CarterBaldwin Executive Search Seeks CEO for M.J. Murdock charitable Trust
September 8, 2021 – CarterBaldwin Executive Search has been enlisted to find a chief executive officer for the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust in Vancouver, WA. The assignment is being led by partner Andrea McDaniel Smith and consultant Ted Wieber. In partnership with the board of trustees, the non-profit’s CEO is the primary steward of the foundation’s legacy and future, said the search firm. The CEO is expected to provide leadership and drive for continuous quality improvement and incremental innovation to ensure the continuance of the organization’s mission, the preservation of donor intent, and strong connectivity to the Murdock Trust’s current and prospective constituencies as it continues to grow in size and influence.
“The CEO will work proactively as a bridge builder and convener serving a wide variety of diverse constituent groups,” said the search firm. “Internally, he or she will hold overall responsibility for the planning, development, and execution of innovative, effective, and efficient Murdock Trust operations as the foundation manages thoughtful growth in its endowment and operations. She or he will also lead a highly effective Murdock Trust team and foster a culture of collegiality and mutual respect both inside the organization and as an effective public ambassador to the region and to the broader philanthropic community.” Essential responsibilities of the role include serving as a strategist and innovator; team builder; connector, community, and constituency relations; and general manager.
Developing Strategies
The CEO is expected to develop innovative strategies in conjunction with Murdock Trust staff to further the foundation’s mission through effective grants, enrichment programs and innovative strategies, said CarterBaldwin Executive Search. He or she convenes stakeholder groups to nurture strategic thinking on issues and concerns that are of particular interest to the Murdock Trust’s mission and trustees’ priorities. The individual must also meet with regional leaders, educators and sector specialists to strategize on priority needs of the region and bring to the Murdock Trust a big picture of emerging trends and effective practices. Prioritizing and initiating regular communication with regional and national philanthropic leaders who provide perspective and insight into national trends and issues is also essential.
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The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust wants a seasoned executive leader with senior leadership experience in non-profit, education, business, or government or in one or more fields served by the trust. Candidates should be highly relational with an ability to serve as a bridge-builder and convener with a genuine love of people from all backgrounds and walks of life. Broad and informed cultural competence and an engagement posture marked by openness, humility, curiosity and long-term commitment to relationships while serving a diverse community of constituents is critical.
CarterBaldwin said that prospects should have a servant leadership approach marked by humility and an understanding that leadership is a role from which to serve rather than a position to be served. Financial and business acumen, with experience overseeing operational budgets and institutional growth, is also essential. Candidates must possess outstanding leadership and communication skills with the ability to develop and clearly communicate vision in a way that inspires people to pursue excellence and helps others maintain a sense of direction and confidence even during times of uncertainty.
The M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust provides grants to organizations primarily in five states of the Pacific Northwest—Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington—that seek to strengthen the region’s educational, spiritual, and cultural base in creative and sustainable ways. Since its inception in the mid-1970s, the Murdock Trust has awarded more than 7,500 grants totaling more than $1.2 billion. The trust’s vision is to be a catalyst serving and strengthening non-profits who align with the trust mission and values working to advance human flourishing.
Respected Recruiters
Headquartered in Atlanta, CarterBaldwin provides executive search services in the healthcare, technology, non-profit, consumer services, industrial and media/telecom sectors. Its clients include name-brand institutions, such as KPMG, ADP, Teradata, First Data, Duke University, Pepperdine University, New York Life, Fleet Pride and Berkshire Hathaway. The firm is listed among a variety of rankings published by Hunt Scanlon Media, including its Top 50, Private Equity Power 75, and Top 40 Higher Education Search Firms.
Ms. McDaniel Smith directs CarterBaldwin’s office in Washington, D.C., and serves social sector clients including non-profit organizations, universities, foundations, and social enterprises. Prior to entering executive search, she gained extensive experience in public policy, public-private partnerships and non-profit organizations.
Mr. Wieber has significant international experience working within corporations, governments and universities. He brings a vast knowledge base to both the corporate and non-profit practices within CarterBaldwin. As a consultant, Mr. Wieber partners closely on CarterBaldwin’s C-suite and VP-level roles, for both mission-driven searches as well as the firm’s diverse client base.
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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; and Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media