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The Birmingham Foundation is an independent community-focused foundation dedicated to youth-oriented and human services grantmaking in South Pittsburgh. The foundation has an annual grantmaking budget of $1 million and exclusively serves the 15203, 15210 and 15211 zip codes (South Side and Hilltop neighborhoods) of Pittsburgh.

In early 2020, the foundation underwent a strategic shift and began allocating 100% of grant funding to early childhood education and development projects. In September 2021, the foundation relocated its headquarters to the Knoxville neighborhood to be more embedded in the communities it serves.

The Executive Director will report to the Board. This is a full-time position. Compensation is competitive and dependent upon experience and qualifications. Benefits are provided.

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JOB DUTIES

Grantmaking & Strategic Planning

• Build on existing progress in visioning and executing the foundation’s strategic priority in supporting early childhood development in the service region
• Develop, nurture, and/or support community collaborations that address systemic issues in the foundation’s primary focus area
• Coach and support grantees, especially small and nascent agencies
• Analyze grantmaking opportunities through program, financial and community needs analysis. Make recommendations to the grants committee and board
• Request and review proposals and reports from grantees

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Administrative & Management

• Collaborate with the board and its committees to set vision, develop plans, steward foundation assets and make grants
• Supervise administrative staff to ensure the foundation’s operations and grantmaking procedures are streamlined and efficient
• Ensure effective and clear grant documentation and communications, including grant guidelines, proposal and reporting formats, and grant agreements
• Ensure legal compliance and best practices in financial stewardship and grantmaking
• Engage and supervise consultants as needed to provide services to the foundation, including on strategic planning, legal support and financial management
• Ensure health of the foundation’s investment portfolio and execute the board’s investment policy in collaboration with the finance committee and investment firms

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QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated success in setting and executing strategic planning, especially in executing vision and in creating grant programs and/or new initiatives
• Strong knowledge and experience working in the field of early childhood development and education
• Demonstrated success in coaching and supporting the success of others
• Financial management experience, including strong financial analysis skills
• Ability to build rapport and consensus amongst a diverse Board of caring community members
• Strong project management skills and ability to work independently when needed
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills
• Integrity, professionalism, and highest standards of ethical decision-making
• Knowledge and experience working in the foundation’s service area
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Computer skills: proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel; grants management experience a plus
• Bachelor’s degree
• 15+ years experience in nonprofits, philanthropy, and/or community organizing preferred