IEEE Foundation- Executive Director

IEEE•Piscataway, NJ

About The Position

The Executive Director provides strategic and operational leadership for the IEEE Foundation, IEEE’s philanthropic partner. Reporting jointly to the IEEE Executive Director and Foundation Board, the role advances the Foundation’s mission, oversees a $100M+ asset base, leads fundraising growth, manages a team of 12+, and serves as the primary liaison to the Foundation Board, IEEE leadership, donors, and external partners. Key Priorities: Grow and diversify philanthropic revenue beyond current levels. Shift fundraising to a proactive, relationship-driven model focused on major and principal gifts. Strengthen the Foundation’s visibility and impact across IEEE and externally. Build strategic partnerships and expand global fundraising capabilities. Engage and activate the Board as fundraising and ambassadorial leaders. Enhance donor stewardship, impact storytelling, and long-term philanthropic growth. Key Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership & Governance Partner with the Foundation Board to set strategy and priorities. Drive organizational performance, impact measurement, and governance excellence. Align Foundation efforts with IEEE’s public-imperative initiatives. Fundraising & External Relations Lead comprehensive fundraising efforts ($8M–$12M annually). Cultivate major donors, volunteers, and institutional partners. Develop compelling philanthropic opportunities and donor engagement strategies. Serve as the Foundation’s primary ambassador and spokesperson. Operations & Team Leadership Oversee day-to-day Foundation operations and staff management. Foster a high-performing, collaborative, and accountable team culture. Ensure effective execution of programs, agreements, and stakeholder partnerships. Financial Stewardship Manage budgeting, forecasting, investments, compliance, and risk management. Ensure sound governance and fiduciary oversight.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
CFRE and/or CAE credentials preferred.
Approximately 25% domestic and international travel.
Individuals currently serving on an IEEE board or committee are not eligible to apply.
This position is not budgeted for employer-sponsored immigration support, this includes all persons in F (both CPT and OPT), J, H, L, or O status.

Nice To Haves

15+ years of senior leadership experience in nonprofit, association, philanthropy, or mission-driven organizations.
Proven fundraising success, including major gifts and strategic development programs.
Experience working with Boards, volunteers, and matrixed organizations.
Strong financial, operational, governance, and change-management expertise.
Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and stakeholder engagement skills.
Global mindset with the ability to navigate complex, volunteer-driven environments.
Strategic, collaborative, and mission-driven leader.
Strong executive presence, integrity, and judgment.
Skilled influencer who can drive results without direct authority.
Adaptable, culturally agile, and relationship-focused.
Passionate about leveraging philanthropy and technology for social impact.

Responsibilities

Partner with the Foundation Board to set strategy and priorities.
Drive organizational performance, impact measurement, and governance excellence.
Align Foundation efforts with IEEE’s public-imperative initiatives.
Lead comprehensive fundraising efforts ($8M–$12M annually).
Cultivate major donors, volunteers, and institutional partners.
Develop compelling philanthropic opportunities and donor engagement strategies.
Serve as the Foundation’s primary ambassador and spokesperson.
Oversee day-to-day Foundation operations and staff management.
Foster a high-performing, collaborative, and accountable team culture.
Ensure effective execution of programs, agreements, and stakeholder partnerships.
Manage budgeting, forecasting, investments, compliance, and risk management.
Ensure sound governance and fiduciary oversight.