About the Jack Miller Family Foundation
The Jack Miller Family Foundation has evolved from a kitchen top, loose, giving organization to a very organized philanthropic effort with clear goals and procedures. Jack Miller has provided clear guidance, both written, as well as by video recording, as to his giving priorities as well as what he does not want any giving to go for.
Jack loves America and feels we can best preserve it through proper education, at all levels. He also believes that the support of Judaism (and Jews), is critical, particularly in the United States and in Israel as well as the support of the Jewish State of Israel being an important priority. A lesser, but still important priority is giving to community and medical. While there is a good deal of latitude in terms of which organizations to give to, Donor’s Intent must be strictly observed and is clearly laid out as described above as well as in many of Jack’s other writings. To learn more about Jack and his giving philosophy, visit https://gojmff.org/who-we-are/history-and-principles/.
Position Summary
The Foundation is seeking a new Executive Director who will continue to advance the mission of the Foundation in its current programmatic focuses, as well as shaping the future of the Foundation, while leading and executing key operations of the Foundation. The Executive Director is the primary face of the Foundation, representing the Foundation with both internal and external constituencies. The Executive Director will be (or become) an expert in good philanthropic practice.
The Executive Director reports to Founder and Chairman of the Board, Jack Miller. The Executive Director will manage two foundation staff and work closely with the six board members, as well as nonprofits and community leaders.
The Executive Director will work from the Foundation’s Buffalo Grove, IL headquarters with the potential for some flexibility.
Major Responsibilities
Leadership
The Executive Director will be a respected leader representing the Foundation locally, regionally, and nationally. The Executive Director will also:
- Build and nurture relationships and partnerships with current and prospective grantees and funders
- Be professionally involved in the field of philanthropy by participating in events, seminars and conferences that are designed to strengthen and promote the field and in particular engagements that are important to the Foundation’s philanthropic efforts
Programs and Operational Management
The Executive Director will serve as an active partner to sustain current programs, look for new opportunities to fund, and ensure alignment with the Foundation’s mission and goals. The Executive Director will also:
- Actively assure that the programs and partnerships contribute to the Foundation’s goals
- Evaluate grant requests through analysis of previous performances and other relevant information
- Serve as an active partner to grantees as appropriate
- Explore opportunities to propose additional ideas and programs to advance the Foundation’s mission
and goals - Evaluate grants to measure and communicate the impact of the programs and initiatives supported by the Foundation
- Research and stay abreast of national and local issues, trends, exemplary programs, and best practices in the Foundation’s major program areas
Board of Directors Support
The Executive Director will lead the Foundation’s Board in its governance function. The Executive Director will also:
Facilitate Board and Committee meetings and activities including the preparation of agendas and materials, as well as finalize and record minutes of meetings.
- Manage the Foundation’s Board of Director’s discretionary grants program and next generation giving program
- Maintain clear lines of communication and provide well-defined opportunities for Board engagement and growth
- Keep board well informed even between meetings
Team Management and Development
The Executive Director will work to create a hardworking, results-oriented culture focused on the mission of the foundation. The Executive Director will also:
- Recruit, hire, and oversee training and orientation of staff members
- Provide strong ongoing supervision, management, and coaching to staff including regular evaluations, accountability, and professional development
Administrative
The Executive Director will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Foundation and ensures compliance with all policies and legal and contractual obligations. The Executive Director will also:
- Supervise the grant administration process and procedures
- Develop the budget and oversee the prudent financial management of the Foundation’s funds
- Develop, maintain, and enhance systems that allow for efficient and smooth functioning of Foundation operations, ensuring compliance with established policies and procedures
Ideal Experience and Characteristics for Success
- 10 years of management experience in philanthropy or other non-profit setting
- Commitment to the values and beliefs that embody the mission and philosophy of the Foundation which include a focus on education in our country’s founding principles and history, Jewish causes, medical and other causes that fit the foundation’s priorities.
- Unquestioned personal and professional integrity that will reflect favorably on the Foundation both internally and externally
- Excellent analytical ability, including the ability to summarize complex issues clearly and concisely and to develop and convey recommendations
- Well-developed interpersonal skills; superb oral and written communication skills; the ability to listen and present ideas clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences
- Experience in financial management and knowledge of financial instruments
- Experience serving as the face of an organization or program strongly preferred
- Knowledge of rules, regulations and best practices for family foundations preferred but not required
- Experience working with a family-led Board preferred but not required
- Master’s degree in a relevant area (public policy, social sciences, etc.) or law degree preferred but not required
Application Process
Qualified candidates should submit the following application materials (in order) in one PDF document:
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- A cover letter including:
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- Your philosophical interest in leading the Jack Miller Family Foundation
- An overview of your management experience and experience serving as the public face of an entity
- Desired salary range
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- Résumé
- A cover letter including:
Applications should be submitted to Talent Market via this link:
https://talentmarket.org/candidates/apply-for-your-dream-job/
Questions can be directed to Claire Kittle Dixon, Executive Director of Talent Market, who is assisting with the search: [email protected].
Only direct applications will be considered. No phone calls, please.
Talent Market is a nonprofit entity dedicated to promoting liberty by helping free-market nonprofits identify talent for critical roles. We provide consulting and recruiting services at no cost to 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations that clearly and directly focus on advancing the principles of economic freedom, free enterprise, free trade, free speech, property rights, rule of law, and limited regulation.
