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Foundation Executive Jobs (NOW HIRING)

IEEE

NJ · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Executive Director, IEEE Foundation Purpose of the Role The Executive Director provides strategic and operational leadership for the IEEE Foundation, IEEE's philanthropic partner. Reporting jointly ...

Adventhealth

Foundation Executive Director

Redmond, WA · On-site

Manages foundation operations including facility management, human resource activities, talent management, policies, procedures, and process improvement. * Oversees strategic planning, analytics ...

New

AdventHealth

Foundation Executive Director

Rome, GA · On-site

$106K - $198K/yr

Manages foundation operations including facility management, human resource activities, talent management, policies, procedures, and process improvement. * Oversees strategic planning, analytics ...

New

Wikimedia Foundation

$145 - $220/hr

The Wikimedia Foundation seeks a senior communications professional to lead our executive communications across a growing, global portfolio. This person's main responsibility is to serve as a primary ...

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Foundation Executive information

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$26.5K

$93.6K

$184K

How much do foundation executive jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for foundation executive in the United States is $93,552.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,000.00 and $120,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a foundation executive?

Foundation Executives are senior leaders responsible for overseeing the operations, strategy, and financial health of charitable foundations or nonprofit organizations. They typically manage staff, set organizational goals, and ensure that the foundation's mission and objectives are met through effective program delivery and fundraising. Foundation Executives also represent the organization to stakeholders, donors, and the public, building partnerships and promoting the foundation's work. Their leadership is vital to the overall impact and sustainability of the foundation.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a foundation executive?

To thrive as a Foundation Executive, you need a strong background in nonprofit management, fundraising, and strategic planning, often supported by a degree in business, public administration, or a related field. Familiarity with donor management software, financial reporting tools, and grant management systems is typically required. Exceptional leadership, relationship-building, and communication skills set top candidates apart in engaging stakeholders and leading teams. These skills are essential to secure funding, ensure organizational sustainability, and advance the foundation’s mission effectively.

What are common challenges faced by foundation executives when balancing donor expectations with organizational goals?

Foundation Executives often navigate the delicate balance between fulfilling donor expectations and advancing the foundation’s mission-driven goals. This can involve managing diverse stakeholder interests, prioritizing funding allocations, and maintaining transparency in decision-making. Successfully addressing these challenges requires strong communication skills, strategic planning, and a collaborative approach with both internal teams and external partners. Building long-term relationships and setting clear, realistic expectations with donors is key to sustaining organizational impact and credibility.

What is the difference between Foundation Executive vs Fundraiser?

AspectFoundation ExecutiveFundraiser
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree; advanced degrees or certifications in nonprofit management are commonOften requires a bachelor's degree; certifications like CFRE are advantageous
Work EnvironmentWorks within a foundation's leadership team, overseeing programs and strategyEngages directly with donors, organizing campaigns and events
Employer & Industry UsageFoundations, nonprofit organizations, philanthropic institutionsNonprofits, charitable organizations, educational institutions

Foundation Executives focus on strategic leadership, program development, and managing foundation operations, while Fundraisers primarily concentrate on donor engagement, campaign planning, and fundraising activities. Both roles are essential in the nonprofit sector but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What cities are hiring for Foundation Executive jobs?

Cities with the most Foundation Executive job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Foundation jobs?

The most popular types of Foundation jobs are:

What states have the most Foundation Executive jobs?

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

Foundation Executive jobs near you
Infographic showing various Foundation Executive job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,552 per year, or $45 per hour.

Foundation Executive Director

Pennsylvania Automotive Association (PAA)

Harrisburg, PA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

About the Position

The Pennsylvania Automotive Association Foundation (PAAF) seeks a full-time Executive Director to join our team. This position is based at our office in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and requires approximately 25% travel across Pennsylvania, including donor meetings, conferences, and events.

About PAAF

In 2003, the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Automotive Association had the vision to create a charitable organization that would serve the philanthropic needs of its more than 1,000 franchised members.  Since inception, PAAF has grown to include 130 established donor-advised accounts.  In 2025, almost $14 million was donated through the PAAF to over 900 charities.  

Position Summary

The Executive Director of the PAAF is responsible for fundraising, donor stewardship, operations, grant administration, trustee engagement, financial oversight and event planning.  This position combines executive leadership, major gift fundraising, donor stewardship, nonprofit operations, event management, grant administration, and board relations. The successful candidate will play a critical role in continuing to develop strategies to grow the Foundation’s donor base, while ensuring exceptional service and providing due diligence of Foundation assets.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute annual fundraising strategies to grow charitable giving.
  • Cultivate, solicit, and steward current and prospective donors through regular meetings and relationship management.
  • Expand the Foundation's donor base by identifying and engaging new prospects.
  • Process charitable gifts and donor grant recommendations using Sage accounting software and the Foundation's proprietary donor management system.
  • Maintain accurate donor records and ensure timely gift acknowledgements.
  • Plan and coordinate semiannual Foundation Trustee meetings, including agendas, reports, presentations, and meeting logistics.
  • Administer the PAA Tool Grant Program, including application review, approval, and distribution.
  • Plan and execute the annual PAA Tool Grant Golf Outing and Silent Auction.
  • Prepare reports, newsletters, marketing materials, and communications.
  • Represent the Foundation with trustees, donors and prospective donors, corporate partners, and professional advisors.
  • Collaborate with accounting staff to ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred.
  • Five or more years of nonprofit fundraising, development, philanthropy, or relationship management experience preferred.
  • Knowledge of accounting and finance basic procedures.
  • Proven success cultivating and securing major gifts.
  • Excellent communication, organizational, and project management skills.
  • Experience planning meetings and fundraising events.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
  • Experience with Sage and donor management software preferred.
  • Willingness to travel throughout Pennsylvania.

We are an equal opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination/harassment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

#LI-Onsite. Onsite work/non-remote. 

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