The Organization

About IEEE and IEEE Foundation

Imagine yourself leading at the center of global innovation and global impact. 

At the IEEE Foundation, we sit at the intersection of cutting-edge technological innovation and global social good. The ideas we fund turn technical breakthroughs into real-world lifelines—from deploying emergency communications in disaster zones to expanding STEM education for underserved youth. Backed by a $100 million asset base and powered by over half a million volunteer hours, we are looking for a visionary Executive Director to scale our impact from successful stewardship to proactive, global growth.

IEEE: Advancing Technology for Humanity 

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is the world’s largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity – and a strategic force shaping the future of technology across 190+ countries. For an executive, this is a rare environment: a global platform with unmatched credibility, a deeply engaged membership, and the ability to influence how emerging technologies evolve and serve society. IEEE’s community of engineers, researchers, and technologists drives progress in fields like AI, computing, sustainability, and next generation infrastructure. Its standards, publications, and convening power shape industries and inform policy worldwide.

IEEE Foundation: Where Philanthropy and Innovation Collide  

Complementing and amplifying IEEE’s mission is the IEEE Foundation, the organization’s philanthropic partner and a 501(c)(3) public charity. The IEEE Foundation plays a vital role in mobilizing charitable support to advance IEEE’s highest-impact initiatives, particularly those at the intersection of technology and social good. As the philanthropic partner to IEEE, the Foundation translates the values of its members and donors into meaningful, measurable impact—connecting ideas, resources, and expertise to initiatives that address global challenges.

The IEEE Foundation serves as a bridge between technical innovation and philanthropic investment, ensuring that high potential ideas have the resources and guidance to scale. With this mission, the Foundation:

• Mobilizes charitable support to advance initiatives where technology and social good intersect.

• Connects ideas, resources, and expertise to deliver measurable, mission aligned impact.

• Funds and strengthens programs in STEM education, disaster response technology, sustainable development, and technology access.

• Engages donors, corporations, and partners to expand the reach of IEEE’s global community of innovators and volunteers.

Together, IEEE and the IEEE Foundation ensure that world class technical expertise is matched with the philanthropic support required to turn ideas into action—and action into lasting, global impact.

Vision, Mission, and Values

The IEEE Foundation is guided by a clear sense of purpose and a commitment to aligning philanthropy with the aspirations of its community.

Vision- To be the heart of IEEE charitable giving and philanthropy.

Mission- To expand the IEEE charitable body of work by inspiring philanthropic engagement that ignites a donor’s innermost interests and values.

In pursuit of this mission, the Foundation operates with a set of core values that inform its approach to leadership, partnership, and impact:

• Integrity – Acting ethically and respectfully in every relationship, with a commitment to transparency, trust, and accountability.

• Excellence – Striving to deliver the highest quality outcomes, with focus, discipline, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

• Collaboration – Fostering an inclusive and engaging global community, enabling individuals and organizations to invest in technology solutions that benefit humanity.

• Stewardship – Exercising thoughtful and responsible management of resources, advancing participation in the technical profession, and shaping a more impactful and sustainable future.

A Platform for Global Impact

With an asset base of approximately $100 million and a growing philanthropic platform, the IEEE Foundation is positioned to expand its impact and deepen its role as a strategic partner within IEEE. The Foundation supports a portfolio of more than 290 funds and numerous programs worldwide, enabling targeted investment in initiatives that align with IEEE’s priorities and the passions of its donors.

As IEEE and the IEEE Foundation look to the future, both organizations are uniquely positioned to harness the power of technology, philanthropy, and global collaboration to address critical challenges and create lasting change. The next IEEE Foundation Executive Director will play a central role in advancing this vision—strengthening the connection between IEEE’s technical excellence and the philanthropic resources needed to extend its reach and impact across the globe.

The Opportunity

Position- Executive Director, IEEE Foundation

Location- Piscataway, NJ

Website: https://www.ieee.org

                 https://www.ieeefoundation.org/

Purpose of the Position

The overall purpose of this position is to ensure that the IEEE Foundation, IEEE’s philanthropic partner, serves as a strong and effective partner to IEEE. This role encompasses both the strategic and operational aspects of advancing the Foundation’s vision, mission and core values The Executive Director leads the design and implementation of strategies, policies, programs, and practices that advance the work of the IEEE Foundation to be the heart of charitable giving at IEEE, while ensuring that day-to-day operations are responsive, efficient, and effective across all functional areas.

