Kappa Delta Foundation (KDF) Executive Director Position Profile June 2011 This profile provides information about KDF and the position of Executive Director. The profile is designed to assist individuals in assessing their interest in and qualifications for the position. The search for the Kappa Delta Foundation Executive Director is being conducted by: Pamela Kaul, President Association Strategies, Inc. 1111 North Fairfax Street Alexandria, VA 22314 Telephone: 703.683.0580 Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to Association Strategies, Inc. via our web site: www.assnstrategies.com. To learn more about Kappa Delta Foundation, go to www.kappadelta.org/foundation. The deadline for applications is July 31, 2011. 1
Profile Methodology: Kappa Delta Foundation Executive Director Position Profile The profile for the position of Executive Director was developed using organizational data; discussions with key stakeholders and staff; and responses to an online survey of stakeholders, including current and prior board members, alumnae, staff, and representatives from allied organizations. The interviews and survey were conducted to identify and prioritize the skills, knowledge, experience, qualifications, and qualities required and desired in an Executive Director. Information regarding activities and programs, organizational and cultural factors, and challenges and opportunities for Kappa Delta Foundation was also developed from the KDF web site, interviews, and survey information. About the Foundation Kappa Delta Foundation is an educational, leadership and charitable foundation which is an adjunct to national Kappa Delta Sorority. The Sorority, founded in 1897 by four women at State Female Normal School (now Longwood University) in Farmville, Virginia, now numbers over 220,000 members, with 142 active collegiate chapters and over 500 chartered alumnae chapters nationwide. The Sorority s vision is to provide opportunities and experiences that inspire women to greatness. Established in 1981, the Foundation s mission is to secure funds for the educational, leadership and philanthropic endeavors of Kappa Delta Sorority. Headquartered along with sorority staff in their own specially designed and constructed building in the prestigious Southwind section of Memphis, Tennessee, the Foundation has a staff of four and a $1.2 million operating budget. The Foundation maintains scholarship and community service awards programs for collegiate members and alumnae; solicits funds through an annual giving program and charitable fundraising campaigns; and provides grants to the Sorority for national conventions, leadership conferences and regional gatherings. The Sorority provides shared staffing services to the Foundation in areas such as information technology, communications, conference services, and financial and accounting services. The Foundation has a 12-member Board of Directors, including several members of the Sorority Board who serve both organizations. Programs, Grants and Awards Through the generous support of Kappa Deltas across the country, the Kappa Delta Foundation makes a difference in the lives of its members and in the lives of those less fortunate. Contributions from alumnae, collegians, and friends of Kappa Delta enable the Foundation to further its philanthropic efforts, providing support for the Sorority s four national philanthropies and numerous local community outreach programs, as well as fund scholarships and educational opportunities for KD members. These include: Kappa Delta Scholarships. At the 2011 National Convention the Foundation will award $127,000 in graduate and undergraduate scholarships to Kappa Delta sisters. 2
Leadership Conferences. With national regional leadership seminars each year, the Kappa Delta Foundation offers members a host of opportunities to learn leadership and interpersonal skills that help them become their best in college and beyond. KiDs Grants. Each year, the Foundation awards $25,000 in KiDs Grants to Kappa Delta alumnae chapters to provide financial support for prevention-oriented social action programs in the local community. Collegiate Community Service Awards. The Kappa Delta Foundation provides a monetary contribution to local nonprofit organizations in honor of those Kappa Delta collegians who are recognized for their outstanding involvement in the community. Georgia O Keeffe Museum Interns. In honor of one of its most notable alumnae, the Foundation provides funding for two Kappa Delta interns for the Georgia O Keeffe Museum s Art and Leadership Program for Girls. Prevent Child Abuse America. Since adopting Prevent Child Abuse America as a national philanthropy in 1972, Kappa Delta members have raised over $10.6 million to make a difference in the lives of children at risk in communities across the country. Girl Scouts of the USA. Not only do collegians and alumnae across the country serve as mentors, volunteers, and troop leaders for Girl Scouts, but the Kappa Delta Foundation contributes $10,000 in scholarships each year to the Girl Scout Gold Award Young Women of Distinction. Orthopaedic Research Awards. Donations to the Foundation enable Kappa Delta to endow three prestigious orthopaedic research awards totaling $60,000 annually and $1.3 million to date. Children s Hospital of Richmond, Virginia. Since adopting the hospital as its first national philanthropy in 1921, Kappa Delta has provided over $2.2 million, enabling the hospital to purchase much-needed equipment and supplies. In addition to the annual fund and charitable contributions that make the above programs possible and so successful, Kappa Deltas can: Purchase a Commemorative Brick. The brick entry way into the Kappa Delta Headquarters is lined