The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) is a professional association of individuals and organizations that generate philanthropic support for a wide variety of charitable institutions. Founded in 1960, AFP advances philanthropy through its 26,000 members in more than 240 chapters throughout the world – connected through offices in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. AFP has inspired global change and supported efforts that have generated over $1 trillion. Its individual and organizational members raise over $115 billion annually.
The AFP Foundations for Philanthropy enhance philanthropy and volunteerism through programs of education, research, and service that benefit those who lead, serve and support nonprofit institutions. The purpose of the Foundations is to generate resources for strategic initiatives that advance fundraising worldwide.
For the past several years, AFP has strengthened its financial management and operational systems to prepare for a new phase of growth and impact within the philanthropic sector. As the Association looks toward the future, they seek a President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) who will have overall responsibilities to strengthen existing association and foundation initiatives, foster new initiatives to ensure sustainability, and forward progress toward successfully advancing the collective AFP mission.
Reporting directly to the Chair of the Board, the CEO of AFP Global is responsible for the overall strategic direction, governance, and leadership of the organization, driving its continued growth and impact in alignment with its mission. This position serves as the CEO of the Association, AFP Canada, and the AFP Foundations. The President & CEO, in partnership with the Board Chair, will serve as the public face of both the membership Association and the Foundations, providing leadership across the entities and being an active and contributing leader within the nonprofit and philanthropic community globally.
Responsibilities:
- Championing AFP Global’s Mission: Developing and implementing strategic initiatives that advance AFP’s mission, ensuring its relevance and impact; leading the organization in promoting the highest standards of ethical fundraising and professional practice; and integrating AFP’s guiding principles of ethics and trust, professional preparation, advancing philanthropy, inclusivity, partnership and collaboration, and creativity and innovation into all aspects of the organization’s work.
- Strategic Vision and Leadership: Setting the strategic direction for the organization, crafting a compelling vision for the future; leading change; fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration,and innovation; leading the successful implementation of AFP’s strategic plan, overseeing operational plans, ensuring clear goals, measurable objectives, and effective performance metrics.
- Organizational Excellence and Governance: Driving continuous improvement and ensuring organizational effectiveness; building and empowering a high-performing team; maintaining strong governance practices and upholding the highest ethical standards; ensuring transparency and accountability to the Board of Directors and stakeholders.
- Membership and Engagement: Developing and implementing strategies to grow membership and increase member engagement; ensuring exceptional service and value to members and fostering long-term loyalty; cultivating a vibrant and inclusive community, connecting members and fostering knowledge sharing.
- Leadership of AFP Foundations: Providing leadership for AFP’s affiliated foundations; working collaboratively with the Board of Directors to set strategic direction for the foundations; partnering with Executive Vice Presidents of each foundation to develop and maintain strategic plans specific to each foundation’s focus area; championing the organization’s mission to external stakeholders; fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing between the foundations; cultivating relationships with key stakeholders in the philanthropic sector and advocating for the organization’s causes and priorities.
- Financial Sustainability and Fundraising: Overseeing the organization’s financial health and ensuring its long-term financial sustainability; in collaboration with the CFO and the Board’s Finance Committee, ensuring sound financial management practices; leading fundraising efforts for the association to diversify income streams, secure major gifts, and cultivate long-term donor relationships.
- Public Representation and Advocacy: Serving as the public face of AFP Global; building strong relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials, media representatives, and leaders in the philanthropic community; advocating for policies that support ethical fundraising and stronger philanthropy.
Ideal Candidate:
- Master’s degree or equivalent experience in nonprofit management, philanthropy, or a related field.
- 10+ years of proven leadership experience in senior executive roles within nonprofit organizations, preferably related to philanthropy and/or membership associations.
- Unwavering commitment to AFP’s mission and values, with a strong belief in the power of ethical fundraising to create positive change.
- Demonstrated track record of success in strategic planning, execution, and driving measurable results in complex organizational settings.
- Deep understanding of the philanthropic landscape, emerging trends in fundraising, and the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.
- Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills, including experience inspiring and motivating teams while building strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.
- Proven fundraising experience and success in securing major gifts, building donor relationships, and developing diversified funding strategies.
- Strong financial acumen, with experience in budgeting, financial management, and strategic resource allocation.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think strategically and make sound decisions.
- Proven commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and access.
- Willingness to travel extensively and represent AFP Global on a global stage.
- Expertise in building and managing high-performing teams.
- Strong advocacy and public speaking skills.
AFP’s U.S. office is located in Arlington, VA.
DRiWaterstone is proud to lead this search on behalf of the Association of Fundraising Professionals
