Executive Director, VFW Foundation

Nature Of Work

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Foundation is the official 501(c)(3) charity of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW), America’s largest and oldest combat veterans' organization. Our mission is to support programs and services that secure, manage and distribute resources to improve the lives of veterans, military service personnel, their families and the communities where they live. The Executive Director of the Foundation is responsible for providing overall direction and leadership to achieve Foundation philanthropic fundraising goals and objectives in support of VFW Programs and Services. The Executive Director will oversee the administration and strategic planning for and leadership of the VFW Foundation. Reports directly to the VFW Foundation Board of Directors and VFW Foundation President (VFW Adjutant General).

General Responsibilities

Board Governance: Works with the Board to fulfill the organization’s mission.

• Responsible for leading the VFW Foundation in a manner that supports and guides the organization’s fundraising objectives as defined by VFW and the Board of Directors.
• Responsible for communicating effectively with the Board and providing, in a timely and accurate manner, all information necessary for the Board to function properly and to make informed decisions.
• Partners with the Foundation Board and VFW leadership to achieve philanthropic goals.
  
  

Organization Mission and Strategy: Works with board and staff to ensure that the Foundation’s mission is fulfilled through VFW programs, strategic planning and community outreach.

• Responsible for collaboration with VFW leadership and program directors, to secure financial support for VFW programs and services.
• Responsible for strategic planning to ensure that the Foundation successfully fulfills its mission into the future.
• Responsible for the enhancement of the Foundation’s image by being active and visible in the community and by working closely with other professional, civic, and private organizations.
  
  

Organization Operations: Oversees and implements appropriate resources to ensure that the operations of the organization are appropriate.

• Responsible for the hiring and retention of competent, qualified Foundation staff.
• Responsible for the effective administration of Foundation operations.
• In collaboration with the VFW Foundation Secretary/Treasurer, responsible for signing all notes, agreements, and other instruments made and entered into and on behalf of the Foundation.
  
  

Financial Performance and Viability: Develops resources sufficient to ensure the financial health of the organization.

• Responsible for fundraising and developing other revenues necessary to support the Foundation’s mission. Leverages all aspects of fundraising to include annual giving, major gifts, foundation grants, corporate sponsorships, and cause marketing.
• Responsible for the fiscal integrity of the Foundation, to include submission to the Board and VFW leadership of a proposed annual budget and monthly financial statements, which accurately reflect the financial condition of the Foundation.
• Responsible for fiscal management that generally anticipates operating within the approved budget, ensures maximum resource utilization, and maintenance of the organization in a positive financial position.
  
  

Scope Of Position

• Report to and work closely with the Board of Directors and VFW leadership to seek their involvement in policy decisions, and fundraising, and to increase the overall visibility of the organization.
• Coordinate Foundation Board and committee meetings.
• Assist the Board in ensuring responsible management and investment of the Foundation’s assets.
• Lead process that obtains input from senior VFW leadership and the Board to identify and recommend priorities for potential philanthropic projects that will yield the highest impact for the VFW.
• Lead the Foundation in strategic planning and establish comprehensive fundraising objectives based on goals and budget considerations agreed upon by the Board and VFW leadership.
• Lead and work closely with Foundation staff; serve as a leader to strengthen the comprehensive fundraising team and ensure the professional training, meaningful engagement, and growth of all staff members.
• Collaborates with VFW Directorates to provide oversight for all aspects of VFW’s fundraising enterprise; and to develop a comprehensive fundraising plan to increase philanthropic revenues from major donors, corporations, and private foundations.
• Prepare and facilitate the operation of the Foundation’s annual budget.
• Develop outreach efforts to meet prospective corporate, foundation, and individual donors to establish effective donor communications; utilize those relationships to strategically enhance the Foundation’s mission.
• Lead Foundation team to plan and implement the growth of the National Convention sponsorship program; ensure the coordination of all Convention activities involving the Foundation such as special corporate events, recognition activities, seminars, and both awareness and distribution of materials for VFW delegates.
• Maintain a professional profile in the field of philanthropy by participating in events, seminars, and conferences in the local community and in the national nonprofit/ philanthropic sector that are designed to strengthen and promote the national programs and services of the VFW.
• Oversee Foundation marketing and communications efforts; develop a comprehensive communication plan to include annual reports, targeted newsletters, etc.
• Oversee Foundation grant program to support community outreach and service activities of local VFW Posts and Auxiliaries.
• Review and maintain operational policies, practices, and guidelines of the Foundation, periodically presenting to the Board for input and approval.
• Other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors and President (Adjutant General).
  
  

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities Required

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree (master’s degree preferred), Management, Nonprofit Administration, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 8 years’ experience in senior-level management.
• VFW and/or VFW Auxiliary membership-eligible preferred.
• Demonstrated success in creating and implementing a long-term strategic plan
• Leadership experience in managing a team of fundraising professionals: recruiting, retaining, and coaching. Major gifts experience required, corporate/foundation relations experience preferred.
• Board development experience including planning and preparing board meeting materials; identifying and recruiting new board members; engaging board members in raising revenue for the organization.
• Budget planning and management; demonstrated ability to read and understand financial statements, audits, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to serve as a liaison between the Foundation and strategic partner organizations including corporations, private foundations, VFW National and State/Department leaders, etc.
• Knowledge of and experience with marketing and public relations principles and practices, including an understanding of data privacy compliance matters.
• Strong interpersonal skills; management style that promotes teamwork, values creativity, and enhances employee engagement.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; demonstrated expertise in public speaking.
  
  

Working Conditions

• Performance-based, team-oriented office environment.
• Significant (up to 50% or more) travel by air, automobile, and mass transit to facilitate relationships with current and prospective donors; and to represent VFW at national, local, and regional events. Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Must be able to sit for extended periods and communicate via computer and telephone to develop and maintain relationships with donors, corporations, grant makers, and other key stakeholders.
• The position is based in Kansas City, Mo. at the national headquarters of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S.
  
  

Major Accountabilities

• Helps ensure the Foundation goals are accomplished through the raising and dispersion of funds to programs as decided by the Board and VFW leadership.
• In collaboration with VFW Directorates, ensures that the Foundation processes are integrated with the overall objectives of the VFW so as not to introduce a conflict of goals.
• Ensures that the relationship with the public, VFW membership, regulatory and watchdog agencies, and for-profit and nonprofit organizations reflects well on the VFW.
  
  

The above duties are general and are not intended to reflect all the duties that may be required of the incumbent.

• This position may be eligible for relocation assistance.
  
  

**If not already listed as a requirement for the position, all employees (if eligible) are encouraged to become members of the VFW. If ineligible for VFW membership, employees (if eligible) are encouraged to join the VFW Auxiliary. Additionally, all employees are encouraged to actively promote the benefits of membership in the VFW and VFW Auxiliary to others who qualify.**

A competitive benefits and a paid time off package are available for all full-time employees.