FOUNDATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RESUME EXAMPLE

Published: Mar 26, 2025 – The Foundation Executive Director leads strategic fundraising efforts, including directing a campaign for a Vision Health Center, managing major gift prospects, and overseeing annual fund initiatives to increase revenue. This position oversees the Foundation's Board of Directors, ensuring alignment with philanthropic goals, recruiting members, and facilitating informed decision-making. The director also drives government advocacy, grant acquisition, and staff management while reinforcing a culture of philanthropy and representing the organization in the community.

Tips for Foundation Executive Director Skills and Responsibilities on a Resume

1. Foundation Executive Director, Bright Horizons Foundation, Denver, CO

Job Summary: 

  • Help Hands grant program and Minority Achievement Awards program
  • Establish sound working relationships and cooperative arrangements with partner organizations, individual donors, and corporate funders
  • Serve as the primary spokesperson to constituents, the media, and the general public for the Foundation
  • Manage and grow the APAF Fellowship program
  • Maintain excellent working relationships with the SAMHSA program office
  • Work with the Legacy committee to grow fellowships consistently
  • Establish metrics for the program and ensure the program overachieves against those metrics
  • Work closely with the APA administration to ensure effective marketing, public and community relations, and communication efforts
  • Recruit and develop an effective foundation administration/staff team, with appropriate provisions for succession, that is in place
  • Maintain a climate that attracts, keeps, and motivates a diverse staff and volunteer team of top-quality people
  • Work with the program staff, finance staff, and the board in preparing an annual budget, seeing that the organization operates within guidelines


Skills on Resume: 

  • Grant Management (Hard Skills)
  • Partnerships (Soft Skills)
  • Public Relations (Soft Skills)
  • Fellowship Administration (Hard Skills)
  • Agency Collaboration (Soft Skills)
  • Metrics Development (Hard Skills)
  • Marketing Outreach (Soft Skills)
  • Budget Planning (Hard Skills)

2. Foundation Executive Director, Green Future Foundation, Austin, TX

Job Summary: 

  • Assist the Foundation Board of Directors in developing a Comprehensive Plan that sets forth the Foundation's mission, goals, strategies, objectives, and budget, and assist the Board in periodically evaluating and annually updating this plan.
  • Implement the Foundation Comprehensive Fundraising Plan.
  • Assist the Board in fulfilling its fiduciary responsibility by assisting in the development of policies and procedures for the financial and business management of the Foundation.
  • Manage the day-to-day business and finances of the Foundation according to policies and procedures established by the Board.
  • Assist the Board in developing and maintaining highly qualified members to govern and lead the foundation enterprise.
  • Provide functional liaison between the Foundation and the Nursing Center to coordinate the work of the Foundation with the various functions of the Nursing Center, especially finance, marketing, communications, public relations, etc.
  • Manage the development and implementation of all communications strategies for Foundation programs.
  • Serve on the PBNC department head team and participate in the planning process of the Nursing Center.
  • Develop and manage the budget for the Foundation and report variances monthly to the Executive Director.
  • Maintain and enhance personal expertise through appropriate educational experiences


Skills on Resume: 

  • Strategic Planning (Hard Skills)
  • Fundraising (Hard Skills)
  • Financial Management (Hard Skills)
  • Board Development (Soft Skills)
  • Business Operations (Hard Skills)
  • Stakeholder Coordination (Soft Skills)
  • Communication Strategy (Hard Skills)
  • Budget Management (Hard Skills)

3. Foundation Executive Director, Hope Springs Foundation, Portland, OR

Job Summary: 

  • In association with the Decatur Memorial Hospital President and Chief Executive Officer, plans, directs, and coordinates a development program to foster contributions to the Foundation.
  • In support of DMH, formulates, defines, and recommends to the President and Board of Directors of the Decatur Memorial Foundation fundraising goals and objectives that coordinate with the strategic goals of DMH Health System.
  • Establishes procedures for identifying, researching, and cultivating prospective donors to the Foundation, including individuals, businesses, foundations, and others, to generate new revenue funds.
  • Oversees Foundation and Hospital staff activities in soliciting prospective contributors.
  • Organizes groups for annual gifts, planned gifts, special campaigns, grant requests, and special events.
  • Manages the Foundation development office and monitors maintenance of records, pledge files, and prospect files.
  • Ensures the gift accounting methodologies are sound and efficient and remain in an accurate and up-to-date manner.
  • Supervises donor relations between the Foundation and Hospital staff and volunteers.
  • Prepares proposals and grant requests and assists in their presentation.
  • Ensures appropriate selection, training, and supervision of Hospital and Foundation staff.
  • Evaluates the performance of staff and volunteers, and ensures quality of service.
  • Reviews personnel actions, including pay increases, promotions, and disciplinary actions.
  • Acts as a primary communication vehicle between the Foundation and the President/Board of Directors.
  • Cooperates with Community Relations and Publications functions to ensure a positive image in the community.
  • Coordinates Auxiliary fund-raising activities, including shop operations and special sales.


