Executive Director

The William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund's (GMF) mission is to achieve equity in education by working with those affected and inspiring all to end racism and poverty. We envision education systems throughout Connecticut that are just, and that respect, value, and equip everyone to build thriving, liberated and equitable communities. We understand that our mission is to be part of the larger work of bringing about justice and equity in the United States. We focus on education as both a process and tool for personal and social transformations, recognizing that it remains a central institution in U.S. society that requires transformation. We work to center the experiences and wisdom of communities of color and those living in or near poverty as indispensable to identifying the issues and designing the solutions needed. We seek to inspire all to end racism and poverty, two of the most significant root causes of inequity in the United States. We focus our work in Connecticut as our home state and a state of stark inequity.

As a funder, we challenge ourselves to consider this fundamental question: "What actions will be disruptive to deeply entrenched, institutionalized systems of racism and poverty so that true transformation toward antiracism and full inclusion will occur in our schools, communities, and society to allow equity in education to become a reality?"

Based in Connecticut, GMF has a committed and passionate team of ~10 full-time staff and a dedicated and active Board of Trustees. Our work culture is collaborative and driven by our principles of intentional and authentic collaboration, transparency, taking risks and making space for others to take risks, disrupting systems of inequity, and transforming our communities so they are just and inclusive.

More information can be found at the William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund website.

The Executive Director (ED) will lead GMF in demonstrating how philanthropy can take an active role in building community power, dismantling white supremacy, and transforming inequitable systems. Leading strategic visioning and planning for the organization, the ED will represent GMF in the community, incorporating and uplifting community voice. Additionally, the ED oversees and manages the programmatic and operational functions of GMF, including grant portfolio strategy and management, investment strategies, and internal support functions.

Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the ED will provide strategic thought leadership to support staff and within the philanthropic community. Bringing a deep commitment to authentic community engagement, the ED will be the primary representative of GMF in the community. This is an ideal opportunity for an innovative leader who is deeply committed to racial and economic equity, entrepreneurial in their approach to philanthropy, and driven by engaging with affected communities to unearth transformative solutions.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Leading the vision and strategy of GMF, ensuring innovative investment strategies and advocacy that builds community power, disrupts institutional inequity, and transforms systems
• Serving as a thought leader in philanthropy, pushing the philanthropic community to recognize power imbalances and embrace new models of engagement that uplift community voices and community-driven solutions
• Representing GMF in the community by actively and authentically engaging with stakeholders – organizational/political leaders, organizers, and neighborhood leaders – that represent the diversity of Connecticut's expansive communities
• Serving as an inspirational leader for the GMF team, providing strategic guidance and thought partnership that helps connect the dots across GMF's priorities
• Supervising all administrative aspects of GMFs day-to-day operations to ensure its effectiveness across a range of functions (e.g. finance, HR, legal)
• Serving as a thought partner to the Board of Trustees in creating GMF's annual strategic priorities and goals
• Preparing for and participating in Board meetings with the Fund's Trustees, strategically engaging the Board in key decisions and ensuring operational and financial compliance

• Deep commitment to GMF's mission and values
• 10+ years of professional experience with significant leadership experience, ideally in community-driven, systems-level work
• A strong knowledge and understanding of best practices in dismantling systems of oppression within institutions
• Experience collaborating with a diverse spectrum of partners and stakeholders across multiple issue areas and organization types, including nonprofits, community-based organizations, schools, and other philanthropic organizations
• Strong managerial experience having managed high-performing teams to meet ambitious goals
• Superior verbal and written communication skills with the ability to inspire and persuade others
• An unwavering commitment to diversity, racial equity, and inclusion, and experience integrating these values into all aspects of their work

Location: Hamden, CT

The compensation range for this position is $275K - $300K. GMF offers a competitive benefits package including 100% employer-paid health and dental insurance, long-term and short-term disability insurance, and term life insurance benefits. Additionally, WCGMF contributes an amount equal to 10% of salary to a Tax Deferred Annuity Retirement 403(b) plan.

GMF is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, or current employment status.

On-Ramps is deeply committed to equity. We believe social change happens when people with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and identities come together with a common purpose. We're partnering with the team at GMF to build a diverse team that reflects the communities it serves. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

On-Ramps is committed to the inclusion of all qualified individuals in the hiring process, including but not limited to those with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation(s) to participate in the application or interview process, please contact info@on-ramps.com.