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CEE TRUST EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR POSITION DESCRIPTION
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The Trust for Civil Society in Central and Eastern Europe
The Trust for Civil Society in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE Trust) is seeking applicants for the position of Executive Director to lead the organization through its remaining term of at least 7 years of operation. CEE Trust was established and began operations in 2001 by a consortium of six private funding organizations, with an approximately 10-year time-frame and the mission to support the long term strengthening of civil societies in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia.
The CEE Trust has to date invested approximately $20 million in grants in a first round of activities in six of these seven countries. The CEE Trust has completed four years of vigorous operations. Significant progress has occurred in terms of increased self-confidence and capacity inside the non-profit sector, successful public awareness campaigns about civic engagement and NGOs, improved legislation stimulating philanthropy, expanded corporate giving and more frequent media reporting about non-profit sector activities. Most importantly, the notion of civil society, public participation and civic engagement has become more and more present in the public and political debates throughout the region. For further information on activities to date, see
www.ceetrust.org
.
The CEE Trust is currently undergoing a comprehensive strategic review to ensure its forward work best responds to the needs of civil societies that are evolving in exciting and challenging environments, and is exploring a range of activities and opportunities to further promote the environment and conditions for healthy civic engagement. The CEE Trust has a vision of vibrant societies, which consist of institutions, NGOs, social movements, ad hoc groups, citizens and ideas. Efforts to achieve this vision will be nurtured through the programming of approximately $40 million of funds through grantmaking and other activities (e.g., through convening of meetings, knowledge exchange, and advocacy on behalf of the sector).
The Board is seeking someone who is excited by the opportunity to take the CEE Trust into its next phase of development and who has a passion for contributing to civil society development and policy engagement in CEE.
Responsibilities:
The executive director will provide visionary leadership to the CEE Trust as well as manage all facets of the organization, including the implementation and ongoing review of the CEE Trust's strategic direction; establishment of and positioning of its public profile; the development and monitoring of its programs and grant investments; nurturing and cultivating a broad international constituency; dissemination of lessons learned through the CEE Trust's activities in the seven target countries; budgetary and asset management; and the management of a current staff of three (and oversight for likely expansion of the staff). The executive director will report to the Board of Trustees that is comprised of representatives from five of the original funding organizations, as well as two independent members from the region.
Desired Characteristics and Abilities:
The ideal candidate for the position will have the following characteristics and abilities:
- The ability to think and act strategically - to be able to read situations well, analyze them and modify the CEE Trust approach in an ever-evolving and dynamic manner.
- The ability to elaborate the CEE Trust's long-term vision, strategic and operational goals.
- The ability to build strong relationships and coalitions with a diverse range of actors and stakeholders, engendering trust and warmth while retaining essential independence and strategic focus.
- The ability to communicate clearly, and to inspire and lead an articulate vision of the CEE Trust goals and potential for effecting change.
- The ability to judge and discern individual talent, and an appetite to invest in and trust the creative potential of others.
- The ability and passion to engage in active and open dialogue and debate with others.
- The ability to uphold the fiduciary and stewardship responsibility of the CEE Trust through both sound administrative oversight and adherence to overarching strategic goals.
- The ability to foster a learning environment for both board and staff that is rich in experimentation, assessment, and mentoring.
- The ability to position the CEE Trust to advocate at a regional, European and even trans-Atlantic level for select issues of strategic importance to the future of civil society in the region.
- The ability to engage in ideas and movements, to build coalitions and to stimulate the conditions for others to do so successfully.
- The ability to foster an organizational culture that emphasizes innovation, accountability, and the highest ethical standards.
- The ability to work with the Board of Trustees to continue to explore fundraising opportunities
Qualifications:
The successful candidate should have extensive international and institutional experience with a broad knowledge of the region, its people, ideas and institutions. Applicants should have at least seven years of senior management experience, including relevant work in and exposure to the non-profit sector. Prior grantmaking experience is desirable but not required. The successful applicant must have a university degree (preferably an advanced degree), excellent organizational and writing skills, and be fluent in English. The working language of the CEE Trust is English, but knowledge of at least one Central European language is desirable. The office is located currently in Warsaw, Poland, and while there may be flexibility of location going forward, the office will remain in Central and Eastern Europe. Extensive travel is expected (as much as 30-40 percent of time). This position is open to all candidates who meet the above qualifications, with a strong preference for applicants from Central and Eastern Europe. This full-time position will be compensated at a level commensurate with experience, and includes a generous benefits package.
Interested candidates should submit a resume detailing education and work experience and a cover letter explaining their interest in this position by March 4, 2005 to:
Ms. Maureen Smyth
Chair, Trust for Civil Society in Central and Eastern Europe
Vice President for Programs
Charles Stewart Mott Foundation
503 S. Saginaw St. Suite 1200
Flint, Michigan 48502-1851
Applications can also be submitted by fax to: +001 810 237 4805;
or by email to:
r.altomare@ceetrust.org
