Overview of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa (CFNEIA):

We lead by developing meaningful connections with people and organizations who love where they live. Through our dedication to community collaboration, we gain both a broad understanding of the needs of our community and the means to address them. We strive for excellence in our stewardship of the financial resources entrusted to us, our engagement of volunteers and donors, and our grantmaking that supports nonprofit organizations.

We are proud to have a dynamic staff team who foster trusted relationships with one another. We believe we do our best work together and strive to create a culture where belonging is emphasized and employees are valued for their unique contributions. 

We are driven by our Mission – To inspire people and connect resources to enrich our communities.  We are guided by our Values – Collaboration, Equity, Leadership, and Trust. We strive for continual innovation in our work to maximize the impact made within the communities we serve.

Job Purpose:  
The Vice President of Community Impact provides strategic leadership to and management of the Community Impact Team, with a focus on transformational grantmaking, community engagement, and strengthening area nonprofits. The Vice President develops and advances Community Impact strategies; connects, integrates, and streamlines department functions; and drives outcomes that enhance the stakeholder experience and advance the Foundation’s Strategic Plan goals.        

Building on the established Community Impact model, this position works closely with the President & CEO to lead the continued integration of the full Impact Team’s work to strengthen the Foundation’s collective impact. The Vice President of Community Impact works closely with assigned Board Committee(s) and is a member of the staff Leadership Team and Impact Team. 

Duties:

Strategy, Vision and Leadership

• Advise the President & CEO and other members of the Leadership Team on grantmaking strategies.
• Serve as the liaison to the President & CEO and Distribution committees; effectively communicating critical grantmaking matters and updates.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the Foundation’s strategic goals and objectives.
• Provide leadership in support of the mission, vision and strategic priorities of the Foundation.
• Contribute to building an organizational culture fostering positivity and accountability from all staff.
• Collaborate with the Leadership Team to integrate annual work and budget to meet overall organizational objectives as defined in the Foundation’s Strategic Plan.
• Work with the Leadership Team on high-level future projections to guide the Foundation’s work
• Contribute to the Foundation Team’s learning strategies.

Team Development, Culture & Leadership

• Oversee, direct, and organize the work of the Community Impact Team.
• Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality.
• Engage in local and national industry groups to gain knowledge, insights, and perspectives that inform and strengthen the Foundation’s development and grantmaking work. 
• Ensure the Community Impact Team maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge base of the Foundation’s various fund types, including their purposes, restrictions, eligibility criteria, and grantmaking parameters.
• Establish and monitor the Community Impact Team goals, assign accountabilities, set objectives, establish priorities and conduct annual performance reviews.
• Ensure the Community Impact Team is maintaining accurate documentation of key processes.

Governance, Committee & Stakeholder Relations

• Speak publicly on behalf of the organization.
• Engage and listen to stakeholders to identify community needs and opportunities where the Foundation may be able to provide needed support – i.e. education, voice, resources, etc.
• Identify and coordinate efforts needed to support and expand relationships with key community partners.

Functional Leadership

Community Impact Leadership

• Lead and ensure the Foundation’s compliance with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations, including ongoing documentation, adherence, and reaccreditation requirements.
• Represent the Foundation in various community leadership roles as assigned.
• Work closely with the President & CEO in establishing regular Impact Team Meeting agendas aimed at driving progress on the Foundation’s Strategic Plan deliverables.
• Provide strong, collaborative leadership across teams to ensure charitable and transformational grantmaking strategies are fully integrated.
• Ensure best practices are in place to recruit, educate and support volunteers as they fulfill necessary activities key to successful grantmaking and management of funding  
• Utilize local community data to drive transformational grantmaking and address community needs.
• Represent the Foundation in community leadership and engagement efforts
• Promote the Foundation through presentations and involvement in public awareness events.
• Collaborate with the Marketing & Communications Team to promote the Foundation’s community impacts.

Responsibility Level:

The Vice President of Community Impact reports directly to the President & CEO. The Vice President is expected to be a strategic partner, to direct and facilitate, and to evaluate all grantmaking and nonprofit engagement activities for the Community Foundation. The Vice President will work effectively and collaboratively with assigned Board Committee members, staff, fundholders, volunteers, nonprofits, other foundations, and the community at large.

Skills/Qualifications/Personal Characteristics:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible professional experience in nonprofit, philanthropy, community development, or a related field required.
• Progressive leadership and supervisory experience, with a demonstrated ability to build, develop, and lead effective teams.
• Experience in grantmaking, fundraising, community engagement, and programmatic work.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, verbal, and public speaking skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships with people and communities representing diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences.
• Demonstrated strategic leadership, including the ability to develop multi-year plans, establish measurable goals, track outcomes, and lead positive organizational change.
• Strong judgement, analytical and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to solve complex problems, make sound decisions, and balance competing priorities.
• Experience with financial management, including budget development, monitoring, and accountability.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects effectively while working both independently and collaboratively.
• Strong database and data-management skills, with the ability to use data effectively to inform strategy, decision-making, and outcomes.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365, particularly Outlook, Teams, Word, and Excel.
• Commitment to learning and responsibly using artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to enhance efficiency, insights, and the quality of the Foundation’s work, while maintaining appropriate data privacy, security, accuracy, and human oversight.
• High integrity and a commitment to confidentiality, accountability, effectiveness, and efficiency.
• Commitment to the Foundation’s mission and values and demonstrated respect for the people and communities it serves.
• Ability to participate in occasional evening and weekend events and local or regional travel, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Travel

25% travel is expected for this position.

Salary

$103,000-$127,000 per year, based on experience and skills.

Application, cover letter, and resume are required. The application deadline is November 29, 2026.