Independent Trustee
Location - Flexible
Website: The Nathan Cummings Foundation
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Nathan Cummings Foundation (NCF) is pleased to invite nominations and applications for an Independent Trustee of the Board of Directors. NCF is in the midst of a transformative and exciting time and is building upon the family’s legacy of commitment to social, economic, and climate justice in the planning and decisions of a new strategic era that will demonstrate the family's values in an increasingly urgent national and global context. Rooted in Jewish tradition and the principle Tikkun Olam, which positions justice as a pathway to repair the world, NCF is guided by its founding values. The trustees and staff uphold the legacy of Nathan Cummings through a commitment to justice and equity, interdependence, listening and learning, courageous transformation, and integrity in all that they do.
The new Independent Trustee will join the board of 15, including ten (10) family members and four (4) additional independent trustees (recent announcement) in realizing the full potential, power, and impact of a foundation to use its leadership, grantmaking, and endowment to support the Foundation’s focus areas. With a new CEO incoming, a new investment strategy pending, and new trustee-level commitments to turn attention not only to next stage of grantmaking but also inward together with the staff, NCF is boldly and decisively answering the call for philanthropy to examine how its structures, systems, and practices support or hinder race equity and effective governance. The new trustee will bring their extensive professional and personal expertise to the Board to advise on governance, strategy, capacity building, and other Foundation priorities in this exciting time.
The ideal candidate for Independent Trustee will first and foremost share NCF’s commitment to equity and justice and will complement and broaden the skills, experiences, and expertise currently reflected on the Board. The new trustee will commit the time and attention to fully participate in the work of the Board and will be a representative of the Foundation.
Success in this role will require someone who is:
An exceptional relationship builder who nurtures positive rapport, trust, and transparency across a diverse Board and staff;
A curious learner with an interest in Israeli and global issues and comfort with Jewish heritage;
A bold thinker, dynamic public communicator, and bridge-builder who can articulate and amplify the Foundation’s values, and who can elevate interconnection across generations of lived experience;
An experienced leader, demonstrating humility and strength in change management, governance, and organizational leadership;
A committed partner, wiling to engage deeply during this dynamic time for the Foundation.
TO APPLY
The Nathan Cummings Foundation is assisted in this search by Katherine Jacobs and Paola Peacock-Villada of the national talent strategy firm NPAG. Due to the pace of this search, candidates are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Candidates may submit their cover letter, outlining their interest and qualifications, along with their resume via NPAG’s candidate portal.
The Nathan Cummings Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+, and other underrepresented applicants.
OUR LEAD
She/Her/Hers
CEO
As a trained psychologist, teacher, researcher, and consultant with twenty years of experience both in the U.S. and abroad, Katherine guides organizations through change with particular expertise in founder transitions, facilitation of Board and executive level decisions, and the implications for growth and strategic talent development.