Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Executive Director (ED) is the chief executive officer of WFP and is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction and operational management of the organization. The ED will work closely with the Board of Trustees to fulfill the organizational mission, lead the staff, ensure financial stability through leadership in fundraising and development strategy, and program execution. The ideal candidate is a strong mission-driven leader, fundraiser, and relationship-builder with a track record of leading a strong, collaborative, and mission-driven team, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations, developing and executing a comprehensive development strategy, cultivating donors, and driving systemic and programmatic change to fulfill the WFP’s mission. As WFP’s outward-facing representative, the ED will steward funders, oversee external communications, and ensure long-term organizational sustainability through both programmatic and financial leadership.

WFP is open to seasoned professionals interested in fractional or interim roles, provided they bring significant development experience and can fully commit to the organization’s fundraising and leadership needs.

Responsibilities

Fundraising & Development:

● Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with WFP’s mission and financial goals, with a focus on growing revenue and deepening donor engagement

● Drive annual fundraising of $2.5M+ through major gifts, donor campaigns, peer-to-peer initiatives, grants, benefit events, and sponsorships

● Expand and diversify funding through proactive cultivation of individual donors, foundations, corporations, and institutional partners

● Cultivate and steward relationships with individual donors, foundations, and institutional funders, maintaining a personal portfolio and engaging them through tailored outreach, events, and communications to build long-term support

● Lead preparation of compelling “cases for giving” for new programs, outlining projected impact, community benefit, funding needs, and potential risks

● Ensure timely grant writing and reporting, with strong stewardship practices that build long-term funder trust and support

● Leverage digital platforms and campaigns to engage new audiences and increase recurring and unrestricted donations

Strategic Growth & External Partnerships:

● Collaborate with the Board in developing short- and long-term strategic plans that align with WFP’s mission, financial goals, and programmatic priorities

● Oversee daily operations, staff management, and program implementation

● Develop and ensure sound reporting, budgeting, and financial control of the organization

● Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Trustees and support the Board of Trustees’ development, governance, and ongoing engagement

● Ensure compliance with federal, state, and locally funded grant programs and build relationships to maintain and strengthen governmental, private, and local partnerships

● Identify and pursue new programmatic opportunities or geographic expansions, presenting data-informed proposals for Board approval

● Cultivate strategic partnerships with private sector leaders, philanthropic institutions and community stakeholders to expand funding opportunities and organizational influence

● Leverage professional networks to open doors to new donors, sponsors and mission-aligned corporate collaborators

● Serve as a public ambassador for WFP at events, through publications and in key forums to amplify impact and increase visibility

Organizational Leadership:

● Ensure ongoing programmatic excellence, rigorous program evaluation, and consistent quality of finance and administration, fundraising, communications, and systems; recommend timelines and resources needed to achieve the strategic goals

● Actively engage and energize WFP volunteers, board members, partnering organizations, and funders

● Support the Chair/President in driving and developing a highly-engaged and effective Board of Trustees

● Lead, coach, develop, and retain senior staff of 19 full-time and part-time employees.

● Maintain and oversee documented processes and procedures exist and are maintained for all core operations and programs with WFP. Such processes and procedures should enable the measurement of both the effectiveness and efficiency of all WFP operations

● Establish and monitor effective systems to track scaling progress, and regularly evaluate program components, so as to measure successes that can be effectively communicated to the board, funders, and other constituents

● Deliver and uphold effective and efficient delivery of programs and services, including, as necessary, the direct delivery of services

● Perform other duties as necessary

Operations & Compliance:

● Oversee a $2.5M annual budget ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability

● Ensure compliance with nonprofit regulations, ethical fundraising standards, and grant reporting requirements

● Manage internal controls, annual audits, and vendor relationships to maintain operational integrity

Qualifications/Skills

The ED will be thoroughly committed to WFP’s mission. All candidates should have proven leadership, coaching, development and relationship management experience. Concrete demonstrable experience and other qualifications include:

● Minimum 12 years of nonprofit executive leadership experience, including experience as an Executive Director, CEO, or comparable leadership role in the nonprofit, public or private sector

● Proven success in private fundraising, including securing major private gifts ($5,000+), cultivating individual donors, and obtaining foundation grants and government support

● Experience in managing, renewing, and executing government grant programs, particularly housing, legal services, Americorps, or other federal, state, and local governmental funding programs

● Strong experience in financial stewardship, with experience overseeing a nonprofit budget of $2.5 million or more and managing organization growth

● Experience working with a Board of Directors with the ability to cultivate existing Board member relationships and to develop prospective directors through the work of Board committees

● Track record of driving strategic outreach, marketing and public relations initiatives that resonate with diverse audiences and stakeholders

● Strong written and verbal communication skills; a persuasive, thoughtful and passionate communicator with excellent interpersonal and multidisciplinary project skills

● Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Windows and Microsoft office programs, electronic mail, and social media tools

● Highly organized with the ability to multi-task and lead cross-functional teams

● Proactive problem-solvers with a creative and solutions-oriented mindset

Compensation Package

● $110,000 to $175,000 pro rata based on time commitment and commensurate with experience and education.

● Medical insurance available for a full-time employee.

● Fifteen (15) days paid vacation. Twenty (20) days paid vacation after the third year. (Up to ten (10) unused vacation days may be rolled over each year.)

● Annual allowance for professional development up to $1,500.

● This role is based in Jersey City, NJ, but some remote work is possible.

The Waterfront Project, Inc.

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