The IEEE Foundation Executive Director is the primary point of contact for the IEEE Foundation President and the Board of Directors. In this capacity, the Executive Director serves as a strategic partner to the Board in shaping and advancing the Foundation’s direction; leads execution of the Foundation’s priorities, including engaging volunteer leadership and donors; communicates effectively with volunteer stakeholders; and acts as the chief liaison to other IEEE staff on both strategic and operational matters.

The IEEE Foundation Executive Director oversees the management and growth of the Foundation’s approximately $100 million asset base, ensuring the organization’s long-term sustainability and impact. Under this leadership, the Foundation maintains a robust fundraising engine that grows donor contributions to IEEE public-imperative activities at a rate sufficient to increase the impact and sustain programs.

The IEEE Foundation Executive Director reports jointly to the IEEE Executive Director and the IEEE Foundation Board of Directors. This role manages three direct reports, along with an overall Foundation staff of 12 and at least 2 matrixed team members. The Executive Director leads the team independently. The role and team sit within IEEE’s Corporate Activities department and have a matrixed reporting relationship to the Chief Governance Officer. The IEEE Foundation Executive Director is authorized to represent the IEEE Foundation externally and to negotiate and execute gift agreements, grant agreements, delegation of expenditure authority agreements, and other contracts. 

This role operates within a highly matrixed and globally distributed environment, requiring close partnership with volunteer leadership, IEEE staff, and a diverse set of external stakeholders. The Executive Director must navigate a complex governance structure with multiple decision-making bodies, influencing outcomes without direct authority and fostering alignment across organizational, cultural, and geographic boundaries. The IEEE Foundation is at a pivotal moment in its evolution, with the opportunity to build on a strong foundation and accelerate its next phase of growth, impact, and global engagement

Key Priorities and Success Measures

The next Executive Director will inherit a respected Foundation with a strong incumbent legacy, a meaningful asset base, a committed Board, and an important mandate as IEEE’s philanthropic partner. At the same time, the Foundation is entering a crucial period in which philanthropy must play a more visible, strategic, and globally relevant role in advancing IEEE’s public-imperative work.

Success in this role will require more than operational stewardship. The Executive Director must help the Foundation move from a primarily responsive fundraising and fund-management model toward a more proactive, relationship-driven, and impact-oriented philanthropy strategy. This includes strengthening the Foundation’s role as a trusted center of excellence for charitable giving within IEEE; translating IEEE’s technical, educational, humanitarian, and social impact programs into compelling philanthropic opportunities; and engaging donors, volunteers, IEEE leaders, and external partners around a clearer and more powerful case for support.

Given IEEE’s global reach, complex volunteer-driven governance model, and highly matrixed operating environment, the Executive Director must be an exceptional relationship builder, communicator, and influencer. The role will require frequent and thoughtful engagement with the Foundation Board, IEEE leadership, internal program partners, members, donors, and stakeholders across cultures and geographies. The Executive Director will also need to elevate the visibility of the Foundation’s impact, helping IEEE colleagues and external audiences better understand how philanthropy advances IEEE’s mission and expands its public benefit.

Over the first 12–24 months, the Executive Director will be expected to move the Foundation from successful stewardship to a more proactive phase of growth, visibility, and global philanthropic engagement. Success will require sharpening the Foundation’s fundraising strategy, strengthening its role as IEEE’s philanthropic partner, activating the Board and key stakeholders as ambassadors, and building the relationships, infrastructure, and case for support needed to expand long-term impact.

Key priorities include:

• Accelerate the growth of the IEEE Foundation’s fundraising performance beyond its current baseline, strengthening both the scale and sustainability of philanthropic support.

• Advance a more proactive, relationship-driven fundraising model, with an increased focus on major and principal gifts, improved donor conversion, and enhanced stewardship practices.

• Elevate the visibility and positioning of the IEEE Foundation within IEEE and among external stakeholders, strengthening awareness of its mission, programs, and impact.

• Identify and deepen engagement with a focused set of high-impact partners across IEEE and externally, prioritizing a small number of strategic relationships that can scale fundraising and program outcomes.

• Strengthen the engagement and effectiveness of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, particularly in areas of fundraising, donor cultivation, and ambassadorial leadership.

• Expand the Foundation’s global fundraising capabilities, including building the infrastructure, partnerships, and approaches necessary to support philanthropic growth across multiple geographies.

Key Responsibilities

The Executive Director’s responsibilities span strategic leadership, fundraising growth, Board partnership, organizational management, program impact, financial stewardship, governance, and external engagement. Given the Foundation’s role as IEEE’s philanthropic partner, the position requires a leader who can balance enterprise-level strategy with operational discipline, while building trust and alignment across a complex global network of volunteers, staff, donors, members, and institutional partners. The following responsibilities reflect the breadth of leadership required to strengthen the Foundation’s performance, elevate its visibility, and expand its philanthropic impact in support of IEEE’s public-imperative mission.

