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Foundation Executive Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Clearpath

Director, Major Gifts Partnerships

Arlington, VA · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Cultivate long-term partnerships with foundation executives, program officers, and family decision-makers Strategic Origination & Deal Execution * Own the full lifecycle from prospect identification ...

State of Virginia

VSF Executive Director

Richmond, VA · On-site +1

$145K/yr

The Foundation provides funding, to supplement federal and state funding, to the Virginia ... The Executive Director is an at will employee and reports to the Board Chair and is responsible for ...

Care Net

Executive Assistant

Lansdowne, VA · Hybrid

The Executive Assistant is responsible for developing intra-office communication protocols ... Foundation meetings. Experience with DocuSign is highly desirable * Participate in the rotation ...

CARE NET

Executive Assistant

Leesburg, VA · On-site

The Executive Assistant is responsible for developing intra-office communication protocols ... Foundation meetings. Experience with DocuSign is highly desirable * Participate in the rotation ...

Care Net

Executive Assistant

Lansdowne, VA · On-site

The Executive Assistant is responsible for developing intra-office communication protocols ... Foundation meetings. Experience with DocuSign is highly desirable * Participate in the rotation ...

Carenet Health

Executive Assistant

Leesburg, VA · On-site

The Executive Assistant is responsible for developing intra-office communication protocols ... Foundation meetings. Experience with DocuSign is highly desirable * Participate in the rotation ...

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Foundation Executive information

See Virginia salary details

$26.3K

$92.8K

$182.4K

How much do foundation executive jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for foundation executive in Virginia is $92,750.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,500.00 and $119,500.00 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 are the most commonly searched types of Foundation jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Foundation jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Foundation Executive jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Foundation Executive job openings:

Foundation Executive jobs near you
Infographic showing various Foundation Executive job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,750 per year, or $44.6 per hour.

Executive Director, Real Estate Foundation

Norfolk, VA • On-site

Fahrenheit Advisors
Business Management Consulting • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Fahrenheit Advisorsexternal

$215K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Fahrenheit Advisors has been retained to assist our client, Old Dominion University and the Real Estate Foundation, in their search for an Executive Director. Old Dominion University seeks an experienced executive to lead institutionally significant real estate initiatives and serve as Executive Director of the ODU Real Estate Foundation. The role sits at the intersection of higher education, economic development, public-private partnership, and commercial real estate and is positioned within the Administration and Finance organization.
This leader will work closely with the Vice President for Finance/Chief Financial Officer for the University, the Foundation board, City of Norfolk stakeholders, and external development partners to advance projects aligned with the University's master plan, portfolio strategy, and broader community impact goals.
The position is highly visible and requires a leader who can pair financial sophistication and deal packaging experience with public-facing credibility, local relationship building, and strong executive communication.
About Old Dominion University and the Real Estate Foundation
Old Dominion University is a public research university in Norfolk, Virginia, serving the Hampton Roads region through academic programs, strategic partnerships, civic engagement, and strong ties to government, business, the military, research organizations, and the broader community.
The ODU Real Estate Foundation is the vehicle through which the University acquires, builds, manages, and develops real estate in support of institutional priorities. Its approximately $90.4M portfolio includes mixed-use developments, research park assets, retail, housing, museum-related assets, and other properties aligned to the University's master plan.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Institutional Alignment
  • Provide executive leadership for real estate development initiatives on behalf of Old Dominion University, aligning opportunities and active projects with institutional priorities, the University's master plan, and long-term economic development objectives.
  • Advise senior leaders on the strategic, financial, operational, and reputational implications of acquisitions, developments, partnerships, and portfolio decisions.
  • Translate complex project activity into clear recommendations for University leadership and Foundation trustees.

Foundation Executive Oversight
  • Serve as Executive Director of the ODU Real Estate Foundation and carry out chief executive responsibilities assigned by the Foundation board.
  • Partner with the board on portfolio priorities, transaction strategy, risk assessment, and major development decisions.
  • Operate effectively in a board-facing environment that includes approximately 15 local members and requires consistent communication, trust building, and follow-through.

Deal Structuring, Finance, and Project Execution
  • Lead and package complex real estate transactions, including acquisition, development, redevelopment, financing, refinancing, and disposition activity.
  • Oversee return analysis, capital structuring, debt strategy, project budgets, invoice review, financial monitoring, and closeout activities in partnership with finance support resources.
  • Direct due diligence activities, including title, environmental, survey, zoning, entitlement, and contract review processes, while maintaining strong attention to timing, risk, and execution discipline.
  • Bring strong financial acumen and commercial judgment; Foundation-specific experience is helpful but not required if the candidate brings meaningful real estate finance and deal-making depth.

Government, Community, and External Relations
  • Serve as the primary interface with the City of Norfolk and other public-sector stakeholders regarding University-related real estate initiatives.
  • Represent the University and Foundation before public bodies, civic groups, media, community stakeholders, developers, lenders, brokers, and other partners.
  • Maintain a visible onsite and local community presence and cultivate relationships that help advance projects efficiently and credibly.

Portfolio and Operations Leadership
  • Oversee an active and diverse real estate portfolio currently described as approximately $90.4 million in assets spanning mixed-use, research, retail, housing, hospitality, and other University-supportive properties.
  • Balance long-term development strategy with day-to-day portfolio, operational, and transaction demands.
  • Work within a lean organizational structure that includes one direct report - plus shared administrative and foundation support resources.

Required Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Business Administration, Real Estate, Urban Planning, or a related field; a bachelor's degree with equivalent experience may be substituted.
  • Considerable senior-level experience in commercial real estate, economic development, real estate finance, or a closely related field.
  • Extensive knowledge of commercial real estate practices, including finance, acquisition, valuation, property management, and asset management.
  • Strong financial background with proven experience structuring and underwriting deals, building packages, and managing project economics.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to present effectively to boards, senior administrators, public officials, and external stakeholders.
  • Ability to work independently, manage ambiguity, and operate successfully in a visible, relationship-driven environment.
  • Experience in economic development or real estate development roles within local government, redevelopment, or public-sector environments is particularly relevant.
  • Candidates with strong local or regional credibility in Hampton Roads, or who can quickly establish such credibility

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