Foundation for Seacoast Health
Executive Director Position Description 

Reports to – Board of Trustees

Job Summary – The Executive Director is responsible for executing the strategic plan, managing operations, and overseeing financial management and grant programs in accordance with FFSH's vision, mission, and strategic priorities. She/he also manages succession planning for the FFSH and  Portsmouth Regional Hospital Boards of Trustees.

Core Responsibilities and Essential Functions

 

Strategic Leadership – Serves as a catalyst by providing visionary and strategic leadership in grantmaking and operations with the Foundation Board of Trustees, staff, and key stakeholders. 

  • Develop and implement strategic initiatives to achieve FFSH’s mission and vision, aligning resources and priorities to maximize impact. 

  • Serve as a visible and influential advocate for the Foundation’s mission and priorities, engaging with community stakeholders, and collaborating with businesses, foundations, local and state officials, other nonprofits, supporters,  media, and the broader community to develop deep and lasting partnerships. 

  • Serve as a coalition builder, working throughout the region and state to achieve maximum impact.

  • Stay informed of local, state, regional and national issues and trends in philanthropy and apply knowledge as appropriate to the benefit of the Foundation. 

  • Analyze, evaluate, and communicate the Foundation’s current strategic position and status to the Board of Trustees. 

  • Represent the Foundation for Seacoast Health in the public arena. 

  • Serves as ex-officio member of the  Portsmouth Regional Hospital Board of Trustees.

Grantmaking and Impact  –  Working with the Community Investment Committee, design, direct, and evaluate the Foundation’s strategic initiatives using the grants process and convenings to transform systems and advance the health and well-being of Seacoast residents.

  • Build partnerships with key organizations and stakeholders in the health, social service, and philanthropic sectors to effectively address strategic grant priorities. Develop and sustain productive relationships with peer organizations and public funders, identifying opportunities to leverage Foundation community investments for greater social impact.  

  • Encourage an innovative and creative approach to philanthropy that meets the needs of grantees and the Seacoast region. 

  • Evaluate grant applications for soundness of project design and adequacy of the proposed program evaluation. Oversees due diligence on prospective grantees.  Works with the Community Investment Committee to create funding recommendations for the Board of Trustees. 

  • Work with the Community Investment Committee and Board to establish accountability standards and systems that track the foundation’s effectiveness and impact on the community.  

  • Oversee annual scholarship solicitations, participate in Committee discussions regarding applicants, and ensure the process is fair, confidential, and transparent.  

Governance and Planning – Work with the Board to articulate an inspiring vision for the Foundation and foster a culture of best practices. 

  • Work with the Board to ensure it is properly constituted and prepared to conduct effective governance. 

  • Provide for the coordination of Board and Committee meetings and communications.

  • Assist Foundation Trustees with long-range strategic planning, leading a process that ensures broad community, nonprofit, and constituent participation.   

  • Keep the Board of Trustees fully appraised regarding Foundation for Seacoast Health opportunities, issues, and challenges so that the Board is engaged and can carry out governance, financial oversight, and leadership roles.

  • Serve as the staff member to the Executive, Governance, Strategic Planning, and Community Investment Committees unless otherwise directed. 

  • Monitor HCA’s compliance with the Asset Purchase Agreement alerting Trustees to areas of concern or opportunity for improvement.

  • Ensure the proper care of the foundation’s history, culture, reputation, and image.  

  • Work with Portsmouth Regional Hospital Trustees to carry out responsibilities as defined in the hospital’s bylaws. 

Organizational and Operations Management – Effectively manage the day-to-day operations and cultivate a culture based on trust and respect and one that creates a sense of purpose and meaning for the team. 

  • Build and maintain an effective and efficient operating structure, motivate and supervise staff, and manage outsourced financial services. Through strong internal communication, provide clear direction to staff and contracted vendors.

  • Oversee human resources ensuring compliance with the organization’s policies as well as external regulations and laws.  

  • Work with the Treasurer and outsourced financial service vendor to develop an annual operating budget. Work closely with the Foundation’s contracted bookkeeper/accountant, investment advisors, and others to ensure that the Foundation’s needs in terms of financial reporting, asset management, protection, and growth are being met.

  • Ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards.

Required Skill, Qualifications, and Characteristics – FFSH is a great fit for a dynamic, charismatic, results-oriented leader who enjoys being an organization's public face. 

  • Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with a strong preference for an advanced degree.

  • Entrepreneurial mindset with skills in strategic planning and execution, and operational efficiencies.

  • Demonstrated success in building and scaling sustainable partnerships among diverse stakeholders.

  • Experience working in partnership with and engaging a Board of Directors. 

  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.

  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite products.

  • Familiarity with the Region is preferred.

Compensation

This is an exempt, hybrid position, averaging 32 hours a week, that will require frequent travel to Portsmouth, NH. The salary range is $110,000 to $130,000 commensurate with experience. Benefits include medical, dental; short-term disability insurance; professional development; paid holidays; paid time off (PTO); and parental leave.