POSITION DESCRIPTION
April 2011
Executive Director
The Richard and Susan Smith Family Foundation is an intergenerational family foundation whose
mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Boston.
The Richard and Susan Smith Family Foundation was founded in 1970 by Richard A. and Susan F. Smith
as a private family foundation. Based in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, the Smith Family Foundation
currently makes annual grants of approximately $10 million, making it the fifth largest foundation in
Boston. With few exceptions, the Foundation’s resources are targeted to the Greater Boston area. Over
its 40-year history, the Smith Family Foundation has established a reputation as a critical leader in the
development of Boston’s civic community. The Foundation makes grants in the following areas in order
of priority:
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Health Care: Supporting basic research and patient care through grants to advance careers of young
scientists and through grants to community health care providers and major hospitals;
Education and Youth Development: Increasing educational and developmental opportunities both in
and out of school, with emphasis on low-income youth, and on career advancement;
Poverty: Alleviating chronic poverty; and
Arts and Culture: Enriching cultural life in Greater Boston.
The Foundation’s approach to grantmaking reflects a concern for the poor, with a specific focus on
closing the gap for disadvantaged youth and for strengthening the health and welfare of future
generations. Its grants are designed to support critical issues in medical research, as well as to promote
educational access.
The Foundation makes grants in several different ways. Capacity Building Grants are awarded to ensure
that nonprofits critical to improving life in Boston are provided support to build infrastructure and
organizational capacity. Through its coveted awards program, the Foundation acknowledges outstanding
biomedical research, including new collaborations for innovative research. Nonprofits with longstanding
relationships with the Foundation are eligible to receive operating grants. The Foundation also provides
Capital Grants for various capital projects, large and small.
The Foundation comprises three generations of family members who all share a deep commitment to
improving life opportunities for all Bostonians. Family members actively participate and direct the affairs
of the Foundation and serve on boards of a large number of community organizations.
BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES
Reporting to the Co-Chairs and the Board of Trustees, the Executive Director will provide the overall
leadership, direction and vision for the Foundation, managing all operations and activities, except for the
investment function. He/She will help the Board advance its mission while preserving the Foundation’s
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unique culture, characterized by a strong sense of family, creativity, strategic risk-taking, compassion and
intellectual stimulation. Working closely with trustees, he/she will facilitate impactful giving in the
Boston community, representing the family’s interests. The Executive Director will manage a small
dedicated staff, review and evaluate the effectiveness of existing programs, identify new program
initiatives in concert with the Board, and implement policies, procedures, goals and objectives as
established by the Board. The Executive Director will be asked to serve as a spokesperson and public
face for the Smith Family Foundation, representing the Foundation’s mission and purpose externally and
with colleagues and thought leaders in the Boston community.
Specifically, the Executive Director will oversee grantmaking programs, office administration, financial
accounting and reporting, legal compliance, and community relations, and will translate Board objectives
into specific plans for achievement. In consultation with the Board, the Executive Director will make
policy recommendations and develop short-term and long-range targets and strategies. The Executive
Director will seek to engage the Board, incorporating the interests and talents of three generations, while
fostering a high level of dialogue, partnership, education and intellectual rigor.
Working closely with the Board, the Executive Director will ensure that the Smith Family Foundation
continues to serve as a vehicle to bring the family together for the greater purpose of addressing the needs
of the Boston community. The Executive Director will help maintain, ensure and inspire relationships
among the trustees, such that the Board can function with the greatest efficiency and effectiveness in their
commitment to build upon their family legacy of service. At the appropriate time, the Executive Director
will help facilitate a smooth and effective process for the preparation of an intergenerational transition of
board leadership.