with engraved bricks purchased by loyal Kappa Deltas who wish to show their support for Kappa Delta and its programs. Join the Dorothea Cavin Society. Kappa Delta sisters who notify headquarters that they have included Kappa Delta in their wills or other instruments of estate planning are honored by membership into the Dorothea Cavin Society. The Society is aptly named for the Kappa Delta whose generous bequest inaugurated the Kappa Delta Foundation. Give to the Kappa Delta Crisis Fund. Kappa Delta Sorority established the Crisis Fund in 1975 to assist initiated members in time of financial and/or personal crisis. The administration of the fund and its assets is under the direction of the Foundation to provide some immediate financial assistance in the form of a grant to an initiated member experiencing dire financial hardship. The Foundation also conducts events and special fundraising activities in conjunction with the Kappa Delta annual conferences and chapter-focused activities and challenges as well as ongoing efforts to encourage participation by Kappa Delta members and their communities. 3
Organizational Culture Kappa Delta is committed to inspiring each and every member to lead a values-based life and become a woman of greatness. The principles and ideals upon which the organization was founded are ingrained in everything the Sorority and Foundation do. These values are: Growth through lifetime learning Responsibility for our own integrity and ethical actions Engagement in social and civic interests Altruistic service to others Truth and loyalty to each other These values shape the passion and commitment of the leadership team, members, and staff. They are proud of their rich traditions, the beauty of their building, and the difference Kappa Delta has made in the lives of so many. Concurrent with the Foundation s search for an Executive Director, the Kappa Delta Sorority is seeking an Executive Director as well. By separating these two positions, formerly positioned as a single executive, the Sorority and the Foundation are embarking on a new structure that will facilitate a synergistic partnership between the two entities while supporting dedicated engagement to each organization s activities. The two Executive Directors will have the unique opportunity to shape their collaboration and relationships with their boards, staff and other leaders toward accomplishment of this new structure. The Kappa Delta community is known for being passionate about the projects, opportunities, and contributions to the betterment of the larger community such as scholarships, collaborations, and local chapter endeavors. Leaders often step forward to give back to the Sorority and Foundation because of the benefits they received and skills they were able to develop. The Foundation s staff for a number of years consisted of one fully-dedicated individual and shared resources from the Sorority for all other positions. Two additional full-time Foundation staff were recently added, blending the consistency that comes from staff longevity and the newer perspective contributed by recent hires. The Foundation staff reflect a strong sense of optimism that having new leadership from an Executive Director will provide, and they see much possibility as systems and structures are better focused on fundraising and donor cultivation. Staff describe the Kappa Delta team as a collegial group who willingly collaborate to accomplish common goals. While avoiding work silos, staff are keenly aware of the need to brand Kappa Delta and the Foundation with their unique qualities and to enhance communications reflective of the respective missions and goals. 4
Challenges and Opportunities The Foundation s staff and leaders describe Kappa Delta alumnae as loyal and cohesive, while many remain unaware of the activities and potential for growth and development. Donors have not been solicited through deliberate, strategic campaigns. There is a desire to now identify both new donors who are entering the work force as well as major donors who may be aging and in a position to bequeath gifts to this organization that has meant so much to them personally and professionally. Because Kappa Delta and the Foundation were jointly led by a long-tenured executive, the newlycreated positions of two Executive Directors being recruited concurrently presents unique opportunities as well as challenges. As is the case in most membership organizations, only a small percentage of members are concerned about the process of leadership changes, but those who do are passionate about the success of the process. For the two new executives, there is a unique opportunity to work in tandem, create the desired relationship with each other and with staff, and to set a tone that both reassures and creates optimism. For the Foundation Executive Director, outreach to existing and new stakeholders will be an imperative to begin to assess and prioritize potential funding sources and subsequently design a campaign positioned for success. The Foundation s Board is eager to work with a leader whose work is dedicated to the Foundation s specific strategic plan. Because the donor base is primarily Kappa Delta members, there are communications strategies that will need to be developed so that requests are targeted and wellunderstood. Successful projects have been launched with outside partners, such as the Confidence Coalition and the Girl Scouts. While stakeholders are proud of these successes, the leadership desires to pay careful attention that the unifying principles that connect Kappa Deltas are not undermined when such alliances are built. Building awareness of the strength and success of the Foundation s efforts will be a high priority for the Foundation in the near term, with a view in the future to establish new programs and projects by enlarging the donor base. There is also considerable interest in exploring funding from other foundations based on mutual program goals. 5