Skills on Resume: 

  • Development Planning (Hard Skills)
  • Fundraising Strategy (Hard Skills)
  • Donor Cultivation (Soft Skills)
  • Grant Writing (Hard Skills)
  • Staff Supervision (Soft Skills)
  • Gift Accounting (Hard Skills)
  • Community Relations (Soft Skills)
  • Volunteer Management (Soft Skills)

4. Foundation Executive Director, Caring Hands Foundation, Miami, FL

Job Summary: 

  • Increase awareness of the APA Foundation and the valuable work in which it is engaged, using the foundation administration/staff to drive the increased awareness
  • Responsible for fundraising and developing resources necessary to support the Foundation’s mission
  • Grow general awareness and fund size to ensure the achievement of the Foundation’s long-term vision
  • Review the current foundation strategic plan/direction and recommend any changes to the Foundation Board Chair and Board for consideration and approval to achieve long-term Foundation success and execute approved strategies to the fullest
  • Ensure the Board Chair and Board are kept fully informed on the condition of the organization and all important factors influencing it
  • Provide leadership in developing programs, organizational, and financial plans with the Foundation Board Chair’s review and support.
  • Carry out plans and policies authorized by the Board
  • Maintain working knowledge of the latest trends in generating revenue to advance an organization’s mission, i.e., Text to Give, etc.
  • Develop and sustain a diverse funding base
  • Report fundraising results using technology and real-time data capture, with access to dashboards and fundraising metrics of greatest importance to the success of the Foundation
  • Manage external grant programs that increase the awareness of the field of Psychiatry


Skills on Resume: 

  • Foundation Awareness (Soft Skills)
  • Fundraising (Hard Skills)
  • Strategic Planning (Hard Skills)
  • Board Relations (Soft Skills)
  • Program Development (Hard Skills)
  • Revenue Generation (Hard Skills)
  • Funding Diversification (Hard Skills)
  • Grant Management (Hard Skills)

5. Foundation Executive Director, Global Reach Foundation, Seattle, WA

Job Summary: 

  • Provides overall direction and management for the day-to-day activities and resources of the Foundation Laboratories
  • Directs and manages Clinical Laboratory Services operations for the Foundation Laboratories, partnering effectively with the Laboratory Medical Director to ensure the continual provision of high-quality laboratory testing.
  • Participates in the evaluation, development, planning, and implementation of new business/service to support the SH Laboratory Service Line business and clinical goals.
  • Ensures laboratory procedures/systems are functioning at optimal levels and evaluates processes regularly for continual improvement.
  • Ensures services are provided in an effective and timely manner.
  • Ensures departmental procedures and processes are periodically reviewed for the potential to further improve the services provided.
  • Implements plans and carries out activities related to clinical coordination, participating in clinical effectiveness projects for Foundation affiliates.
  • Establishes effective physician (and other customer) forums to ensure high-quality, cost-effective, and strong clinical performance.
  • Collaborates with the SH Laboratory Executive Team (SH-LET) to establish annual Laboratory Service Line goals and objectives.
  • Ensures services are integrated, optimally coordinated, and support the organization’s mission and objectives.
  • Participates in Laboratory Service Line strategic planning and prioritizing.
  • Analyzes, determines, and coordinates service improvement and/or service development opportunities.
  • Provides operational guidance to Foundation Care Centers in the development of improved and/or new laboratory point-of-care testing that is aligned with the SH Laboratory Service Line business and clinical goals.


