APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 31, 2026

 ANTICIPATED START DATE:       April 1, 2026

 TITLE:              The inaugural Executive Director

 ORGANIZATION:       Longview Community Foundation

A Community Foundation is a tax-exempt public charity that engages community members that wish to improve the quality of life in their region. 

A Community Foundation receives charitable gifts, manages charitable assets and makes charitable grants.  They offer several types of funds to help donors meet their charitable goals and community needs.

The LCF was created to channel generosity into lasting impact. Our goal is mobilize resources, connect donors and address critical community challenges.  The inaugural Executive Director will have a unique opportunity to shape the Longview Community Foundation from the ground up. They will be responsible for establishing systems, policies and donor engagement strategies.

 REPORTS TO:    Board of Directors  

 STATUS:           Exempt       HOURS:  40 hours per week

 SALARY:           Dependent on Experience (Range $100,000 to $125,000)

As a new organization, LCF is developing a comprehensive benefits package designed to attract and retain top talent. Details will be discussed during the interview process.

 TO APPLY:          (1) Resume:

(2) letter of interest/relevant experience;

(3) two professional and two personal references to:

 Kristen Ishihara

kristen@longviewestateplan.com  

Confidentiality note: All applications will be treated with strict confidentiality.

LCF Five-Year Plan

• Year One: Secure 25 Legacy Donors with $25,000 each to support LCF’s operations.
• Year Two: Hire an Executive Director, implement foundation software, and launch community outreach.
• Year Three: Revisit donors and secure additional $75,000 contributions ($25,000 for operations, $50,000 for the Forever Fund).
• Year Four: Grow the Longview Forever Fund to $1M+ and educate the community on charitable giving options like Donor-Advised Funds, Field of Interest Funds, and Scholarship Funds.
• Year Five: Reach $2M under management and begin awarding community grants from the Forever Fund.

  POSITION SUMMARY: The Executive Director of the Longview Community Foundation is responsible for the overall management, strategic direction and growth of the Foundation. The Executive Director works closely with the Board of Directors, donors, community partners, professional advisors and future staff to advance the Foundation’s philanthropic mission and vision. This role requires a dynamic and visionary leader with exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills, a deep commitment to community development and the ability to inspire and mobilize donors and other stakeholders.

RESPONSIBILITIES/TASKS:

 ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT

• Comfort with ambiguity, rolling up sleeves, and designing systems/processes from scratch.

COMMUNITY CONVENER

• Skill in bringing people together; business, nonprofits, philanthropy, government.

FUNDRAISING ARCHITECT

• Someone who can design a development strategy and hit the ground running with major gifts.
• Build and steward relationships with donors, individuals, businesses and nonprofits to secure financial support for the community’s initiatives. Identify and pursue new funding opportunities.

 COMMUNITY OUTREACH

• Continue to build public understanding and support for the LCF and its work.
• Serve as the philanthropic advisory/resource for area nonprofits and professional advisors.
• Engage in organizations that increase the visibility and benefit the profile of the LCF.

 BOARD AND STAFF COLLABORATION

• Partner with the Board of Directors, providing information to function effectively and make informed decisions.
• Supervise and lead a dedicated team, providing guidance, mentoring and professional development opportunities.
• Create a strategic plan and lead the Board and staff through future planning.

 FINANCIAL OVERSITE IN MANAGING FOUNDATION ASSETS

• Supervise the investment activities of the Foundation; work with investment firms and oversee investment strategies;
• Monitor and supervise all expenditures and grant-making activities;
• Maintain and grow the assets of the Foundation.

 ORGANIZATIONAL OPERATIONS

• Direct the planned giving and endowment programs;
• Prepare and monitor an operational budget for the Foundation
• Develop and oversee the Foundation database and investment reporting system;
• Oversee Foundation publications and other marketing and public relations.

POSITION EXPERIENCE & ABILITIES:

NOTE:  These requirements represent minimum levels in order to perform the job on a satisfactory basis.  Candidates must have the ability to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of the job.

The ideal candidate will have a passion for philanthropy as a vehicle to strengthen the community.

1. A bachelor’s degree is strongly required; advanced degree preferred. Equivalent professional experience may be considered.
2. Experience working at a Foundation, public charity or related philanthropic organization is strongly preferred
3. Experience starting or significantly scaling a nonprofit or initiative is highly desirable.
4. Senior level management experience strongly preferred
5. Demonstrated knowledge of and passion for the work of philanthropy in the community
6. Willingness to live/relocate in Longview
7. Excellent interpersonal skills to build and navigate relationships with donors, professional advisors, nonprofits, community leaders and other stakeholders
8. Fundraising experience in working with individuals, an understanding of endowments and planned giving fundraising strategies (real estate gifts, stock transfers and bequests)
9. Successful experience in making direct solicitation calls as well as developing cultivation and solicitation strategies
10. Visionary thinking and strategic planning capabilities to see opportunities for growth and attract people to support these opportunities
11. The aptitude to understand and communicate legal and tax concepts. The ability to relate to the professional advisor community (attorney, CPAs, financial advisors)
12. Comfort with supervising the investment activities of the Foundation. This does not require a financial background per se, but must be able to understand investment strategies and work effectively with investment firms.
13. Experience in working with a nonprofit board and other volunteers.
14. Strong management abilities to work with a talented highly effective staff to form a unified team
15. Ability to serve as the public face of LCF in the community