Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy (EPIP),
A Project of Tides Center
Job Title: Executive Director
Reports to: National Advisory Board
FLSA Status: Exempt
Prepared Date: 2/25/15
POSITION SUMMARY: Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy (EPIP) develops
extraordinary new leaders to enhance organized philanthropy and its impact on
communities. EPIP was founded in 2001 by a small group of young foundation
professionals and individual donors who sought to work and learn with peers in order to
transform philanthropy and confront generational issues, using a social justice lens.
The very existence of EPIP reflects the need to nurture an emerging cadre of
grantmaking professionals, utilizing their skills and perspectives to the fullest. Through
its national programming and chapter activities, EPIP provides critical professional
development and networking opportunities for individuals who are new to or are
emerging voices within the field of philanthropy.
The network is governed by a national Board of Advisors composed of EPIP’s
constituents and partners. Each chapter is governed by a Steering Committee
comprised of local volunteers. As of January 2015, EPIP has a growing membership of
700+ individuals and 40+ institutions, with 13 recognized chapters around the nation.
EPIP is currently a project of the Tides Center, which serves as EPIP’s fiscal agent.
The Executive Director will lead the fulfillment of EPIP’s vision and mission in a truly
creative, dynamic, and forward-thinking fashion. The Executive Director is the leader of
the organization both publicly and inside the organization, and, as such, is at once a
highly visible advocate for emerging professionals within the social sector and an
effective project manager who ensures that the work of EPIP is done efficiently and well.
The Executive Director will serve as the hub of the EPIP wheel, communicating with
members, chapters, funders, and others, to facilitate the work of EPIP. The work of the
Executive Director includes convening EPIP partners, managing workflow, helping to
direct the allocation of resources in support of meeting EPIP’s objectives and standards,
and communicating with internal and external audiences. The Executive Director,
leading by example, will cultivate and maintain best practices in the area of
inclusiveness and social justice.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Organizational Leadership and Management
•
Build consensus around EPIP’s vision among the board, staff, and key
stakeholders
•
Lead and manage all programmatic, operational, financial and fundraising
activities of the organization
•
Maintain a good working relationship with Tides by following Tides’ processes
and procedures and using the Tides Project Advisor as a resource to EPIP
•
Develop, manage, and monitor organizational budget in conjunction with the
Board of Advisors
Membership and Chapter Development
•
Identify, develop, and implement strategies and new channels for increasing
membership and retention of members; for example, create new member
benefits and develop leadership opportunities for members
•
Expand EPIP’s footprint and capacity by developing new chapters and
strengthening chapter programming
•
Maintain current member programming such as the annual conference and MC
MaL and develop new member programming to enhance and grow the skills of
EPIP members
Partnership Development and Fundraising
•
Develop and implement a variety of creative revenue generation models to
enhance EPIP’s impact and support its sustainability
•
Deepen and expand relationships with a range of funding sources
•
Develop and maintain strategic alliances with organizations that can enhance
EPIP’s mission, such as the current JAG partnership
Communications, Public Relations and Sector Outreach
•
Elevate EPIP’s visibility through high-quality services and communications as
well as through personal appearances
•
Act as a spokesperson for EPIP and its membership
•
Lead development of messages, materials and vehicles supporting
communications platforms – print, Web and social media
Staff Supervision and Human Resources
•
Oversee all EPIP employees; conduct hiring, provide training and support, and
manage employee productivity and performance
•
Foster an organizational culture of creativity, learning, risk taking, open dialogue,
responsibility, and mutual accountability
•
Cultivate an enthusiastic, inclusive, and flexible work environment
Board Relations and Development
•
Encourage and facilitate board leadership of EPIP’s strategic direction and
identification of opportunities to fulfill the organization’s mission
•
Maintain and deepen a diverse board committed to EPIP’s growth and
membership in the sector by actively participating with the board in recruitment of
new board members
•
Prepare regular financial and organizational reports for the board
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
• An undergraduate degree is required, while a graduate degree is preferred
• At least 5 years of experience in the philanthropy and/or nonprofit fields
• At least 5 in a management or supervisory position
• Excellent relationship-building and fundraising skills
• Proven ability to develop and monitor organizational budgets
• A communicative and collaborative approach, demonstrated through strong
written and oral skills as well as strong listening and public speaking skills
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
• Commitment to increasing the inclusiveness, relevance and impact of the
philanthropic sector
• Superb networking, teamwork, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders
• Capacity to see the big picture, yet pay attention to important details
• The ability to forge pragmatic solutions in environments characterized by
ambiguity and complexity – planning, prioritizing and executing work in a
proactive fashion
• An energetic, entrepreneurial nature that combines intellectual curiosity with
analytical skills and political savvy
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and social justice
• An inclusive, consensus-building leadership style both in and out of the public
spotlight that inspires the field of philanthropy around the role of emerging
professionals
• Ability to travel regularly throughout the United States
ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:
The Executive Director will be expected to maintain positive working relationships with
the Joint Affinity Groups (JAG) partners and their respective leadership: ABFE, HIP,
NAP, AAPIP, Funders for LGBTQ Issues.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
This position consists mainly of office work such as meetings, electronic
communications, and telephone calls. Occasional lifting, pushing and pulling up to 25
pounds when setting up displays during the EPIP National Conference.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The EPIP office is housed in a highly interactive space that allows for creative thinking
and collaborative work with employees. There is also flexibility to telecommute. New
York City preferred base of operations.
"EPIP, a project of Tides Center, is an “at-will” and equal opportunity employer.
Applicants and employees shall not be discriminated against because of race, religion,
sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation,
gender (including pregnancy and gender expression) identity, color, marital status,
veteran status, medical condition, or any other classification protected by federal, state,
or local law or ordinance.
Reasonable accommodation will be made so that qualified disabled applicants may
participate in the application process. Please advise in writing of special needs at the
time of application."