-based resources to mitigate the impact of behavioral health issues on learning.

Upon the recent death of Beatrice D. Adams, the assets of the Trust have grown to approximately $80 million, increasing the grantmaking capacity to over $3 million. Accordingly, the Trust is at an important inflection point. It is transitioning from a part-time team to its first full-time staff responsible for the grantmaking program. The Trust is currently governed by a board of three trustees and receives critical staff support from two advisors with deep backgrounds in the focus areas.

Organization Overview

Charles Francis Adams, a direct descendant of John Adams, the second President of the United States, and John Quincy Adams, the sixth President, served as an influential business and civic leader. In 1987, he established the Charles F. and Beatrice D. Adams Charitable Trust to carry on the family legacy of public service. With his death in 1999 and the recent death of his highly engaged and influential wife, Beatrice Adams, the Trustees are challenged to continue to build upon the donors’ legacy of “enriching lives, backing talent, engaging volunteers, and improving communities.” The Trust is charged with supporting talented leaders and key organizations where it can make a significant difference.

Position Requirements and Qualifications

PRIORITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Executive Director provides leadership for the Trust and will:

• Report to the Board and engage in an effective working relationship with the Trustees as strategic thought partners. Inspire and bring forth the best ideas and guidance from the Board.
• Facilitate strategic planning to set priorities, focus energy and resources, and evaluate and strengthen operations. Implement a vision for how best to invest the Trust’s resources to maximize impact in its work.
• Prepare and present budgets for Board approval and manage resources within the financial and programmatic parameters established by the Trustees. Participate in the Trust’s investment committee meetings.
• Hire and build a new committed grantmaking team with a shared purpose and promote a sense of cohesiveness among staff. Establish high morale in a group of committed professionals.
• Build upon trusting relationships with nonprofit and funder partners by engaging with them and encouraging collaboration. Participate in site visits, conferences, and network meetings.
• Set benchmarks with staff and hold parties accountable. Provide and participate in professional development opportunities for all to learn and grow.
• Maintain an efficient process for managing, reviewing, and evaluating the Trust’s grants and initiatives. Establish and monitor appropriate success metrics.
• Possess the insight to anticipate future trends to stay ahead of the curve and help the Trust’s nonprofit partners manage change and implement strategies.

IDEAL VALUES, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS

The Executive Director should reflect, have, or be the following:

• A caring leader driven by a passion to help others who approaches philanthropy as a partnership and catalyst to facilitate community engagement and change.
• An individual with strength of character and conviction to promote the values and mission of the Trust without being ego driven. Someone for whom the ownership of and/or credit for ideas is less important than the collective results of the process and effort.
• A record of accomplishment in program development, strategic planning, and management. Experience as a compassionate visionary leader with an entrepreneurial spirit to build and grow an organization’s infrastructure.
• A values-driven and mission-driven leader with humility, modesty, honesty, grace, and integrity.
• A naturally consultative and inclusive management style. A visionary with the emotional intelligence, maturity, confidence, wisdom, and collaborative skills necessary to garner the trust and confidence of the Board, staff, and nonprofit partners.
• Proven record as an effective spokesperson with the appropriate level of finesse and grace to represent the Trust. The judgment to know when it is best to speak on behalf of the Trust and when it may be more appropriate to have trustees or nonprofit partners speak. Strong writing skills. A warm and earnest connection to the communities and issues funded.
• A reflective and pragmatic practitioner with an unwavering work ethic and commitment to excellence.
• An analytical generalist full of curiosity. A commitment to experiential learning, exploring, and sharing for a common purpose. An active listener and agile lifelong learner who is open to innovative ideas and can think conceptually, critically, and strategically.
• An ability to lead by example, bringing out the best in others and inspiring them to realize and act upon the generous spirit within themselves to help others and strengthen communities.
• A focused leader able to distill ideas and clarify issues; someone with a high degree of intuition.
• A strong record of accomplishment as a motivator, collaborator, innovator, and builder who can take prudent risks. A natural convener who can share, learn, and listen effectively to build consensus and inspire strong, enduring partnerships across diverse communities.
• Bachelor’s degree required and graduate degree preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $225,000 to $250,000. The Trust offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package.

How to Apply

The Charles F. and Beatrice D. Adams Charitable Trust seeks a diverse pool of candidates. Applications, including cover letters and resumes, and nominations should be sent to the attention of Paul Spivey at Adams@PhillipsOppenheim.com.

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