Managing Director, Native Americans in Philanthropy

Native American in Philanthropy

Managing Director

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Supervisory Role: Yes

Status: Full-time; Exempt

Travel: Yes – up to 30%

Location: Remote

Compensation: $225,000-$250,000

About Native Americans in Philanthropy

Native Americans in Philanthropy’s (NAP) mission is to promote equitable and effective philanthropy in Native communities. We do this by increasing engagement and funding to Native-led organizations; increasing and supporting Native professionals in philanthropy; and transforming and influencing the philanthropic sector to be in alignment with an Indigenous worldview. We also aim to improve the availability of regular, reliable data and Indigenous-led research on Native communities and their relation to philanthropy. NAP’s new strategic plan seeks to increase awareness among key constituents and engage Native and non-Native philanthropic professionals, Tribal Nations, and Native-led nonprofits with NAP’s resources, activities, and programs.

About the Position

Native Americans in Philanthropy seeks a visionary and strategic Managing Director to serve as a key partner to the CEO and drive the organization's growth, operational excellence, and sector influence. This executive-level position will be responsible for translating the Board of Director’s strategic vision into actionable business strategies, overseeing organizational operations, and ensuring financial sustainability while advancing its mission to transform philanthropy for Native communities.

The Managing Director will serve as the CEO's primary strategic partner and second-in-command, with direct responsibility for business operations, financial performance, strategic planning, and organizational development. This role requires a sophisticated understanding of the nonprofit sector, exceptional business acumen, and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder relationships, including funders, Tribal Nations, philanthropic institutions, and community partners. The Managing Director will represent NAP externally, building the organization's profile and influence within the philanthropic sector while ensuring internal operations support programmatic goals.

Primary Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Development

• Partner with the CEO to develop and execute comprehensive organizational strategies that achieve NAP's short and long-term goals
• Lead strategic planning processes, including environmental scanning, market analysis, and opportunity assessment within the philanthropic and Native nonprofit sectors
• Develop and implement innovative fundraising strategies to ensure organizational sustainability and growth
• Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with philanthropic institutions, foundations, corporations, and Native-led organizations to expand NAP's reach and impact
• Develop and manage the annual fundraising plan
• Analyze market trends, funding landscapes, and sector developments to inform strategic positioning and organizational priorities
• Lead business planning processes that improve cost-efficiency and operational effectiveness while maintaining programmatic quality
• Drive organizational innovation and continuous improvement initiatives across all functions
• Lead organizational response to crises, challenges, and complex situations requiring executive judgment

Executive Team Leadership

• Supervise, guide, and delegate responsibilities to senior executives and department leaders
• Build and maintain a high-performing executive team through coaching, professional development, and performance management
• Foster collaborative leadership culture that encourages innovation, accountability, and mission-driven decision-making
• Lead change management initiatives and guide the organization through transitions and growth phases

Board Relations & Governance

• Serve as a liaison to the Board of Directors, facilitating effective governance and strategic oversight
• Provide regular reporting to the Board on organizational performance, market insights, financial health, and strategic opportunities
• Deliver strategic advice and recommendations to the Board on critical business decisions and organizational direction
• Prepare comprehensive board materials, presentations, and briefings that enable informed decision-making
• Facilitate board development activities and support board recruitment and succession planning
• Ensure transparent communication of organizational performance, challenges, and achievements to board members

Financial & Operational Management

• Oversee all business operations, including programs, communications, finance, human resources, development, and administrative functions
• Direct financial performance management, including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow analysis, and audit preparation
• Manage organizational investments, reserves, and ventures to optimize financial position and sustainability
• Assess and manage organizational risks including financial, operational, reputational, and programmatic risks
• Ensure robust internal controls, risk management protocols, and compliance with all regulatory requirements

Non-Essential Job Duties

• Other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Ability

• Exceptional strategic thinking and business acumen with ability to translate vision into actionable plans
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills with ability to engage diverse audiences including funders, Tribal leaders, and sector professionals
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving capabilities with comfort reviewing complex financial statements and business models
• Outstanding organizational and leadership skills with ability to manage multiple priorities and initiatives simultaneously
• Proven ability to excel in high-pressure situations, make sound decisions under uncertainty, and navigate complex challenges
• Understanding of nonprofit sector dynamics, philanthropic trends, and funding landscapes
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite and experience with financial management systems, and CRM platforms (such as Salesforce)
• Cultural competency and commitment to racial equity, Indigenous sovereignty, and community-centered approaches

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in business, nonprofit management, finance, public administration, or related field required; master’s degree in public administration (MPA), non-profit management and leadership, or related field strongly preferred
• Minimum 10+ years of progressive leadership experience with at least 5 years in executive management roles
• Proven experience of developing and implementing strategic and business plans that achieve organizational growth and sustainability
• Track record of effectively leading and nationally scaling an outcomes-based organization and staff with demonstrated experience and examples of having developed and operationalized strategies that have taken an organization to the next stage of growth

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lead Zoom and other video conference calls and use computer equipment for extended periods of time.
• Ability to travel up to 35% of the time for events, conferences, and staff meetings.

How to Apply

Native Americans in Philanthropy has retained the executive search firm LeaderFit to lead this search. Candidates should share an updated resume and brief cover letter outlining their interest in the role and upload it to the LeaderFit system.

Commitment to Equity

Native Americans in Philanthropy is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals based on job-related qualifications and ability to perform a job, without regard to age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, disability, genetic information, veteran status, citizenship, or marital status, and to maintain a non-discriminatory environment free from intimidation, harassment or bias based upon these grounds.

Americans with Disability Act

Native Americans in Philanthropy complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact jgorman@leaderfit.org.

At LeaderFit, all candidate materials are reviewed by experienced humans, never by AI. We believe that evaluating leadership potential, lived experience, and alignment with mission and culture requires human judgment, insight, and care. We leverage AI in other ways to ensure efficiency, optimized research, and allowing LeaderFit staff to focus on what humans do best, which is connecting, engaging, and building community.