Development Guild DDI Tapped to Find President for The Doe Fund
September 30, 2022 – Non-profit specialist recruitment firm Development Guild DDI has been enlisted to find the next president of The Doe Fund (TDF), which helps homeless and formerly incarcerated men rebuild their lives. Kieran McTague, senior vice president and director, New York, is leading the assignment.
The opening at the prominent New York City charity follows the death of founder and longtime president George T. McDonald in January 2021. His wife, Harriet Karr McDonald, has held the president’s role since shortly before his passing.
“Internally, TDF has been impacted by the recent passing of its founder and president,” said Development Guild DDI. “The organization is currently restructuring and building capacity to respond to the opportunities and urgency of the moment. The new president will work to provide stability and leadership, inspire and motivate staff, and build a culture that supports TDF’s mission.”
The Doe Fund’s new president must collaborate with the board and senior executives to position TDF as a resource in both local and national recovery efforts, said the search firm. This leader will be expected to ensure the continued success of the organization’s local program initiatives, enhance the relevance of and revenue generated by its innovative social enterprises, and position The Doe Fund as a scalable model capable of influencing policies and redirecting resources around homelessness and criminal justice reform.
Cross-Sector Partnerships
He or she must also develop cross-sector partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, policymakers, elected officials, private funders, thought-leaders, and change makers.
“This is an exceptional opportunity for a passionate and visionary change maker with business acumen to elevate a renowned organization with pioneering and award-winning programming to the next level of impact,” said Development Guild DDI. “The president will embrace innovation, foster alignment around strategy and vision, build TDF’s culture, lead the senior team, and allocate capital appropriately.
Key Qualifications
Candidates should have at least 15 to 20 years of prior executive experience as a successful leader of a related non-profit/ community-based organization/ government agency, said Development Guild DDI. A strong passion for the mission and programs of TDF is essential. Prospects must also have experience overseeing government contract execution and compliance; prior experience with the Department of Homeless Services is preferred.
A track record of generating diverse financial support for ambitious, innovative programming is critical for the role. Candidates must have the ability to review current organizational programs/structures and make recommendations that empower programmatic refinements. They should also possess strong financial management skills. Experience in developing and implementing cost-effective affordable/supportive buildings, using innovative financing strategies to revitalize neighborhoods is also vital.
Related: Development Guild DDI Seeks Executive Director for Fuller Craft Museum
The Doe Fund’s mission is to develop and implement cost-effective, holistic programs that meet the needs of a diverse population working to break the cycles of homelessness, addiction, and criminal recidivism. All of The Doe Fund’s programs and innovative business ventures ultimately strive to help homeless and formerly incarcerated individuals achieve permanent self-sufficiency. The Doe Fund’s flagship program, Ready, Willing & Able, employs a three-legged stool approach to recovery and reintegration that combines paid work, transitional housing, and holistic supportive services. The program has been replicated in six cities across the country.
Non-Profit Specialists
Development Guild DDI, which has offices in New York and Boston, was founded in 1978. The firm helps clients align leadership around a strategic vision with its planning, executive search, and fundraising services. The firm works with non-profits nationwide, partnering with leaders in academic medicine, higher education, arts and culture, human services, and others.
Development Guild’s clients, which number more than 500, have included: Boston Children’s Hospital, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Corcoran Gallery of Art, Holocaust Memorial Museum, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Nature Conservancy, Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, College of the Holy Cross, Partners in Health, University of Rhode Island Foundation, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, and the American Cancer Society.
Mr. McTague brings more than 25 years of experience to his work in partnering with non-profits, strengthening fundraising programs, and recruiting key talent for organizations. Across his career, Mr. McTague has designed and implemented campaigns ranging from $10 million to $225 million. Prior to joining Development Guild DDI, he served as executive vice president at Changing Our World. As a founding partner and member of its leadership team, he was responsible for designing and implementing successful capital, endowment, and operating programs and campaigns for a diverse array of non-profit institutions.
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; and Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