Skills on Resume: 

  • Laboratory Management (Hard Skills)
  • Clinical Operations (Hard Skills)
  • Business Development (Hard Skills)
  • Process Improvement (Hard Skills)
  • Service Coordination (Soft Skills)
  • Physician Relations (Soft Skills)
  • Strategic Planning (Hard Skills)
  • Operational Guidance (Hard Skills)

6. Foundation Executive Director, Heart of Gold Foundation, Phoenix, AZ

Job Summary: 

  • Responsible for the comprehensive development, implementation, administration, and evaluation of the Foundation and its fundraising efforts to fund capital needs, service growth, patient programs, education, research, and capital reserves through special events, annual campaigns, major gifts, grants, and planned giving.
  • Oversee all operational aspects and daily activities of the Foundation.
  • Provide leadership and direction to the Medical Center Board, administration, staff, volunteers, and community stakeholders to ensure the accomplishment of strategic objectives and revenue targets
  • Actively engage in the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of major and planned gift prospects for priority needs, capital campaigns, and the annual fund.
  • Ensure that all development activities are within budgeted parameters.
  • Monitor systems to achieve the greatest cost and labor efficiencies.
  • Communicate effectively with internal and external constituents.
  • Articulate and align the vision of the Foundation with the Medical Center.
  • Act as an ambassador for the Medical Center to the community. 
  • Provide donor recognition and stewardship.
  • Ensure that funds are raised and utilized following applicable laws, regulations, and donors' wishes.


Skills on Resume: 

  • Fundraising Strategy (Hard Skills)
  • Foundation Management (Hard Skills)
  • Leadership (Soft Skills)
  • Major Gift Solicitation (Hard Skills)
  • Budget Oversight (Hard Skills)
  • Donor Relations (Soft Skills)
  • Community Engagement (Soft Skills)
  • Regulatory Compliance (Hard Skills)

7. Foundation Executive Director, United Progress Foundation, Chicago, IL

Job Summary: 

  • Build effective partnerships with the President and members of the Board of Directors working to ensure all board members feel valued and participate fully in the work of the board.
  • Staff the Board and oversee appropriate staffing of Foundation committees, ensuring that their goals and objectives support the mission of the organization.
  • Work with the Foundation President to plan efficient and productive meetings by preparing meeting agendas that are aligned with the needs of the organization and focus on strategic discussions.
  • Encourage ongoing adaptation and improvement by providing timely and useful information to the Board by monitoring trends, changes in association and member needs, and other information that may affect the organization’s mission.
  • Oversee the periodic self-assessment of the Board’s performance as a tool for continual improvement and to identify areas of opportunity.
  • Ensure that all Foundation meetings and election processes are executed following the Foundation Bylaws.
  • Ensure Board approved policies are reviewed and updated regularly.
  • Advise the President on annual committee appointments
  • Inspire and motivate staff by helping them understand how their work supports the Foundation’s mission and goals.
  • Create a staff structure that supports the organization’s goals, objectives, and priorities and that is flexible as needs evolve.
  • Provide opportunities and encourage staff development, training, and teambuilding promoting individual growth and contributions to the decisions affecting their work in supporting the mission of the organization.
  • Ensure adequate resources to enable staff to maximize efficiency and productivity.
  • Ensure the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of programs and services.


Skills on Resume: 

  • Board Relations (Soft Skills)
  • Committee Management (Hard Skills)
  • Meeting Coordination (Hard Skills)
  • Strategic Planning (Hard Skills)
  • Policy Oversight (Hard Skills)
  • Staff Leadership (Soft Skills)
  • Team Development (Soft Skills)
  • Program Effectiveness (Hard Skills)

8. Foundation Executive Director, Pathways to Success Foundation, Minneapolis, MN

Job Summary: 

  • Direct a capital campaign to build a 30M+ Vision Health Center, build a volunteer campaign advisory board, direct campaign strategy and solicitation priorities, manage prospect lists, execute cultivation plans, prepare, and provide support to volunteers and staff for all aspects of the campaign
  • Oversee a comprehensive annual fund campaign, including personally managing a portfolio of major gift prospects ($25k+), and increasing the net revenue of current fundraising events
  • Manage a Foundation Board of Directors whose purpose is to support the philanthropic goals of the organization, recruit board members, provide reports, and other administrative support needed for the Board to make informed decisions
  • Partner with the Institute’s lobbyists in the acquisition of County, State, and Federal appropriations and/or recurring contributions, preparing appropriations requests and cases for support, advocating in Tallahassee
  • Oversee the strategy for increasing funding through grants, writing grants
  • Manage Foundation staff to ensure they are meeting desired goals and objectives
  • Oversee tracking and measurement of fundraising activities and restricted funds monthly with the accounting team to ensure the fundraising team reaches set goals
  • Serve in a leadership role in the organization, reinforcing a culture of philanthropy through participation in State of the Company addresses and developing forms of internal communication
  • Serve as an ambassador to the local community, including public speaking opportunities as they arise


