Executive Director (RF)

With professional roots in business and the tech industry and family roots in community and civic engagement, Tricia and Jeff Raikes’ values and commitment to improving community run deep. Founded in 2002 and based in Seattle, the Raikes Foundation has been a leader in catalyzing systems-level change and influencing issues related to young people and impact-driven philanthropy. The Raikes Foundation has invested nearly $115 million in grants since its founding and the Raikes have used their name and influence to leverage impact far beyond their dollars. This first phase of giving has evolved an innovative approach to philanthropy that is committed to equity, collaboration, systems transformation, learning, and advocacy.

The foundation seeks a new Executive Director who will lead the next phase of impact and increased investment. The Executive Director will be a trusted advisor to the trustees in the further articulation, refinement, and execution of their philanthropic vision and will bring organizational leadership to advance that vision.

Opportunities and Challenges Facing the New Executive Director

With primary responsibility for overall organizational leadership, the Executive Director will work closely with the trustees, staff, and external stakeholders to advance the mission of the foundation. In the first 12-18 months, the new Executive Director can expect to engage in the following opportunities and challenges:

1. Build strong and trusting relationships with the trustees that help further refine and focus the foundation’s strategic direction.
2. Ensure that the foundation’s philanthropic initiatives align with the trustees’ values and vision of impact with an integrated focus on equity and systems-level change.
3. Attract, nurture, and motivate a highly capable and talented staff in support of the foundation’s mission.
4. Build strong and trusted partnerships externally to advance the foundation’s mission.

QUALIFICATIONS OF THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Vision, expertise, and leadership advancing the field of effective philanthropy.
• A deep personal and professional commitment to social justice and equity.
• Proven success in an externally facing leadership role, preferably in a nonprofit or philanthropic organization.
• Experience leading a comparably sized staff and skill to collaborate across the foundation.
• Ability to build trust quickly and be a thought partner in the development of the trustees’ vision.
• Deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Sophisticated understanding and experience achieving impact using philanthropic tools.
• Proven track record of delivering well-organized information to trustees.
• Exceptional communication skills.
• Experience leading teams with a high degree of emotional intelligence and trust.
• Team orientation, creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and sense of humor necessary to create an inclusive culture.
• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s preferred in a related field.

Please send nominations and/or applications to: RF-ED@nonprofitprofessionals.com

The Raikes Foundation’s ability to achieve its mission is enhanced by a diverse team and an inclusive culture. The foundation seeks candidates who possess the knowledge, skills, and lived experience that contribute to the diversity of our team and share a commitment to equity.

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