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Community Foundation Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Chief Executive Officer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$180 - $240/hr

The Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque (CFGD) is seeking a visionary, collaborative, and community-centered leader to serve as its next Chief Executive Officer. This is a rare opportunity to ...

... Foundation's mission of reducing recidivism through education and employment. The Program Manager maintains strong partnerships with the Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC) at the Davenport ...

... Foundation's mission of reducing recidivism through education and employment. The Program Manager maintains strong partnerships with the Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC) at the Davenport ...

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Community Foundation information

See Iowa salary details

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How much do community foundation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for community foundation in Iowa is $17.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $18.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a community foundation?

A Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that pools and manages charitable funds from individuals, families, and businesses to support local causes and community needs. These foundations work to improve the quality of life in a specific geographic area by making grants to nonprofits, schools, and other community organizations. They also help donors achieve their philanthropic goals by providing expertise and flexible giving options. Community foundations play a crucial role in addressing community challenges and fostering long-term growth and stability.

What are the typical responsibilities of staff working at a community foundation?

Staff at community foundations often engage in a variety of tasks, including managing grant applications, working with donors to establish charitable funds, coordinating community outreach events, and evaluating the impact of funded programs. Collaboration across teams is common, as staff members frequently work with finance, communications, and program departments to ensure smooth operations and effective community engagement. The role can be both rewarding and fast-paced, offering opportunities to build relationships with local nonprofits and community leaders.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a community foundation professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Community Foundation professional, you need expertise in nonprofit management, fundraising, grantmaking, and community engagement, often supported by a degree in nonprofit management, public administration, or a related field. Familiarity with donor management systems, grant tracking software, and financial reporting tools is typically required. Strong relationship-building, communication, and strategic thinking skills help professionals effectively connect with donors and community partners. These abilities are crucial for maximizing impact, ensuring financial sustainability, and fostering trust within the community.

What is the difference between Community Foundation vs Nonprofit Program Coordinator?

AspectCommunity FoundationNonprofit Program Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's degree often required; certifications like CFRE are a plusBachelor's degree in social work, nonprofit management, or related field; certifications vary
Work EnvironmentFundraising events, grant management, community outreach in office and fieldProgram implementation, community engagement, event planning in nonprofit settings
Employer & IndustryFoundations supporting multiple nonprofits, community developmentIndividual nonprofit organizations, charities, social service agencies

While both roles focus on community impact, a Community Foundation manages funds and grants across multiple nonprofits, whereas a Nonprofit Program Coordinator directly implements programs within a specific organization. The foundation oversees broader community initiatives, while the coordinator handles day-to-day program activities.

What are popular job titles related to Community Foundation jobs in Iowa?

For Community Foundation jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Community Foundation jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Community Foundation job openings:

Infographic showing various Community Foundation job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,066 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Chief Executive Officer

Council of Foundations

Dubuque, IA • On-site

$180 - $240/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

The Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque (CFGD) is seeking a visionary, collaborative, and community-centered leader to serve as its next Chief Executive Officer. This is a rare opportunity to lead a nationally respected community foundation that has evolved into a Rural Development Hub, driving systems-level change across Greater Dubuque and the seven-county region it serves.

This is not a traditional foundation CEO role. While CFGD manages nearly $190 million in assets and makes strategic grants, philanthropy is just one small tool in the service of a larger mission. We have grown to be a Rural Development Hub: strengthening: communities, building systems, and supporting local leaders to create sustainable, equitable prosperity across the region. convening partners, building capacity, and addressing complex regional challenges through collaboration and trust-based leadership.

About the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque

Founded in 2003, CFGD envisions a vibrant, inclusive region where everyone can thrive. The Foundation mobilizes generosity, builds partnerships, and supports community-led solutions addressing housing, education, economic mobility, health, climate resilience, and civic life. Through affiliate foundations and regional collaboration, CFGD serves as a connector, convener, and catalyst for lasting change across 85 communities

Key Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership & Board Partnership

Partner with the Board of Directors to advance CFGD’s strategic vision and long-term sustainability

Engage board members as thought partners through meaningful dialogue, learning, and shared leadership

Organizational & People Leadership

Lead and mentor a mission-driven team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, learning, and equity

Develop leaders and systems that support organizational excellence and future growth

Community Convening & Regional Systems Leadership

Serve as the region’s backbone leader by convening cross-sector partners and supporting community-led solutions

Maintain a visible and trusted presence across the seven-county region

Donor Engagement & Resource Development

Act as chief relationship builder with donors, fundholders, and partners

Cultivate major gifts, grow endowments, and steward generosity as a long-term partnership

National Partnerships & Sector Leadership

Represent CFGD in national philanthropic networks and collaborations

Stay attuned to emerging trends to ensure relevance, innovation, and impact

Qualifications:

Proven executive leadership experience, preferably within the nonprofit, philanthropic, or community development sectors.

Strong track record of engaging with boards, leading teams, managing donor relationships, and building partnerships.

Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.

Experience navigating complex stakeholder environments and managing strategic initiatives.

Willingness and ability to travel nationally and regionally up to 6–8 times per year.

Must have a minimum of a Bachelors degree, Masters degree is preferred

Ideal candidate will have 10+ years of senior leadership experience and a proven track record of building teams and developing innovative community partnerships

Preferred Attributes:

The ideal CEO is an entrepreneurial, relational, and systems-oriented leader who understands that transformation, not transaction, is the goal. They bring:

Proven executive leadership experience in philanthropy, nonprofit, community development, or related fields

A strong track record of board partnership, donor engagement, and organizational leadership

Deep commitment to community-driven solutions, equity, and collaboration

Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and convening skills

The ability to listen deeply, lead with humility, and mobilize diverse stakeholders toward shared outcomes

Compensation & Benefits:

CFGD offers a competitive salary, negotiated based on experience and history of success, along with a generous benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement contributions, paid time off, and more.

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