Executive Director

Introduction to the Lima Community Foundation

In 1965, a group of 15 individuals saw a need for an organization to help support Lima and Allen County by connecting people who wanted to give back to the community through organizations that made a difference in our community.

Be one of the first applicants, read the complete overview of the role below, then send your application for consideration.

The Foundation now stewards more than 100 funds with assets totaling more than $7 million. The Foundation awards more than 75 scholarships each spring designated toward high school, college, and non-traditional students taking the next step in their academic and professional journeys.

Lima Community Foundation is poised to become a leading community resource not just for funding, but for information, advice, and advocacy.

The Opportunity

The Lima Community Foundation seeks a visionary, strategic leader to guide the Foundation’s continued growth and success.

As partner to a committed Board and generous supporters, the incoming Executive Director has a tremendous opportunity to make an impact on the community of Lima and Allen County.

Relationships are at the heart of the Foundation’s work. The incoming Executive Director will relish the chance to forge new connections while nurturing existing ones.

They will be a confident ambassador for Lima Community Foundation and Allen County, representing the whole community.

The incoming Executive Director will have their finger on the community’s pulse, working with the Board to identify the most pressing needs and adapting quickly to emerging priorities.

The incoming Executive Director will be the Foundation’s first permanent, full-time Executive Director. They will have the opportunity to work with the Board to identify a staffing model that aligns with the Foundation’s needs and growth trajectory.

They will also enjoy the partnership of E.S. Evans, a respected Lima-based accounting firm that handles the Foundation’s accounting and financial management.

Together, they will chart a course for the Lima Community Foundation that honors its history and positions it as a leader and convener around the causes that matter.

About the Position

The ideal candidate will have, or can quickly develop, a deep knowledge of Lima and Allen County’s challenges, opportunities, culture, and ambitions for the future.

They will be an exemplary verbal and written communicator and comfortable convening and facilitating conversations that uplift diverse voices.

They will bring an understanding of financial management and fundraising principles and operate with the utmost integrity, inspiring the trust and confidence of fundholders and donors.

Significant experience working with and leading voluntary groups, committees, and community organizations will be highly valued.

Required Qualifications

Candidates shall have the following desired qualifications :

• Five years’ experience in a management and leadership position with responsibility for serving diverse community constituents.
• Experience evaluating constituent needs and developing and implementing strategic and operational plans to meet the Foundation’s objectives.
• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, finance, nonprofit management, or related field or equivalent knowledge / experience.

Desired Qualifications

• Nonprofit sector leadership; fundraising and donor relations experience; Board relations; convening community stakeholders to meet community needs and objectives.
• Experience with grantmaking and / or foundation programs and management.
• Master’s degree in public administration or business administration.
• CFRE or Chartered Advisor on Philanthropy (CAP) designation.

Salary and Benefits

$60,000-$75,000 per year, commensurate with experience; health insurance; vacation; sick leave; access to professional development opportunities.

Application Process

Benefactor Group is pleased to be assisting the Lima Community Foundation with this executive search. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

All applications are considered highly confidential. To be considered for this position, please send a cover letter and resume in pdf format to :

Please do not contact Lima Community Foundation staff or the Board of Directors with questions or interest in the role. All inquiries about the position should be directed to Benefactor Group.

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