Chief Executive Officer

OverviewReporting to the Board of Trustees, the Executive Director (ED) is the chief executive officer of WFP and is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction and operational management of the organization. The ED will work with the Board to fulfill the organizational mission, lead staff, ensure financial stability through fundraising and development strategy, and program execution. The ideal candidate is a mission-driven leader, fundraiser, and relationship-builder with a track record of leading a collaborative, mission-driven team, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, developing and executing a comprehensive development strategy, cultivating donors, and driving systemic and programmatic change to fulfill WFP’s mission. As WFP’s outward-facing representative, the ED will steward funders, oversee external communications, and ensure long-term organizational sustainability through programmatic and financial leadership.WFP is open to seasoned professionals interested in fractional or interim roles, provided they bring significant development experience and can fully commit to the organization’s fundraising and leadership needs. ResponsibilitiesDevelop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with WFP’s mission and financial goals, with a focus on growing revenue and deepening donor engagementDrive annual fundraising of $2.5M+ through major gifts, donor campaigns, peer-to-peer initiatives, grants, benefit events, and sponsorshipsExpand and diversify funding through proactive cultivation of individual donors, foundations, corporations, and institutional partnersCultivate and steward relationships with individual donors, foundations, and institutional funders, maintaining a personal portfolio and engaging them through tailored outreach, events, and communications to build long-term supportLead preparation of compelling “cases for giving” for new programs, outlining projected impact, community benefit, funding needs, and potential risksEnsure timely grant writing and reporting, with strong stewardship practices that build long-term funder trust and supportLeverage digital platforms and campaigns to engage new audiences and increase recurring and unrestricted donationsStrategic Growth & External Partnerships: Collaborate with the Board in developing short- and long-term strategic plans that align with WFP’s mission, financial goals, and programmatic prioritiesOversee daily operations, staff management, and program implementationDevelop and ensure sound reporting, budgeting, and financial control of the organizationServe as the primary liaison to the Board of Trustees and support the Board of Trustees’ development, governance, and ongoing engagementEnsure compliance with federal, state, and locally funded grant programs and build relationships to maintain and strengthen governmental, private, and local partnershipsIdentify and pursue new programmatic opportunities or geographic expansions, presenting data-informed proposals for Board approvalCultivate strategic partnerships with private sector leaders, philanthropic institutions and community stakeholders to expand funding opportunities and organizational influenceLeverage professional networks to open doors to new donors, sponsors and mission-aligned corporate collaboratorsServe as a public ambassador for WFP at events, through publications and in key forums to amplify impact and increase visibilityOrganizational Leadership: Ensure ongoing programmatic excellence, rigorous program evaluation, and consistent quality of finance and administration, fundraising, communications, and systems; recommend timelines and resources needed to achieve the strategic goalsActively engage and energize WFP volunteers, board members, partnering organizations, and fundersSupport the Chair/President in driving and developing a highly-engaged and effective Board of TrusteesLead, coach, develop, and retain senior staff of 19 full-time and part-time employeesMaintain and oversee documented processes and procedures for all core operations and programs with WFP, enabling measurement of effectiveness and efficiencyEstablish and monitor systems to track scaling progress and regularly evaluate program components to measure successes for the board, funders, and constituentsDeliver and uphold effective and efficient delivery of programs and services, including direct delivery of services as necessaryPerform other duties as necessaryOperations & Compliance: Oversee a $2.5M annual budget ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainabilityEnsure compliance with nonprofit regulations, ethical fundraising standards, and grant reporting requirementsManage internal controls, annual audits, and vendor relationships to maintain operational integrity Qualifications/SkillsThe ED will be thoroughly committed to WFP’s mission. All candidates should have proven leadership, coaching, development and relationship management experience. Concrete demonstrable experience and other qualifications include:Minimum 12 years of nonprofit executive leadership experience, including experience as an Executive Director, CEO, or comparable leadership role in the nonprofit, public or private sectorProven success in private fundraising, including securing major private gifts ($5,000+), cultivating individual donors, and obtaining foundation grants and government supportExperience in managing, renewing, and executing government grant programs, particularly housing, legal services, Americorps, or other federal, state, and local governmental funding programsStrong experience in financial stewardship, with experience overseeing a nonprofit budget of $2.5 million or more and managing organization growthExperience working with a Board of Directors with the ability to cultivate existing Board member relationships and to develop prospective directors through the work of Board committeesTrack record of driving strategic outreach, marketing and public relations initiatives that resonate with diverse audiences and stakeholdersStrong written and verbal communication skills; a persuasive, thoughtful and passionate communicator with excellent interpersonal and multidisciplinary project skillsProficient computer skills, including Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office programs, electronic mail, and social media toolsHighly organized with the ability to multi-task and lead cross-functional teamsProactive problem-solvers with a creative and solutions-oriented mindset Compensation Package$110,000 to $175,000 pro rata based on time commitment and commensurate with experience and education.Medical insurance available for a full-time employee.Fifteen (15) days paid vacation. Twenty (20) days paid vacation after the third year. (Up to ten (10) unused vacation days may be rolled over each year.)Annual allowance for professional development up to $1,500.This role is based in Jersey City, NJ, but some remote work is possible. Seniority levelExecutiveEmployment typeFull-timeJob functionBusiness Development and SalesIndustriesLaw Practice #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-10-06