Executive Director Position Summary: The Executive Director of the Kappa Delta Foundation functions as the Chief Executive Officer for the Foundation and is responsible for implementation of the strategic goals, objectives and policies set by the Board of Directors. The incumbent will oversee financial and administrative management of the organization with integrity and diligence. Reports to: Kappa Delta Foundation Board of Directors Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Assist the Chair and Board in setting goal and objectives in alignment with the mission of the Foundation. Establish plans to achieve goals set by the Board of Directors Communicate consistently with the Board of Directors regarding progress on Board goals and objectives and any other relevant information Develop and sustain a diverse funding base for the Foundation. Emphasis will be on developing and implementing a fundraising strategy to increase donor base and cultivate major donors Lead staff in the development and implementation of short and long range plans and policies Manage the finances of the Foundation, including the development and recommendation of an annual budget for Board approval and management of the organization s resources within those budget allocations. Maintain effective systems of internal controls to account for all receipts and expenditure of funds Promote active and broad participation of volunteers Communicate a strong positive message regarding the Foundation to relevant stakeholders Educate undergraduate and alumnae members as to the importance of Foundation giving Collaborate closely with the Sorority Executive Director and staff to ensure clear communication channels between both entities. Education and Experience: The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor s degree and proven fundraising success and track record in a senior management or CEO position in a nonprofit organization. CFRE certification considered a plus. Experience or familiarity with sororities/fraternal organizations is an asset. The successful candidate will demonstrate considerable experience and success in the following areas: Experience working with a volunteer board of directors Strong background in fundraising in a non-profit environment preferably in a membership organization Successful track record in building donor relationships, creating major donor campaigns, and seeking funding from diverse sources Administrative experience including budget development, staff supervision and financial management Experience working with volunteers and a record of motivating volunteers to achieve an organizations goals 6
Communicates effectively with multiple audiences using a variety of formats including written and verbal presentations Experience using social media and technology in fundraising Marketing and public relations skills and experience Managing in environments undergoing substantial transition Developing and implementing strategic plans and initiatives and identifying and prioritizing short and long term goals, needs, and resources Grant writing and processes. Skills and Abilities: The following skills and abilities are important to the candidate s success in the position of Executive Director: 1. Visionary leadership to identify and meet challenges and capitalize on opportunities 2. Strong written and verbal communications skills 3. Ability to build consensus among diverse constituencies to further common goals and leverage resources and the organization s influence 4. Ability to build strong relationships with boards, members, chapters, and outside organizations. Personal Characteristics and Behaviors: The Executive Director will possess the following personal characteristics and behaviors: 1. Strong work ethic as evidenced by meeting deadlines, goals and commitments 2. Excellent management skills in organizing work, time, and overseeing staff 3. Honesty and high integrity 4. Inclusive, collaborative and collegial; a team-builder and consensus-builder 5. Innovative, creative and able to think about multi-dimensional possibilities in solving problems and dealing with issues or when presented with opportunities 6. Respectful of opposing points of view and differences of opinion; tactful and diplomatic; open to new ideas 7. Likable, approachable, accessible and welcoming to people in many walks of life 8. Inspirational and optimistic; able to motivate and engage others in effectively articulating organizational goals and vision. The organizational strategies that are considered most important for the Executive Director to pursue include (a) expanding the revenue base of the Foundation by cultivating and generating donors/donations; (b) working in partnership with the Foundation leaders, board members, Sorority leaders, and staff to achieve optimal leveraging of the Kappa Delta Sorority and Foundation; (3) overseeing and managing the operations of the Foundation to achieve goals and objectives; and (4) building the Foundation s reputation, alliances, and image with constituents and donors. Measures of Success: The Executive Director s success in the position will be measured by demonstrated progress in the following areas: 1. Strong relationships with the Board, staff and Sorority 2. Success in increasing contributions and donor base 3. Establishment of systems, structures and operational framework 4. Establishment of strategic goals and operational plans 5. Knowledge of and appreciation for the history, culture and value of Kappa Delta Sorority. 7