The Toy Foundation (TF) is looking for an Executive Director. This is the perfect opportunity for a seasoned individual to bring a collegial and entrepreneurial leadership style to a role involving commitment to and understanding of effective management and philanthropy best practices within a business construct. The ideal candidate should be a collaborative and results-driven leader with expertise in child development, toys, and play. The ED will interact with the Executive Committee and Trustees of The Toy Foundation, and select Association board members as needed to help advance the Foundation.
See the following link for a full description including key responsibilities & the ideal candidate’s qualifications: https://rb.gy/bjd32u.
Applicants should apply with a resume and cover letter that references their experience in relation to the qualifications listed in the job description. No phone inquiries will be accepted, all inquiries and resumes should be submitted via email to tfsearch2021@gmail.com.
Leadership
5+ years’ experience in senior management and direct supervision of employees required.
Team player with superior interpersonal skills as well as capacity to engage in critical thinking and analysis of programs and service delivery.
Track record of successful organizational change and/or results-driven institutional advancement.
Demonstrated commitment to Social Justice, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access
Proven ability to build and foster internal and external relationships with the goal of new partnerships and building consensus across all levels
An entrepreneurial leadership style that encourages teamwork, collaboration, staff development, and effective delegation while inspiring and motivating all parties
Fundraising Experience
A minimum of 5 years’ experience of successful fundraising including major donors, grant-writing, and developing corporate partnerships
Proven experience as a creative fundraiser with the ability to secure revenue and financial support from new and diverse sources
A history of building and maintaining strong donor and funder relationships
Experience with cause-related marketing campaigns with demonstrated results
Industry Experience
Passion for children with a commitment to advancing the mission of The Toy Foundation, the scientifically proven developmental benefits of childhood play, and building understanding of the broad toy industry's deep commitment to philanthropy, ethical production and societal benefit.
Prior experience working with industry associations and memberships preferably in the area of toys and play
Knowledge of child development or serving child and family populations
Prior experience with foundations and grant making preferably in a foundation setting
Nonprofit Management
Foundation or nonprofit Board management and communications experience
Prior experience with foundation policies and procedures including compliance
Experience with events planning and volunteer management
Strategic planning and execution of mission driven strategy with the ability to measure and track impact with data and KPIs
Fiscal Management
Demonstrated business acumen and experience in developing a sustainable business model with secure and diverse revenue streams
Demonstrated administrative, financial, and budget management skills
Programming
History of effective grant making and program planning with the ability to implement strategic vision
Prior experience with building, developing or expanding programs preferably in the areas of toys and play and children and families
Appreciation of the role of research and the use of data to inform and support an effective outcome model that measures and communicates the vision, mission, success and impact of the organization
Experience with developing and launching innovative, new partnerships preferably with Fortune 500 companies
Communications: Internal and External
Ability to articulate TTF’s mission, philosophy and core values effectively to a diverse group of stakeholders
Credible and persuasive verbal and written communication skills, especially with c-suite level leaders
Experience as a spokesperson for an industry or cause
Technology
Familiarity with iMIS and web-based donor management platforms
Familiarity with social media and web-based communications tools
Competence with Office productivity tools
About The Toy Foundation
Based in midtown Manhattan, The Toy Foundation (TF) is an established 501(c)(3) children’s charity operating as a related foundation under the umbrella of The Toy Association (TA), a 501(c)(6) organization. The Toy Foundation mission is to promote play, and provide joy and comfort to children in difficult situations and to be the voice of the North American toy industry highlighting its charitable giving and social responsibility work. The Foundation maintains a staff of three supported by the 46 staff members and resources of the Association who remain committed to the advancement and success of the Foundation.
Established in 1961, and relaunched by The Toy Association in 2003, the Foundation represents the toy industry and maintains efforts to positively impact the lives of children. Through a new signature program conducted in partnership with the National Association of Children’s Hospitals and Related Institutes, the Foundation is supporting programs that serve children with severe illness or undergoing complicated medical procedures. Additional programs focus on young people enduring temporary placements in the foster care system, suffering from abuse or neglect, experien...cing separation from a first responder or parent serving in the military, or this past year children whose lives have been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This year the Foundation is also focusing on working with company partners to create a job pipeline into the toy industry for underrepresented populations, one way the Foundation and industry combat inequity and racism.
With the support of the toy and play community and its generous donors, including toy manufacturers, retailers, distributors, and licensors, The Toy Foundation’s major toy distribution program, The Toy Bank, has provided $200 million in toys to 24 million children in need. The organization enjoys an excellent financial standing and sufficient reserves.
