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Nokomis Begins President/CEO Search

About The Foundation

Nokomis Foundation is a private, non-profit charitable trust, which through grantmaking, convening and collaboration seeks to create a stronger voice for women and girls.  The Foundation�s grantmaking and initiatives are focused on promoting economic self-sufficiency and advancing the civic and political participation of women and girls.  

Nokomis Foundation is seeking to fill the position of President and CEO with a seasoned, creative applicant with a minimum of seven years of leadership experience and passion for the Nokomis feminist mission. The successful candidate will work closely with the Founder to advance her philanthropic vision, leading a team of two other full-time staff to affect social change.

Position Overview

The President/CEO is responsible for the broad leadership of Nokomis Foundation including the management of staff.  She is responsible for positive and productive relationships with the Founder and Advisory Committee, effective relationships with grant partners, and efficient business operations.  The President/CEO represents Nokomis Foundation to the public and community. The President/CEO stays abreast and aware of developments in focus areas, and advises the Founder and Advisory Committee on strategic action to support these developments. 

Because of the small number of staff and the fluctuating nature of the workload, an attitude of flexibility and cooperativeness is essential to job success. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Lead and guide the development and execution of the strategic plan and vision. Ensure that Nokomis staff and stakeholders are involved with initiatives that support the Foundation�s strategic intent.

1. Lead and guide the development and execution of the strategic plan and vision. Ensure that Nokomis staff and stakeholders are involved with initiatives that support the Founder's strategic intent. 
2. Provide staff leadership and accountability.  Recruit, hire, manage, and evaluate staff ensuring that fair employment practices are followed.
3. Represent Nokomis Foundation and its mission, vision and values at the local, regional, state and national levels. Act as a primary spokesperson for the Foundation, and coordinate public communication responsibilities of the Founder and staff.
4. Actively identify and understand new developments and initiatives related to the mission of Nokomis Foundation.  Connect with fields of philanthropy and seek collaborative opportunities. 
5. Build community awareness of research activities, findings and other data driven activities that support or enhance the mission and strategies of Nokomis Foundation.  Create public relation campaigns, reports, conferences, and other educational experiences to communicate the impact of such findings on the advancement of Nokomis Foundation�s work. 
6. Maintain positive and productive Advisory Committee relations.  In collaboration with the Founder help to identify, recruit, and support Advisory Committee members. Oversee and facilitate communication and correspondence with the Advisory Committee, and work collaboratively with Advisory Committee members to honor the Founder�s intent. 
7. Prepare an annual budget recommendation for the Founder.  Oversee all Foundation financial activity to ensure accuracy, integrity, sound fiscal practices, and compliance with IRS regulations.  Provide appropriate analysis and reports.
8. Identify, select and manage consultants and suppliers to Nokomis.  Negotiate and execute contracts and agreements.  Monitor performance and address issues or concerns with consultant or supplier. 

 Required Skills and Knowledge

• A strong interest and passion for the mission and vision of Nokomis Foundation
• Broad leadership and team building skills that can be applied at the Advisory Committee, staff, and community partner level. 
• Sound organizational abilities in management, operations, finance, and human resources. Aptitude with current technology.
• Experience in public policy analysis and development.
• Strategic thinking, planning and decision making skills. 
• Demonstrated public speaking, writing, and presentation skills. 
• Excellent oral communication skills and personal ease in public and social settings.

 Education and Experience

• Master�s degree preferred; bachelor�s degree required, with a preference for a degree in management, public policy, or social science.
• A minimum of seven years of program development and/or leadership experience.

Application Process

The President and CEO position is open until a candidate is selected with a goal of filling the role no later than January 1, 2010. The application deadline is Friday, October 30, 2009 or until filled.

Please furnish a letter describing interest in the position, current resume of qualifications and experience, salary requirements, and three professional references. 

Submit required documents electronically at [email protected] and indicate �President and CEO Search� in the subject line.

Alternately, application documents may be mailed to:

     President & CEO Search

     Nokomis Foundation

     161 Ottawa Ave NW, Ste 305-C

     Grand Rapids, MI 49503

If you are selected for an interview, you will be contacted directly. Thank you for your interest in Nokomis Foundation.

Nokomis Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Posted October 5, 2009

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