Rob Cathcart has served as the Foundation’s Executive Director for 20 years. He and the Board of Trustees have begun a succession plan for the ED position during 2019. As a result, the Board has initiated an executive search to seek his successor.
Executive Director (“ED”) reports to the 7-member Board of Trustees, which meets quarterly. Other important relationships include donors and their representatives, investment advisers, leaders of national and regional Christian ministries and churches, public and private sector community leaders, members of the media, the Foundation’s several investment managers, other outside financial advisors and the public at large. The ED supervises staff which currently consists of a full time Office Manager. The Executive Director is the chief executive and administrative officer of the organization. This person is responsible for giving leadership to the organization and its staff, and implementing the vision, mission, and core values. The ED works in partnership with the Board while being accountable to it, helping each Board member fulfill his/her role as Trustees. The ED shall represent the organization in all dealings with investment managers, other Christian churches and parachurch organizations, individuals, and the general public. This person will display a clear Christian witness in everyday life, including a good reputation in the community. The Trustees and others involved with the Foundation expect this person to lead by spiritual example, as well as displaying integrity in all dealings.
Candidates may come from a variety of professional backgrounds: a top executive of a comparable private or community foundation; a top executive of a complex nonprofit organization with a Christian mission such as a church or parachurch ministry; a “#2” or other senior leader at a similar organization who is professionally and spiritually prepared to step up to this kind of CEO-level position; an experienced for-profit leader with a background of service to Christian ministries and an interest in this kind of career path. This individual must demonstrate strong belief in and passion for the Christian mission of the Foundation and Biblically responsible philanthropy. Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
Outstanding opportunity for an executive from a foundation, Christian church or ministry, nonprofit or perhaps private sector executive with a heart for Christ to lead an organization committed to providing resources to advance the Gospel in Northeast Ohio and around the world. The Foundation enjoys a strong reputation with its donors, the advisor community and key Christian churches and ministries in the area along with solid fiscal and investment results. This ED position represents a leadership opportunity to bring IHS to “the next level” along with an exciting role in defining the Christian impact on the area for years to come.
For confidential consideration: We welcome your confidential nominations or referrals. Interested candidates should send a resume/CV in confidence to WAVERLY PARTNERS, the executive search firm retained by the Foundation’s Board on this search.