Executive Director

Executive Director

Ecumenical Institute

Full-time | Exempt | Remote with travel within Iowa | $70,000-$80,000, commensurate with experience

The Opportunity

The Ecumenical Institute (EI) is seeking a seasoned nonprofit Executive Director to lead the

organization through an important period of growth and capacity building.

EI prepares people for the ministry of caring for others, equipping chaplains and other spiritual

caregivers for the difficult and meaningful moments when people need compassion, understanding

and skill. Our work is grounded in a strong culture of care, accessibility and generosity.

The next Executive Director will provide leadership for the organization as a whole while also

bringing substantial development and fundraising experience. This is an opportunity for an

accomplished nonprofit leader who understands that strong organizations are built through clear

priorities, sound systems, meaningful relationships and sustainable resources.

The Executive Director will work closely with the Board of Directors to strengthen EI's organizational

foundation, expand its network of supporters and position the Institute for long-term growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide overall executive leadership for EI, aligning mission, strategy, programs, finances, people and

organizational priorities.

• Partner effectively with the Board of Directors, maintaining appropriate distinctions between governance and management.
• Strengthen organizational systems, policies, processes and accountability to support sustainable growth.
• Provide financial leadership, including budgeting, revenue planning, financial oversight and long-term sustainability.
• Lead EI's development efforts at the executive level, including donor cultivation and stewardship, major gifts, annual fundraising, grants and other appropriate revenue strategies.
• Build meaningful relationships with donors, alumni, former students, educators, faith communities, healthcare organizations and community partners.
• Strengthen EI's case for support and help communicate the organization's mission, impact and future vision.
• Establish effective development systems and practices, including CRM use, donor records, prospect management and stewardship.
• Engage the board as ambassadors, advocates, connectors and partners in resource development.
• Represent EI professionally with external partners and constituencies throughout Iowa and beyond.
• Build the organizational and development foundation necessary to support continued growth and the eventual addition of dedicated development staff.

Required Qualifications

The successful candidate will bring:

• A minimum of three years of experience as a nonprofit Executive Director or in a comparable senior

organizational leadership role, with significant responsibility for strategy, operations, finances, people

and board relationships.

• A minimum of five years of professional fundraising and development experience, including demonstrated success in donor cultivation and stewardship and securing philanthropic support.
• Experience leading an organization or significant organizational function through growth, change or capacity building.
• Strong strategic thinking paired with the ability to translate strategy into practical action.
• Strong relationship-building, communication and presentation skills.
• Financial literacy and experience with organizational budgeting and financial oversight.
• Experience working effectively with a nonprofit board and a clear understanding of governance and management roles.
• The ability to work independently in a remote environment while maintaining strong relationships and consistent communication.
• A genuine connection to EI's mission and appreciation for pastoral education, spiritual care and EI's culture of care.

Compensation and Work Arrangement

This is a full-time, exempt position with a salary range of $70,000-$80,000, commensurate with

experience and qualifications.

The position is primarily remote and reflects EI's established practice of working and communicating

virtually. The Executive Director will travel within Iowa as needed to cultivate relationships, develop

strategic partnerships and represent the organization. Occasional travel beyond Iowa may be

necessary, but very infrequent. EI will provide the technology and equipment necessary to perform

the role professionally.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a résumé and cover letter describing their interest in the

Ecumenical Institute, relevant executive leadership and development experience and why EI's

mission and culture of care resonate with them.

The Ecumenical Institute is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without unlawful

discrimination based on age, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, disability or any other status protected by applicable law. Qualified applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process.

PTO

English is the minimum requirement. Preference given to bi-lingual applicants speaking Spanish.