The Vovk Foundation was established to help children and families from Ukraine that have been impacted by Russia’s unjustified invasion. The Vovk Foundation, an applied for 501c(3) non-profit organization, will focus on helping 1) career development for undergraduate, graduate, and post graduate students of Ukrainian heritage pursuing studies in the performing arts, engineering, natural sciences, and/or medicine, 2) specific endeavors focused on the rebuilding of cities/villages, cultural centers, and infrastructure in Ukraine that have been damaged as a result of the war, 3) new technology development and commercialization efforts led by engineers/scientists/entrepreneurs of Ukrainian origin and 4) Ukrainians suffering long-term and/or degenerative ailments resulting from the war.

The Executive Director (ED) of the Vovk Foundation is responsible for fulfilling the organization’s mission by providing leadership, overseeing the day-to-day operations, and demonstrating strategic vision and operating excellence. The ED must display and act with an entrepreneurial demeanor to ensure the success of a new Foundation. The successful candidate will draw on their significant, well-established network of appropriate contacts. This critical and highly-visible position reports directly to the Board of Trustees.

Primary responsibilities and duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plan, organize, and direct the Foundation's day-to-day operations, working collaboratively with the Board in formulating and implementing the strategic direction and goals of the organization
• Define and execute a fundraising strategy focused on meeting the financial objectives as defined by the Board.
• Identify RFP/RFI responses as needed. Create and continuously expand an opportunity pipeline for grants, major gifts, etc.
• Engage actively with the global Ukrainian community (private and public) in pursuit of fundraising and partnering opportunities. Remain current with all associated trends.
• Actively pursue, without compromising fundraising activities, the growth of the Foundation’s asset base.
• Provide the leadership, communication, management skills and effective internal and external relations that provide transparency to the operations
• Oversee day-to-day operations by ensuring all adhere to organizational policies, best practices, and procedures
• Work closely with the Board and select outside advisors as necessary, to establish and communicate grant-making strategies and priorities. Define specific parameters, processes, and criteria for gifting/grant-making.
• Identify, plan, and execute events and initiatives to increase awareness and donor engagement.
• Create and implement a stewardship plan focused on recognizing past and present donor gifts.
• Define and execute a global communications strategy focused on Foundation activities, initiatives, donor base, and results from grant making/gifting.
• Maintain compliance with applicable laws governing a 501c(3) corporation

Desired Qualifications/Experience:

• Demonstrated success in a start-up nonprofit environment with a proven track record for fundraising
• Fluency in English and Ukrainian is highly desired
• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year accredited educational institution or equivalent
• Ability to interface with individuals, groups, associations, agencies, and organizations for fundraising and asset acquisition

Travel Requirement: 50% (estimated)

Location: Pittsburgh, PA

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $125,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Supplemental pay types:

• Bonus pay

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Pittsburgh, PA: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Willingness to travel:

• 50% (Required)

Work Location: In person