Description
About the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation:
The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation is the state’s community foundation, founded in 1962 by and for the people of New Hampshire.
We connect donor generosity with the work of nonprofits and the aspirations of students across the state.
For six decades, thousands of people have entrusted their charitable resources to the Foundation, creating a perpetual source of philanthropic capital. Today we distribute more than $80 million annually in grants and scholarships every year. Our team includes 59 dedicated professionals working statewide, governed by a highly engaged Board of Directors.
Our purpose is to make New Hampshire a more just, sustainable and vibrant community where everyone can thrive. Our current strategic plan, Together We Thrive, prioritizes advancing equity, racial justice, and economic security across the state.
About the Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund:
The Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund is a resource for the people of Coös County, New Hampshire, MRC Coaticook, Québec and neighboring communities.
As a fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, the Tillotson Fund supports priorities identified by people in the region and works with local partners to advance those priorities.
The Fund awards more than $5 million annually and has awarded more than $68 million since its inception in 2006. Its work is guided by local advisors and supported by Foundation staff who are based in the region.
Position Summary:
The Director of Tillotson Funds leads one of the largest and most innovative rural philanthropies in the United States. With more than $100 million in assets, the Tillotson Funds are deeply place-based, with a primary focus on New Hampshire’s North Country.
The Director brings experience living in and working on behalf of rural communities, superb interpersonal, project management and leadership skills, and a proven ability to build trust across diverse stakeholders and groups. This role requires a collaborative leader with a track record of strong relationship building, program leadership, and commitment to equity, racial justice, and economic security.
This is a full-time field-based role requiring residency in Northern New Hampshire and a home office. The position includes regular meetings in the Foundation’s main office in Concord. Travel across the region and state as needed.
Candidate Profile:
The Director of Tillotson Funds will be responsible for:
Strategic Leadership and Program Direction
Lead the overall strategy for the Tillotson Funds in partnership with advisors, staff, consultants, and community stakeholders.
Design and facilitate inclusive processes that engage community members in shaping priorities, solutions, and investments.
Oversee program design, implementation, and evaluation across the Foundation’s family of Tillotson Funds, including setting priorities and tracking progress across grantmaking, community engagement, communications, convenings, and advocacy.
Support and steward a diverse advisory committee, including its grantmaking, membership, learning, and evolving culture.
Ensure the voices of Coös County residents, especially those least heard, are centered in all aspects of the Funds’ work.
External Partnerships and Representation
Serve as the primary representative and spokesperson for the Tillotson Funds.
Build and maintain strong relationships with community leaders, nonprofits, public agencies, funders, elected officials, and regional partners.
Develop partnerships with public and private funders to enhance coordination and increase impact.
Represent the Tillotson Funds at regional, statewide, and national meetings and conferences.
Operations and Organizational Contribution
Manage staffing and financial resources in alignment with priorities, balancing community input, advisory guidance, organizational capacity, and donor intent.
Contribute to the leadership team of the Community Engagement and Impact department and align the Fund’s work with the Foundation’s broader strategy, initiatives, and policies.
Participate fully in organizational life, including staff learning, performance management, and events.
Model the Foundation’s values and contribute to a collaborative, and inclusive workplace culture.
Qualifications:
Requirements
The ideal candidate will have many but not necessarily all of the following professional and personal skills, competencies and characteristics:
Commitment to the Foundation’s purpose and the Together We Thrive strategic plan
Commitment to the vision, purpose and principles of the Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund
Understanding of program design, including needs assessment, community engagement, framework development, evidence-based decision making and evaluation
Experience facilitating collaboration among teams, community members, and stakeholders to advance shared priorities
Strong leadership experience with a collegial team-oriented approach
High level of emotional intelligence; and the ability to build trust across a diverse group of individuals and communities
Experience in place-based philanthropy and/or rural community development preferred
Commitment to the North Country region and/or surrounding communities in the US and Canada including knowledge of regional stakeholders and opportunities
Understanding of equity and social justice and the role of philanthropy in advancing them
Ability to work independently while thriving in a collaborative environment
Strong communication, presentation and facilitation skills across different formats and tailored to different audiences
intellectual curiosity and openness to explore new ideas
Strong judgment, discretion, and integrity, with the ability to maintain confidentiality
Ability to navigate complexity and manage competing priorities
Valid driver’s license
