Basic Needs Giving Partnership Executive Director

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Executive Director (ED) of Basic Needs Giving Partnership (BNGP) is a relational, values‑driven leader who advances the organization's mission by overseeing grantmaking, convenings, finances, and operations while holding both the big picture and day‑to‑day realities of a lean organization at the same time. In a highly visible funding organization, the ED balances listening and learning with clear communication, operational follow‑through, and action-oriented impact. The ED partners closely with the Board, U.S. Venture and key funding/community partners and positions the organization through systems and governance to end poverty in Northeast Wisconsin. This role is well‑suited for a nonprofit leader who leads with passion, humility, transparency, and moves from shared understanding to impactful action. This position requires a leader who can balance relationship-building and community voice with clear decision-making, operational discipline, and forward momentum.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Way of Working Leads with integrity, humility, transparency, and is action-oriented, setting the tone for how works gets done Works collaboratively with staff, board, and community partners, valuing various perspectives and lived experience Leans into tension thoughtfully, using it as an opportunity for learning, alignment, and progress Balances patience and bridge‑building with the ability to move toward decisions and action Fosters a culture of trust, learning, and accountability across staff, board, partners, and stakeholders Strategy, Learning & Community Insight Partners with staff, board, and community to make sense of community data, lived experience, and emerging needs Helps the organization refine and evolve its strategic focus over time Translates shared learning into clear priorities, decisions, measurement, and action Uses data & metrics as a tool for learning, accountability, and communicating impact not compliance alone Grantmaking & Convening Provides hands‑on leadership in grantmaking and convening work Ensures grantmaking reflects BNGP's values of trust‑based philanthropy, innovation, equity, and collaboration Uses convening to bring people together for community voice, learning, shared understanding, and action Operations & Organizational Excellence Lead day-to-day operations in a lean environment, ensuring strong execution across priorities Build and strengthen systems, workflows, and tools that support efficiency, clarity, and scalability Establish clear processes, roles, and expectations to support consistent performance Oversee budgeting, financial management, and compliance in partnership with the Board and external partners Manage key vendor and consultant relationships (e.g., legal, accounting, technology) Governance & Board Partnership Partners closely with the Board Chair and Vice Chair and U.S. Venture through regular check‑ins to ensure alignment and trust Clearly distinguishes between informing the board and board decision points, helping the board engage at a governance and strategic level Provides communication and shared learning transparently to inform decision‑making Works with the board to continually clarify decision‑making boundaries as the organization is more established Communications & External Presence Serves as a trusted, approachable ambassador for BNGP in the community Communicates in ways that are respectful, clear, grounded, and authentic Aligns words and actions so that BNGP and U.S. Venture's presence in the community reflects its values and strategy Maintains strong, collaborative relationships with key partner organizations, ensuring coordination, role clarity, and mutual accountability

TEAM LEADERSHIP

Lead as a player-coach, working alongside staff while building capacity over time Provide clear direction, feedback, and accountability while supporting growth and development Prioritize effectively and allocate time and resources in alignment with organizational goals Build a strong, collaborative team culture grounded in trust and shared ownership

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Substantial nonprofit and/or philanthropic leadership experience, ideally applying a collaborative and innovative approach Demonstrated experience managing or overseeing grantmaking, philanthropic strategy, convening, and learning practices that translate insight into action Demonstrated ability to lead both strategy and execution, particularly in lean or evolving environments Strong relationship‑building skills and high emotional intelligence, including the ability to recognize and navigate power dynamics with diverse stakeholders Experience convening and facilitating diverse groups resulting in shared learning, shared goals and collaborative action Willingness and ability to build a well‑rounded team and operational systems Ability to lead organizational excellence by identifying organizational and personal growth areas, develop others, delegate effectively, and hold accountability Passion for testing new ideas, executing plans, and making independent judgment calls while balancing collaborative decision‑making Strong operational leadership skills, including building systems, managing priorities, and ensuring follow-through Financial acumen, including experience with budgeting, reporting, and stewardship of funds

Preferred:

More than 5 years leading nonprofit organization and/or philanthropic work Established credibility and trusted relationships in Northeast Wisconsin

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

The successful Executive Director will consistently demonstrate: Integrity

• acting transparently, ethically, and with accountability Action-Oriented
• helping the organization move from discussion to follow‑through Humility
• leading without ego, valuing partnership, and remaining open to learning

CLOSING BNGP

is seeking a leader who takes the work seriously. A leader who believes lasting change happens through trust, collaboration, innovation, and shared action. This role is ideal for a nonprofit leader who is grounded, relational, and ready to lead the organization into its next chapter. This job description is not intended to be all‑inclusive. Duties, responsibilities, and priorities may change as organizational needs evolve.

Pay:

From $125,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Flexible schedule Health insurance Paid time off Parental leave Professional development assistance Vision insurance

Work Location:

Hybrid remote in Appleton, WI 54915