Strategic Leadership and Board Partnership

• Partner with the IEEE Foundation Board to shape and advance the Foundation’s mission, vision, and long-term strategic priorities and plans.

• Facilitate periodic strategic reviews to ensure continued alignment with IEEE and evolving philanthropic opportunities.

• Establish and monitor key performance metrics to assess organizational effectiveness and impact.

• Provide strategic guidance on the alignment and advancement of IEEE public imperative activities (PIA) with the IEEE Foundation mission. Foster close collaboration between volunteer leadership and staff to ensure shared ownership of priorities and outcomes.

Fundraising and Outreach

• Lead a multifaceted (annual, mid-level, major, principal and planned giving) fundraising strategy to grow and diversify philanthropic support, with annual expectations of $8-12 million. Plan for and execute IEEE-wide campaigns as determined in partnership with the IEEE Board.

• Set the direction for the development of innovative donor-centric strategies and content to elevate the Foundation’s visibility, strengthen its value proposition, and drive engagement.

• Ensure the effective implementation of donor stewardship and recognition programs, supported by strong systems and processes to cultivate and steward positive relationships with prospects, donors, and volunteers.

• Drive the continued evolution of the Foundation’s fundraising approach toward a more proactive, strategic, and metrics-driven model, emphasizing relationship development, targeted outreach, and measurable outcomes.

• Develop and position compelling philanthropic opportunities by packaging programs and initiatives in ways that resonate with donor interests and demonstrate clear impact.

Operational and Organizational Leadership

• Provide day-to-day leadership of the IEEE Foundation, ensuring effective operations across all functional areas.

• Oversee all human resources-related activities, including performance management, professional development, and team effectiveness.

• Lead and support a high-performing team within a collaborative, matrixed organizational environment.

• Establish clear roles, priorities, and expectations to enable efficient execution and accountability.

• Foster a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and mission alignment across staff and stakeholders.

Programs and Impact Oversight

• Partner with volunteers and IEEE stakeholders to identify and advance high-impact programs aligned with both IEEE and IEEE Foundation priorities.

• Oversee the delivery of an effective educational program designed to maximize the understanding and impact of the IEEE Foundation Board of Directors and our 60+ IEEE Program partners.

• Ensure effective management of agreements with IEEE units and external partners delivering Foundation-supported programs.

• Monitor program performance and alignment to ensure long-term impact and sustainability.

• Translate Foundation-supported programs into clear, compelling funding opportunities that align with donor interests and strategic priorities.

• Strengthen the articulation and measurement of program impact, ensuring that outcomes are effectively communicated to donors, stakeholders, and the broader IEEE community.

Financial Stewardship and Risk Management

• Lead budget development, financial forecasting, and overall fiscal oversight for the IEEE Development Office and the IEEE Foundation Operations.

• Collaborate closely with finance partners to ensure financial integrity, accountability, and compliance.

• Identify, assess, and mitigate risks that may impact the Foundation’s operations or financial health.

• Oversee financial activities related to subsidiary entities and affiliated initiatives.

• Engage with legal counsel, tax advisors and external advisors to ensure regulatory compliance and sound governance practices.

Governance and Institutional Effectiveness

• Support the efficient and compliant operations of the IEEE Foundation Board of Directors and its committees through strong governance documentation and practices.

• Ensure ongoing maintenance and alignment of governing documents and organizational policies.

• Strengthen board engagement through orientation, development, and ongoing collaboration with volunteer leadership.

• Provide timely and transparent information to support informed decision-making and oversight.

• Foster a governance culture grounded in accountability, partnership, and mission alignment.

• Engage and support Board members as effective ambassadors and fundraising partners, including identifying and leveraging their networks, building capability in donor engagement, and fostering a culture of shared accountability for philanthropic outcomes.

External Relations and Stakeholder Engagement

• Represent the IEEE Foundation across a broad network of stakeholders, including donors, volunteers, and institutional partners.

• Build and sustain relationships with IEEE leadership, members, and organizational units to advance shared priorities.

• Cultivate partnerships with educational institutions, NGOs, and philanthropic organizations globally.

• Serve as a visible ambassador for the Foundation, strengthening its external presence and engagement.

• Advance collaboration across IEEE entities engaged in social impact initiatives.

• Elevate the Foundation’s visibility and reputation through coordinated marketing, communications, and storytelling efforts that highlight program impact and donor value.

• Partner effectively with IEEE leadership and marketing functions to ensure alignment of messaging and maximize the reach and influence of Foundation initiatives.

