Vice President, Community Investment

Position Summary:

The Vice President of Community Investment, is a key member of Akron Community Foundation’s executive leadership team and is responsible for leading the foundation’s community investment strategies, including grantmaking, nonprofit partnerships and community leadership initiatives. This position ensures ACF's philanthropic investments are strategic, equitable, impactful and aligned with the foundation’s mission to improve the quality of life in Greater Akron.

This role provides vision and oversight for all aspects of community investment, guiding the design, implementation, and evaluation of grantmaking programs while cultivating meaningful relationships with nonprofit organizations, donors, civic leaders, and community stakeholders.

Reports to: 

President & CEO

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Develop and lead a comprehensive community investment/grantmaking strategy aligned with ACF’s mission, strategic plan and values. This is in tandem with ACF’s overall current strategic plan.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO and Board of Directors on philanthropic trends, community needs and grantmaking impact.
• Collaborate with the leadership team to integrate community investment/grantmaking into organizational planning and donor engagement efforts.

Grantmaking & Program Oversight

• Oversee all competitive grantmaking programs, including discretionary, field-of-interest, affiliate funds and special initiative funds, as well as our proactive grantmaking program. 
• Lead the development and implementation of equitable grantmaking practices, including transparent guidelines, impact evaluation and community-centered decision-making.
• Manage relationships with affiliate fund boards and grant committees to ensure successful completion of their annual grantmaking efforts.
• In partnership with our Development & Donor Engagement Department, explore and develop collaborations with local as well as national funders to help support programs in our community.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Build and maintain trusted relationships with nonprofit leaders, grassroots organizations and other philanthropic partners.
• Represent ACF in local and regional collaborations, initiatives, and coalitions that advance shared community priorities.
• Identify opportunities for strategic partnerships and co-investment to leverage the foundation’s impact.
• Research and understand community needs by participating in community initiatives, meetings and events; studying research of other organizations; speaking regularly to individuals throughout the community; and keeping current with community publications.
• Oversee ACF’s community needs assessments in collaboration with other organizations in Summit County. 

Team & Operational Management

• Lead, mentor, and support the Community Investment team to ensure excellence in program delivery, partnership development and operational efficiency. Manage day-to-day workflow of team and department, all while adhering to our ACF mission and values. 
• Work in tandem with our Development & Donor Engagement Department, including our Center for Family Philanthropy, on processes and programs that help enhance our donor-advised fundholders knowledge and expertise on the nonprofit landscape in our community.
• Develop and manage the Community Investment Department's budget and resources.
• Promote a collaborative, inclusive, and learning-focused team culture, mirroring the culture that has been created for the entire organization. 

Measurement & Learning

• Oversee the design and implementation of evaluation tools to assess the effectiveness and impact of community investments.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning and data-informed decision-making within the foundation and among partners.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 8-10 years of progressively responsible experience in philanthropy, nonprofit management, grantmaking, community development, or a related field.
• Proven leadership and strategic planning experience, including managing teams and complex projects.
• Deep knowledge of the nonprofit and philanthropic landscape in Northeast Ohio or a similar regional context.
• Strong commitment to equity, inclusion and community engagement.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience with impact measurement, evaluation and learning.
• Bachelor’s degree required, master’s degree in public administration, nonprofit management, social sciences, or related experience preferred.

Key Competencies:

• Strategic Thinking & Vision
• Relationship Building & Community Collaboration
• Cultural Competency & Equity Mindset
• Community Leadership & Influence
• Results Orientation & Accountability
• Organizational and Internal Staff/Board Leadership
• Strong Oral and Written Communications as well as technical expertise