Executive Director-Lowe's Foundation

Lowe's Home Centers•Mooresville, NC

18h•Onsite

About The Position

The Executive Director leads the Lowe’s Foundation and is accountable for its strategy, governance, philanthropic investments, operations, financial stewardship, external partnerships, and measurable impact. The role develops and executes the Foundation’s national skilled-trades strategy, leads grantmaking and signature initiatives, and stewards resources to scale effective solutions and strengthen the skilled-trades workforce ecosystem. The Executive Director provides strategic leadership for the Building Futures Skilled Trades Coalition, connecting the Foundation’s philanthropic investments, grantee network, and workforce-development expertise to a national cross-sector effort. The role serves as the primary management liaison to the Lowe’s Foundation Board of Directors, partners with Lowe’s executive leadership, and represents the Foundation with corporate, nonprofit, workforce, education, funding, and other stakeholders. The Foundation is a separate 501(c)(3) organization governed by an independent Board of Directors and bylaws. Based at Lowe’s headquarters in Mooresville, North Carolina, the Executive Director leads the Foundation’s strategy and operations, Board governance, financial planning and resource allocation, grantmaking, portfolio evaluation, partnerships, impact measurement, and team development. The role also represents the Foundation publicly and partners with Lowe’s functions to advance Foundation priorities and external engagement.

Requirements

At least 12 years of general experience in philanthropy, foundation or nonprofit leadership, social impact, workforce development, community relations, or related fields.
At least 7 years of experience leading people and/or cross-functional teams.
Demonstrated experience advising and partnering with Boards of Directors, executive leadership, and other senior stakeholders.
Experience managing significant budgets, philanthropic portfolios, or investment allocations and translating financial information into strategic decisions.
Demonstrated ability to represent an organization credibly with Boards, C-suite leaders, corporate partners, nonprofit executives, and external audiences.
Exceptional written, verbal, and public-speaking skills, including the ability to communicate complex strategy and impact to diverse audiences.

Nice To Haves

At least 10 years of functional experience leading complex strategies, teams, partnerships, and significant philanthropic investments.
At least 5 years of experience building strategic community, corporate, and cross-sector relationships and networks.
Experience leading multi-stakeholder partnerships, coalitions, collective-impact initiatives, or workforce-development ecosystems.
Experience developing impact measurement frameworks and using data, evaluation, and research to inform strategy and investment decisions.
Experience leading and developing high-performing teams in complex, matrixed organizations.

Responsibilities

Lead the Lowe’s Foundation’s strategic and operational stewardship, advancing its mission and aligning its work with Board priorities.
Develop, execute, and evolve the national skilled-trades strategy and lead execution of the Board-approved strategic plan.
Serve as the primary management liaison to the Board of Directors, lead Board meeting routines, and provide timely, accurate, decision-ready information.
Oversee Foundation governance, regulatory compliance, and risk management in partnership with the Board and relevant Lowe’s functions.
Oversee the Foundation’s financial strategy, annual budget, and resource allocation, stewarding Foundation assets and philanthropic capital.
Lead grantmaking strategy and skilled-trades initiatives, including program design, partner selection, due diligence, grant administration, grantee engagement, and evaluation.
Evaluate and evolve the philanthropic portfolio using research, data, and outcomes to scale proven approaches, strengthen nonprofit capacity, address ecosystem gaps, and revise or sunset investments as appropriate.
Provide strategic leadership for the Building Futures Skilled Trades Coalition, connecting Foundation strategy, investments, grantees, and expertise to coalition priorities and collective action.
Build and steward senior-level external relationships and cross-sector partnerships with employers, corporations, nonprofits, education and workforce organizations, industry associations, funders, and other stakeholders.
Represent the Foundation as a senior external voice and thought leader at industry forums, conferences, advisory bodies, and other strategic platforms.
Lead impact measurement and learning, establish outcomes and performance measures, and provide Board- and executive-level reporting.
Partner across Lowe’s, including Corporate Communications, Marketing, Events, Legal, and Government Affairs, to advance Foundation priorities, reputation, storytelling, events, and partnerships.
Build, lead, and develop a high-performing Foundation team and operating model, establishing accountability and developing talent and future leaders.