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Foundation Ceo Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Council of Foundations

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 ...

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Foundation Ceo information

See salary details

$30K

$82.1K

$154.5K

How much do foundation ceo jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for foundation ceo in the United States is $82,146.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,500.00 and $100,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Foundation CEO do?

A Foundation CEO is responsible for leading and managing a charitable foundation. Their duties typically include setting the strategic vision, overseeing fundraising and grantmaking, managing staff, ensuring financial stability, and representing the foundation to the public and stakeholders. The CEO works closely with the board of directors to fulfill the foundation’s mission and ensure legal and ethical compliance. They are also often the public face of the organization, building partnerships and advocating for the foundation’s causes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Foundation CEO?

To thrive as a Foundation CEO, you need strategic leadership abilities, financial acumen, and experience in nonprofit management, often demonstrated by an advanced degree and a track record of organizational growth. Familiarity with fundraising platforms, grant management systems, and compliance frameworks is typically required. Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and decision-making skills set successful CEOs apart in this role. These capabilities are essential for driving the foundation's mission, ensuring operational effectiveness, and maintaining stakeholder trust and support.

What are some common challenges a Foundation CEO faces in balancing mission-driven goals with financial sustainability?

A Foundation CEO often faces the challenge of advancing the organization’s mission while ensuring long-term financial health. This involves making strategic decisions about resource allocation, fundraising, and managing donor expectations, all while maintaining transparency and accountability. CEOs must work closely with the board of directors, staff, and external partners to set priorities and measure impact, often in a rapidly changing philanthropic landscape. Balancing these responsibilities requires strong leadership, adaptability, and a clear vision for both programmatic success and organizational stability.

What is the difference between Foundation Ceo vs Foundation Executive Director?

AspectFoundation CeoFoundation Executive Director
RoleChief executive responsible for overall strategy and leadershipOperational leader managing programs and staff
CredentialsTypically advanced degrees, leadership experienceSimilar credentials, often with nonprofit management background
Work EnvironmentBoardroom, executive meetingsProgram sites, staff offices
UsageCommon in large foundationsCommon in smaller to mid-sized foundations

The Foundation Ceo focuses on strategic leadership and overall organizational direction, while the Foundation Executive Director handles daily operations and program management. Both roles require strong leadership and nonprofit experience, but the Ceo is more externally focused on vision and stakeholder relations.

What cities are hiring for Foundation Ceo jobs?

Cities with the most Foundation Ceo job openings:

What states have the most Foundation Ceo jobs?

States with the most job openings for Foundation Ceo jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Foundation Ceo jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Foundation Ceo jobs are:

Foundation Ceo jobs near you
Infographic showing various Foundation Ceo job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,146 per year, or $39.5 per hour.

Chief Executive Officer

SD Historical Society Foundation

Brookings, SD

$85K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

About the South Dakota Historical Society Foundation
The South Dakota Historical Society Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of South Dakota. As the fundraising partner of the South Dakota State Historical Society, the Foundation secures private philanthropic support for statewide programs in archaeology, archives, historic preservation, museum exhibits, research, and publishing.

The Foundation is completing a transformational capital campaign to renovate the South Dakota State Museum while expanding annual giving, planned giving, endowment development, membership, and strategic partnerships across South Dakota.

Position Summary
Reporting to the Board of Directors (Board), the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) serves as the Foundation's chief philanthropy leader responsible for the organization's long-term sustainability through philanthropy, governance, and effective management.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Work collaboratively with the Board to identify philanthropic opportunities and advance fundraising priorities.

  • Personally cultivate and solicit leadership gifts, building lasting relationships with donors.

  • Ensure sound financial stewardship through effective budgeting, financial planning, and investment oversight, working closely with the finance committee and Board.

  • Maintain appropriate internal controls, financial oversight, and separation of duties by working closely with the staff, Board and finance committee.

  • Monitor investments, endowments, cash flow, and financial performance, ensuring compliance with Foundation policies and nonprofit best practices.

  • Partner with the Board to establish strategic priorities, implement goals, evaluate performance, and recommend strategies that strengthen long-term success.

  • Provide leadership and oversight for the Heritage Stores and Badger Hole operations, including retail management, marketing, and related revenue generating activities.

  • Work with staff, the Board and volunteers to strengthen membership in the South Dakota State Historical Society.

  • Recruit, develop, supervise, and evaluate Foundation staff.

  • Serve as the Foundation's principal spokesperson and ambassador to strengthen public awareness and support for the mission.

  • Provide leadership for Foundation operations, technology, communications, and administrative systems.

Preferred Qualifications
The successful candidate is an accomplished relationship builder with executive leadership experience, sound judgment, and a demonstrated commitment to philanthropy and South Dakota history.

Experience

  • Executive or senior leadership experience in nonprofit management, philanthropy, business, higher education, or a related field.

  • Demonstrated success leading comprehensive fundraising efforts and cultivating significant philanthropic support.

  • Experience managing organizational budgets, financial planning, and staff leadership.

  • Experience working effectively with governing boards.

Work Location: The Foundation offers flexibility in work location. CEO may reside anywhere in South Dakota provided they are able to travel regularly throughout the state and maintain a consistent in person presence at the Foundation's Pierre office. Residence in the Pierre area is encouraged.

Salary: $85,000 to $95,000, depending on qualifications and experience.

Benefits include:

  • Paid vacation (160 hours annually)

  • Paid sick leave (accrued daily)

  • Paid holidays (10 days)

  • 5% employer match to 403(b) retirement plan

  • Health care stipend

  • Professional development opportunities

  • Flexible work environment

  • Performance bonus, subject to annual Board approval

To Apply:
Submit a cover letter, résumé, and salary requirements

Priority consideration will be given to applications received by September 30, 2026.


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