Executive Director
Women’s Philanthropy Institute (WPI)
Over the past three decades, the field of women’s philanthropy has evolved and grown rapidly, as has the Women’s Philanthropy Institute (WPI), founded in 1991 (known then as the National Network of Women as Philanthropists).
Women today hold 40 percent of global wealth, and across nearly every income level, WPI’s research shows that women are more likely to give – and, on average, give more – than men. WPI is the only academic institute dedicated to furthering the understanding of gender and philanthropy through research, education, and knowledge dissemination.
For more information please visit the Women’s Philanthropy Institute website.
REPORTS/RELATIONSHIPS:
This position will report directly to the Dean of the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.
BASIC FUNCTIONS:
WPI is seeking a visionary and magnetic Executive Director. This role is pivotal in advancing the institute’s mission: to elevate the understanding and impact of women’s philanthropy through rigorous research, education, and public engagement. The ideal candidate will be a compelling speaker, an innovative strategist, and a collaborative leader with an entrepreneurial spirit and experience in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors. This role requires someone who can serve as a bridge between research and practice, engage diverse audiences, and amplify WPI’s national and global presence.
Specific duties will include, but not necessarily be limited to:
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and implement a strategic vision that positions WPI as a thought leader in women’s philanthropy.
- Build and manage a high-performing team, fostering a collaborative and innovative culture.
- Lead the development of WPI’s next strategic plan, ensuring alignment with the broader goals of the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.
Fundraising and Business Development
- Cultivate relationships with donors, corporate partners, and foundations.
- Lead fundraising efforts to secure necessary resources for WPI’s ambitious agenda, with a focus on research funding.
- Collaborate with university leadership to navigate the complexities of fundraising within the academic environment.
Public Engagement
- Serve as the primary spokesperson for WPI, delivering compelling presentations and representing the institute at high-profile events such as Aspen Ideas.
- Amplify WPI’s research and influence, connecting with diverse communities and expanding its national and international reach.
- Act as an ambassador for women’s philanthropy, advocating for the importance of continued research and its practical applications.
Research and Practice Integration
- Ensure that research findings are effectively translated into practice, influencing policy and philanthropy on a broad scale.
- Work closely with the Chair in Women’s Philanthropy to develop and advance WPI’s research agenda.
- Collaborate with practitioners to explore new and innovative ways to apply research to real-world challenges in philanthropy.
Diversity and Inclusion
- Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion within WPI, both in its internal operations and external engagements.
- Seek opportunities to engage with and support underrepresented communities, ensuring that WPI’s work reflects the diversity of women’s experiences in philanthropy.
- Prioritize the recruitment and development of diverse talent within WPI’s team, with an emphasis on empowering women of color in leadership roles.
Operational Management
- Oversee WPI’s day-to-day operations, ensuring efficiency and alignment with strategic goals.
- Manage the institute’s budget and resources, making strategic decisions to maximize impact.
- Provide mentorship and support to staff, fostering professional growth and collaboration across the team.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Strong background in nonprofit and/or for-profit sectors, with deep understanding and experience in philanthropy and fundraising.
- Proven experience as a visionary leader, capable of driving strategic initiatives and inspiring diverse audiences.
- Strong organizational and management skills, with experience overseeing operations, budgets, and staff in a nonprofit or academic setting.
- Exceptional public speaking and storytelling skills, with the ability to communicate complex ideas to non-academic audiences.
- Entrepreneurial with the capacity to think creatively and embrace innovative approaches to challenges, while balancing tradition with forward-thinking strategies.
- A track record of successful fundraising and development.
- Strong analytical and strategic planning skills, with the ability to identify opportunities for growth and innovation in a dynamic environment.
- Demonstrated ability to build and sustain collaborative relationships with stakeholders across various sectors, including academia, nonprofit, and for-profit industries.
- Commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, with experience in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion internally, externally, and with underrepresented communities to advance equity in philanthropy.
- Ability to translate academic research into practical applications, driving real-world impact and influencing policy and practice in philanthropy.
- Awareness of global trends in philanthropy and strong networks within philanthropy, academia, and the broader nonprofit sector.
- Willingness to travel and represent WPI on a global stage and engage with global stakeholders.
- Ability to engage with and understand diverse cultural contexts, ensuring that WPI’s work resonates with a wide range of communities.
- Skilled in navigating complex institutional environments, with the ability to integrate academic and practical perspectives and manage relationships diplomatically and effectively within academia and beyond.
- Advanced degree preferred, with significant experience in leadership roles within philanthropy or related fields.
COMPENSATION:
Compensation will be commensurate with experience including a competitive base salary and competitive benefits package.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Robin Bagby, Senior Associate
[email protected]
704.377.0362