Executive Director

THE MONTCLAIR FOUNDATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR POSITION

Located in Montclair, New Jersey, The Montclair Foundation was established to support not-for-profit organizations that meet health, educational, cultural, social service and quality of life needs in the greater Montclair community. Since its establishment in 1979 by four friends - George R. Harris, Esq., Katharine Russell Lyman, Amy Stearns and Virginia Sawtelle - the Montclair Foundation has grown to become the jewel of Montclair by not only addressing the needs and challenges of our growing, changing, and increasingly diverse community through charitable giving, but as of 1993, offering the public a 6-acre estate and grounds, gifted by the heirs of Howard Van Vleck, for its benefit, education and enjoyment.

Serving as the liaison between Montclair charitable causes and the fund that supports those causes, the 501(c)(3) Foundation distributes Spring and Fall grants to community nonprofit organizations. Over the years, the Foundation has supported more than 100 unique nonprofits and has given over $2,700,000 in grants.

THE FOUNDATION’S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR:

The Executive Director (“ED”) serves as chief executive officer and spokesperson of The Montclair Foundation (“Foundation”) and Van Vleck House & Gardens (“VVH&G”). The ED reports to an engaged Board of Trustees of the Foundation (“Foundation Board”), as well as its Management Committee (MC) to advance the goals set forth in the Foundation’s long-range strategic plan, successfully manage the affairs of the collective organization, and operate within an approved annual budget.

The ED is an impactful figure for the Foundation who is vital to inspiring its talented staff and entrusted to maintain and cultivate relationships for the Foundation in the surrounding communities with patrons, donors, stakeholders and community organizations. The ED must, therefore, be an experienced leader and skilled communicator, who is passionate and capable of building upon the Foundation’s esteemed reputation, while also making high-stakes decisions aligned with its mission and of the Foundation’s various departments. The ED reports directly to the Foundation Board’s Chair and works closely with the Management Committee Chair. Reporting directly to the Executive are the Foundation’s Office and Communications Manager, Director of Facilities, Director of Education, Director of Development and Director of Horticulture.

The ED directs and coordinates several utilities of the Foundation and VVH&G:

The administrative functions, including reports to the Foundation Board and MC, management and review of staff and cultivation/maintenance of a healthy and safe work-place environment, marketing, and oversight of daily operations in coordination with the Office and Communications Manager, as well as involvement in all Foundation Board committees.

The financial functions, including the creation and execution of strategic fundraising in partnership with the Director of Development, creation and management of the Foundation’s operating budget, oversight of grant writing, fundraising materials and other sponsorship opportunities, and facilitation of the Foundation’s prized grants program.

The public relations function, including the representation of the Foundation at community and stakeholder events, the development and implementation of marketing and public relations campaigns on all platforms to increase visibility and create awareness of the organization, its programs and fundraising events, as well as management of neighborly relations and engagement of the Foundation’s robust group of volunteers.

The property management function, including the maintenance, compliance and improvement of the Foundation’s buildings and grounds in partnership with the Director of Horticulture and the Director of Facilities, upkeep and operation of its rental properties on the grounds and management of associated revenue, and oversight of the major phases of the property’s garden development plan.

The programmatic function, including the creation and execution of educational programs and classes in partnership with the Director of Education, and the coordination of educational and horticultural resources and the Foundation’s hearty calendar of events.

Other Dynamic Responsibilities of The Executive Director Include:

• Oversight of all aspects of the management and use of the property.
• In cooperation with the Board, develop and execute short- and long-range plans to achieve the goals of the Foundation and VVH&G.
• Manage the preservation and enhancement of the VVH&G buildings and grounds, including identification and oversight of general maintenance and capital projects.
• Oversee the Foundation’s community grants program with the Director of Development.
• Develop, motivate and lead the staff in accomplishing the mission of the Foundation and VVH&G.
  • Maintain a climate that attracts, retains and motivates top quality staff and volunteers
  • Set compensation and evaluate staff on a regular basis.
• Direct and oversee all public relations activities, including press releases, web site, brochures, newsletters, educational programs and special events.
  • Implement programs to expand public awareness and increase garden attendance, house rentals and other revenues.
• Jointly with the Educational Committee to develop and direct the educational programs that serve the VVH&G mission and the goals of the education committee. Focus on education programs for family, children, adults and special needs populations and increase usage of the Education Center and grounds.
• Manage the financial operations of the Foundation and VVH&G. Prepare the annual budget.
• Execute grant applications in support of the funding of VVH&G.
• Serve as Landlord to both office and residential tenants.

Qualities of the Foundation’s Executive Director:

• Highly-motivated and able to start immediately in the Foundation’s Executive Director role;
• Proven executive experience in a leadership position, preferably for a non-profit, with demonstrated successes in fundraising and donor cultivation;
• Bachelor of Arts degree or equivalent years’ experience, preferably in non-profit management;
• Passion or interest in horticulture and appreciation of the extraordinary benefits of public garden spaces;
• Commitment to the rich history of the Foundation and understanding of the intricacies of Montclair, NJ – located just a few miles from New York City and home to a bustling and vibrant arts scene and diverse population;
• Ability to work, in-person, at the Van Vleck House (21 Van Vleck Street, Montclair, New Jersey 07042) at least four (4) out of a five (5) day per typical work week, with flexibility to meaningfully attend all Foundation stakeholder events, as well as community engagement invitations on behalf of the Foundation;
• Bold, confident and energetic leadership style with the ability to effectively articulate the mission of the Foundation to all constituents;
• Strong understanding of budget creation, maintenance and forecasts, financial reports, audits and compliance, as well as the ability to thoroughly and thoughtfully present such information, across all platforms, to stakeholders;
• Community-oriented with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to grow and sustain relationships necessary to the Foundation’s success;
• Excitement to empower and develop Foundation staff and team-members;
• Creative and visionary ability to oversee and implement impactful programming in furtherance of the Foundation’s outreach to its surrounding communities;
• Detail-oriented with the ability to collaborate as the ED works closely with a broad array of stakeholders, including the Foundation Board, MC, and committee chairs to develop and direct educational programs and events, fundraising activities, community and volunteer development and personnel and volunteer management. In addition to the Management Committee, other Committees of the Board include Nominating, Education, Grants, Garden, Building & Grounds, Finance, and Human Resources.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

The salary range for the Foundation Executive Director is commensurate with experience between $125,000 - $150,000. The Foundation provides a competitive benefits package – after a preliminary work period – including medical coverage, paid time off and retirement plan. The Foundation has a generous operational calendar year, including closures on all federal holidays and most State observances.

Application Instructions:

To apply, please submit to careers@montclairfoundation.org your resume and a detailed cover letter, in which you are encouraged to provide pertinent experience and showcase your skills and achievements most relevant to the ED position. Please tell us about yourself! Applications will be accepted until the Foundation Executive Director role is filled. All applications are confidential with the ED Search Committee. All applicants will receive a response regarding the status of their candidacy. Website: https://montclairfoundation.org/

• The Montclair Foundation is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive environment and is an equal opportunity employer.