Chief Executive Officer

Empower Communities. Ignite Generosity. Lead Transformational Change.

The Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque (CFGD) is seeking a visionary, collaborative, and community-centered leader to serve as its next Chief Executive Officer. This is a rare opportunity to lead a nationally respected community foundation that has evolved into a Rural Development Hub, driving systems-level change across Greater Dubuque and the seven-county region it serves.

This is not a traditional foundation CEO role. While CFGD manages nearly $190 million in assets and makes strategic grants, philanthropy is just one small tool in the service of a larger mission. We have grown to be a Rural Development Hub: strengthening: communities, building systems, and supporting local leaders to create sustainable, equitable prosperity across the region. convening partners, building capacity, and addressing complex regional challenges through collaboration and trust-based leadership.

About the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque

Founded in 2003, CFGD envisions a vibrant, inclusive region where everyone can thrive. The Foundation mobilizes generosity, builds partnerships, and supports community-led solutions addressing housing, education, economic mobility, health, climate resilience, and civic life. Through affiliate foundations and regional collaboration, CFGD serves as a connector, convener, and catalyst for lasting change across 85 communities.

The Opportunity

The CEO serves as the Foundation’s chief connector, systems convener, and strategic leader, partnering closely with the Board of Directors to guide strategy, steward resources, and expand impact. This leader will balance multiple roles, including grantmaker, donor steward, convener, organizational leader, and regional ambassador, while fostering a culture rooted in collaboration, equity, and innovation.

The Board has developed a thoughtful and well-planned leadership transition. Founder and current CEO, Nancy Van Milligen, will continue in a primarily off-site Emeritus role focused on national partnerships, providing continuity and institutional knowledge as the new CEO assumes day-to-day leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Board Partnership

• Partner with the Board of Directors to advance CFGD’s strategic vision and long-term sustainability
• Engage board members as thought partners through meaningful dialogue, learning, and shared leadership

Organizational & People Leadership

• Lead and mentor a mission-driven team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, learning, and equity
• Develop leaders and systems that support organizational excellence and future growth

Community Convening & Regional Systems Leadership

• Serve as the region’s backbone leader by convening cross-sector partners and supporting community-led solutions
• Maintain a visible and trusted presence across the seven-county region

Donor Engagement & Resource Development

• Act as chief relationship builder with donors, fundholders, and partners
• Cultivate major gifts, grow endowments, and steward generosity as a long-term partnership

National Partnerships & Sector Leadership

• Represent CFGD in national philanthropic networks and collaborations
• Stay attuned to emerging trends to ensure relevance, innovation, and impact

Qualifications

• Proven executive leadership experience, preferably within the nonprofit, philanthropic, or community development sectors.
• Strong track record of engaging with boards, leading teams, managing donor relationships, and building partnerships.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience navigating complex stakeholder environments and managing strategic initiatives.
• Willingness and ability to travel nationally and regionally up to 6–8 times per year.
• Must have a minimum of a Bachelors degree, Masters degree is preferred
• Ideal candidate will have 10+ years of senior leadership experience and a proven track record of building teams and developing innovative community partnerships

Preferred Attributes

• The ideal CEO is an entrepreneurial, relational, and systems-oriented leader who understands that transformation, not transaction, is the goal. They bring:
• Proven executive leadership experience in philanthropy, nonprofit, community development, or related fields
• A strong track record of board partnership, donor engagement, and organizational leadership
• Deep commitment to community-driven solutions, equity, and collaboration
• Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and convening skills
• The ability to listen deeply, lead with humility, and mobilize diverse stakeholders toward shared outcomes

Compensation & Benefits

CFGD offers a competitive salary, negotiated based on experience and history of success, along with a generous benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement contributions, paid time off, and more.

How to Apply

The Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque has retained One Above HR, a national succession and transition firm, to support this search.

Submit a resume and cover letter to Sarah Hermanson at One Above HR, at ***email_hidden***.