KEY PRIORITIES FOR THE FIRST YEAR:
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Quickly gaining a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the Foundation’s mission, culture,
purpose, programs, and ensuring a sound and smooth transition of executive leadership; thoroughly
understanding the Smith family, its history and its commitment to philanthropy; learning to navigate
family dynamics to develop and nurture the personal and collegial relationships that must flourish
among the family branches and individuals, so that all work together to advance the work of the
Foundation;
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Knowing Board governance structure and policies; building a solid and thoughtful relationship with
each trustee, cultivating their interests and encouraging their participation; supporting the future
leadership from the second generation, as well as the engagement of the third generation of family
members;
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Working with the Program Director, as appropriate, in reviewing and assessing the scope and range of
the Smith Family Foundation’s program strategies, effectiveness and impact; with the Board,
developing a mechanism to formulate a strategic plan that includes cogent analysis and a direction and
vision for the advancement of the Foundation and its work moving forward;
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Helping the Foundation build upon its reputation as a critical leader strengthening civil society and
making a difference in the lives of Bostonians; being recognized for its intellectual capital internally
and externally; connecting to the Boston philanthropic community to learn and share best practices;
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Building solid relationships with the staff and working closely with them to foster cohesiveness and
support and enhance their abilities; ensuring a level of transparency, communications and information
among staff; establishing the parameters of staff responsibilities and authority; setting the tone for the
substance, pace and quality of work; making certain that the work of the Foundation reflects its values
and mission;
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Overseeing the Foundation’s website so that it is a portal for information to grantees and other
grantmakers; exploring the most effective system for communication, including distribution of Board
books and grants dockets;
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Reviewing the Foundation’s administrative and management systems, internal policies and
procedures; making and implementing recommendations for their continued enhancement; exploring
opportunities for collaborative grantmaking with other foundations in Greater Boston;
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Formulating a critical perspective on emerging directions in philanthropy so that the Foundation can
continue as an outstanding example of excellence and effectiveness in its individual areas of expertise.
IDEAL EXPERIENCE
The Executive Director should have the following experience and qualifications:
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Demonstrated commitment to public or community service;
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An appreciation for and understanding of the Boston community, but not necessarily be a Bostonian;
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Proven ability to strategically lead and manage an organization with an evolving governance structure;
demonstrated experience as a leader with a record of converting vision into working programs;
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Proven capacity to be conversant in several of the Foundation’s program areas; relate to individuals of
academic, professional and community accomplishment, and grasp the changing realities and
opportunities of the Boston area;
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The maturity and experience to work with a family of diverse personalities, experiences and
expectations, and the wisdom to balance the knowledge of staff with the desire and willingness of the
family to participate in the Foundation’s activities;
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Experience in and/or significant understanding of public policy, nonprofit institutions, and
developments and challenges in philanthropy – coupled with a passion for improving the lives of
those in urban communities;
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The ability to communicate effectively and openly, both verbally and in writing, with a broad range of
individuals and organizations; knowledge of new media and how technology is used to advance an
organization and its work; capable of public leadership and vision as a foundation representative.
PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Ideally, the individual should have the following:
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A sense of respect for the Smith Family Foundation and its history, mission and family; an
appreciation for the Foundation’s philosophy and values and for the importance of the Foundation and
its work to all family members;
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An ability to build consensus; good listening skills; sensitivity to the interests of the Smith family; an
understanding of the responsibilities of their engagement with the Foundation and in philanthropy,
and a willingness to communicate with and engage them in the Foundation’s activities;
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An ability to think broadly, critically and conceptually; intellectual curiosity, with an openness to new
ideas from all quarters; creative thinking with good strategic sense and an ability to engage others and
influence outcomes;
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The self-confident management style needed to work with a dedicated family, and oversee programs
and systems; interpersonal skills that embody collaboration and a team-oriented approach;
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An ability both to educate and to learn; enthusiasm for promoting the work of the Foundation and
addressing its critical issues to ensure overall organizational wellbeing;
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A high level of emotional intelligence; adept at reading people and bringing out the best in everyone;
an ability to inspire, motivate and guide others; a knack for bringing together diverse personalities and
interests for a greater purpose;
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An ability to lead by example; a sense of humility with an ego that is in check; patience, humor, a
thick skin and a strong sense of resilience;
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BA required; graduate degree preferred.
Nominations and contact information should be sent to:
SmithFamilyFoundation@PhillipsOppenheim.com
For additional information on the Richard and Susan Smith Family Foundation, please visit
www.smithfamilyfoundation.net.
The Richard and Susan Smith Family Foundation
April 2011