Skills on Resume: 

  • Capital Campaign Management (Hard Skills)
  • Volunteer Board Development (Soft Skills)
  • Fundraising Strategy (Hard Skills)
  • Board Relations (Soft Skills)
  • Government Advocacy (Hard Skills)
  • Grant Writing (Hard Skills)
  • Staff Management (Soft Skills)
  • Community Engagement (Soft Skills)

9. Foundation Executive Director, New Dawn Foundation, Raleigh, NC

Job Summary: 

  • Works closely with the Board of Trustees to deliver upon the goals and objectives of the onePULSE Foundation.
  • Support board and community engagement to carry out the activities necessary for fulfilling the organization’s mission.
  • In partnership with the Board, develop and implement the strategy for the design, construction, programming, and opening of the National Pulse Memorial and Museum and Orlando Health Survivors Walk.
  • Oversees the Development staff and supports efforts with the Board to achieve annual fundraising goals through successful campaigns and programs.
  • Provides day-to-day leadership for effectively running an inclusive and diverse work environment, daily oversight including marketing, financial reporting, education, fundraising, scholarship management, and programs.
  • Works with the Board to create a strategic short-term and long-term plan, inclusive of policies, procedures and staff engagements.
  • Serves as the operational representative for the onePULSE Foundation, inclusive of programs as well as communicating a point of view for the organization to victims' families, survivors, first responders, and all affected, donors, agencies, public officials, partners, media, and the general public.
  • Administers the organization's budget and prepares financial reports for the Board and funders, inclusive of reporting that follows the nonprofit guidelines and requirements.
  • Provides oversight for grant proposals from local, state, and national funding sources.
  • Oversees preparations for and attends all Board of Trustees and committee meetings and provides reports and updates on the current state of business as well as solicits support for future programing or strategic efforts.


Skills on Resume: 

  • Board Relations (Soft Skills)
  • Community Engagement (Soft Skills)
  • Strategic Planning (Hard Skills)
  • Fundraising Management (Hard Skills)
  • Leadership (Soft Skills)
  • Public Relations (Soft Skills)
  • Budget Administration (Hard Skills)
  • Grant Oversight (Hard Skills)

10. Foundation Executive Director, Bridges for Change Foundation, Boston, MA

Job Summary: 

  • Lead strategic development, creation, and implementation of resources and administration of grants and programs that help drive economic empowerment in the Black community and other diverse communities.
  • Establish and manage organizational goals, define performance metrics, track program performance and efficiency, identify the audience, and ensure all services comply with standards and regulations.
  • Design and implement a fundraising, marketing, and communications plan that focuses on and ensures long-term success.
  • Partner with key NBA constituents to ensure accurate governance and operations.
  • Work with internal and external legal counsel to ensure that agreements, governance practices, and policies are detailed, updated, and consistently in place.
  • Develop and institute a budget, financials, and business planning processes, while ensuring the integrity of the Foundation’s financial health.
  • Build positive relationships and communication with all 30 NBA teams to ensure strong, locally implemented grants and partnerships in team markets.
  • Serve as a strategic advisor to philanthropic endeavors and provide recommendations that will help deepen the NBA’s commitment to racial equality and social justice.
  • Develop and oversee all grants/proposals, communicate Foundation strategy and dedication to the community, foster new grants, and align focus on new fundraising opportunities and relationships for the NBA and the Foundation.
  • Demonstrate positive relationship management and effective communication to provide timely responses and information vital for the Board to function and make informed decisions.
  • Represent the Foundation in meetings with grantees, donors, the media, members of the community, and/or various speaking engagements and conferences.
  • Develop positive relationships with partners, including NBA staff, NBA team staff, National Basketball Players Association, players, legends, coaches, donors, and leadership within public organizations.


Skills on Resume: 

  • Grant Administration (Hard Skills)
  • Program Management (Hard Skills)
  • Fundraising Strategy (Hard Skills)
  • Governance Compliance (Hard Skills)
  • Financial Planning (Hard Skills)
  • Community Engagement (Soft Skills)
  • Public Relations (Soft Skills)
  • Stakeholder Management (Soft Skills)