Virginia United Methodist Foundation Picks Kittleman & Associates to Find President
May 1, 2019 – Chicago-based search firm Kittleman & Associates has been enlisted to find a new president for the Virginia United Methodist Foundation. Principal Megan Lewis is leading the search. The organization is seeking an executive with the interest and ability to build a strong, supportive culture and to both manage and lead within the organization.
The Virginia United Methodist Foundation is poised to grow exponentially over the next five years, said the search firm. The foundation’s next president will be tasked with charting a path forward, promoting the mission of the organization, implementing a new organizational structure and focusing on creating a positive, supportive culture that values and nurtures the staff.
“The board will look to their new leader for partnership, adoption and execution of a new strategic plan that will drive new business,” said Kittleman & Associates. “Offering a wider assortment of services and investment opportunities, such as donor advised funds and charitable gift annuities, will be a focus.”
The foundation’s president will lead and administer this $98 million organization, said the search firm, providing executive management of board relations, strategic planning, external collaboration, investments and finance, and staff management and guidance.
Job Requirements
The next president will be expected to invest in and retain a diverse and inclusive team, said the search firm. The individual will have the opportunity to nurture a positive, inclusive internal culture. He or she will be expected to employ strong business acumen and financial savvy and will work with philanthropy and United Methodist stakeholders to strengthen and adapt the organization’s existing priorities within a changing landscape.
The Virginia United Methodist Foundation wants a proven non-profit leader with at least five years’ progressive leadership experience and a passion for the organization’s mission, said Kittleman & Associates. The selected candidate will be a visionary with strong strategic planning experience and skills. Experience in foundation work/ philanthropy and fundraising is preferable, though not a requirement. Candidates must have deep management experience and be a battle-tested leader. Strong financial acumen is essential.
The successful candidate will serve as the primary external representative of the Virginia United Methodist Foundation. The individual must be a relationship-based leader, comfortable with being the face of the organization, skilled in coalition building and working with diverse stakeholders, practiced at public speaking and able to understand the nuances of the United Methodist church and a faith-based organization, said Kittleman & Associates. An ability to build on the foundation’s reputation as a responsive, accessible and trusted partner is necessary.
Serving Non-Profits
A bachelor’s degree is required from an accredited college or university is required, and a master’s degree is desirable.
The Virginia United Methodist Foundation was formed in 1971 to provide stewardship education and manage assets for local churches, districts and agencies of the Virginia United Methodist Conference. Its activities include receiving, accepting, promoting and encouraging gifts, donations, contributions, bequests and devises for the use and benefit of the United Methodist Church. Additional beneficiaries are the institutions, agencies, boards, churches, schools and the programs, initiatives, and missions supported or sponsored by or affiliated with the United Methodist Church or the conference. The foundation has a 23-member board of directors, a majority of which is appointed by the conference.
Kittleman & Associates, established in 1963, is one of the nation’s oldest executive recruitment firms exclusively serving non-profit organizations. Search services include recruitment counsel, organizational assessment, development of position specifications, prospect research, source identification, candidate development, background assessment and verification, reference checking, offer preparation and transition assistance.
The firm has recently led searches for the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN), Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation, Space Center Houston, Paws With a Cause, Indiana Historical Society and Community Foundation for Muskegon County (CFMC).
Ms. Lewis joined Kittleman & Associates in 2008. She collaborates with clients in managing all aspects of the search process for CEO and senior-level management searches. She works directly with clients across a wide range of sectors including science museums, foundations, conservation and wildlife organizations, and social services agencies. Ms. Lewis has completed nearly 100 searches for CEOs and senior executives during her tenure.
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor; and Andrew W. Mitchell, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
