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Foundation Executive Director 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 ...

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Foundation Executive Director information

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$36.5K

$101.4K

$185K

How much do foundation executive director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for foundation executive director in the United States is $101,436.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,500.00 and $125,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Foundation Executive Director?

Foundation Executive Directors are senior leaders responsible for overseeing the operations, strategy, and mission of a charitable foundation or nonprofit organization. They manage staff, fundraising efforts, budgets, and programs to ensure the organization meets its goals and serves its community effectively. Executive Directors also represent the foundation in the community, build partnerships, and report to the board of directors. Their leadership is crucial for maintaining transparency, compliance, and long-term sustainability.

What are some common challenges faced by a Foundation Executive Director in balancing fundraising and program management responsibilities?

Foundation Executive Directors often find it challenging to balance the demands of fundraising with the oversight of program management. While cultivating donor relationships and securing funding is vital, ensuring that programs are effectively implemented and aligned with the foundation's mission requires significant attention. Successful Executive Directors develop strong teams, delegate tasks, and prioritize communication to manage these dual responsibilities. Additionally, they often collaborate closely with board members, staff, and community stakeholders to maintain both immediate and long-term organizational goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Foundation Executive Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Foundation Executive Director, you need expertise in nonprofit management, fundraising, and financial oversight, typically supported by a relevant degree and leadership experience. Familiarity with donor management systems, grant-writing software, and compliance regulations is essential. Outstanding communication, strategic vision, and relationship-building skills set top performers apart in this role. These skills ensure effective stewardship of resources, sustainable growth, and fulfillment of the foundation’s mission.

What is the difference between Foundation Executive Director vs Foundation Program Manager?

AspectFoundation Executive DirectorFoundation Program Manager
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nonprofit management, business, or related fields; experience in leadership rolesUsually holds a bachelor’s degree; experience in program coordination or management
Work EnvironmentOversees entire foundation operations, strategic planning, and stakeholder relationsFocuses on managing specific programs, projects, or initiatives within the foundation
Employer & Industry UsageFoundations, nonprofits, charitable organizationsFoundations, nonprofits, charitable organizations

The Foundation Executive Director generally has broader responsibilities, including strategic leadership and organizational oversight, while the Foundation Program Manager concentrates on executing specific programs. Both roles are vital but differ in scope and seniority within the foundation structure.

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

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Foundation Executive Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Foundation Executive Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,436 per year, or $48.8 per hour.

Foundation Executive Director

Pennsylvania Automotive Association (PAA)

Harrisburg, PA

Full-time

Posted 14 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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