• Leverage events, campaigns, and strategic partnerships to strengthen engagement and create new pathways for donor development.

Officer Role and Additional Responsibilities

• Serve as an officer of the IEEE Foundation in the capacity of Assistant Secretary.

• Support organizational priorities through additional responsibilities aligned with the Foundation’s mission and goals. 

The Candidate

The IEEE Foundation seeks a strategic, globally minded, and mission-driven executive to serve as its next Executive Director. This individual will bring the leadership presence, judgment, and credibility to advance a complex philanthropic organization operating at the intersection of technology, volunteer engagement, and social impact. The successful candidate will be a compelling ambassador and relationship builder, capable of engaging donors, volunteer leaders, and institutional stakeholders in support of the Foundation’s mission and long-term growth.

The ideal candidate will blend strategic vision with disciplined execution, demonstrating the ability to guide an organization through periods of growth and evolution while maintaining strong operational performance. This individual will bring a demonstrated track record in fundraising and development, along with the ability to build alignment across a diverse, global, and matrixed environment. As the principal liaison to the Board and to IEEE leadership, the Executive Director must navigate complexity with confidence, influence without direct authority, and foster collaboration across organizational boundaries.

Equally important, the successful candidate will be an effective organizational leader—capable of developing talent, managing change, and ensuring operational excellence in support of mission delivery. This individual will bring strong financial acumen, an appreciation for governance and regulatory frameworks, and a commitment to continuous learning and professional development. A high level of interpersonal effectiveness is essential, as the role requires engagement with a wide range of stakeholders across cultures, geographies, and professional backgrounds. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to rapidly understand and navigate the complexity of IEEE’s global structure, culture, and governance model, building credibility and effectiveness across a diverse set of stakeholders

The ideal candidate will bring many of the following experiences and qualifications:

• A minimum of fifteen years of demonstrated senior leadership experience within nonprofit, philanthropic, association, or similarly complex, mission-driven organizations, including oversight of teams, operations, and strategic initiatives.

• Proven ability to collaborate with and influence stakeholders across a matrixed organization, including individuals outside of direct reporting relationships.

• Significant experience working with Boards of Directors and volunteer committees, with the ability to support governance, drive alignment, and achieve high-impact outcomes.

• Demonstrated success leading and executing fundraising strategies, including major gifts and broader development programs; familiarity with global philanthropy and capital campaigns is highly desirable.

• Strong financial and operational acumen, including knowledge of accounting principles, investments, budgeting, forecasting, and nonprofit regulatory frameworks, including U.S. IRS requirements and state registration requirements.

• Experience identifying and leading organizational change initiatives, with the ability to evolve structures, processes, and approaches to meet strategic priorities.

• Proven ability to build, lead, and develop high-performing teams, including managing individuals with diverse backgrounds and facilitating cross-functional collaboration to consensus.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly, thoughtfully, and with executive presence across a wide range of audiences.

• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, including Board members, senior staff, volunteers, external partners, and professional advisors.

• Comfort operating in a globally oriented environment, including engaging individuals for whom English may not be a first language, and navigating cultural differences with sensitivity and effectiveness.

•  Strong commitment to continuous learning, professional development, and the adoption of best practices to enhance organizational performance.

• Technological proficiency and curiosity, including the ability to leverage systems and tools (e.g., CRM platforms such as Raiser’s Edge and Microsoft Office applications) to support business needs and decision-making.

Personal Attributes

The Executive Director will demonstrate:

• Uncompromising integrity, professionalism, and sound judgment, particularly in managing sensitive or confidential matters.

• A collaborative and relationship-oriented leadership style, grounded in trust, respect, and the ability to influence across diverse constituencies.

• Cultural agility and a global mindset, with the ability to lead effectively across geographies and within a diverse, volunteer-driven organization.

• The ability to delegate effectively and empower teams, balancing strategic oversight with operational efficiency.

• Executive presence and credibility, with the capacity to represent the Foundation with confidence across internal and external audiences.

• Strong interpersonal effectiveness, including patience, empathy, and the ability to communicate clearly and constructively in a variety of settings.

• Intellectual curiosity and strategic agility, with the ability to identify opportunities, adapt to change, and drive innovation.

• A commitment to advancing the mission of the IEEE Foundation and leveraging technology and philanthropy in service of global good.

• Sound judgment and adaptability in managing ambiguity, competing priorities, and a wide range of stakeholder perspectives.

Education Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in a related field required.

• Master's or other advanced degree in a related field preferred.

• Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and/or Certified Association Executive (CAE) preferred credentials.

Compensation

The estimated base compensation range is $225,000 - $250,000. IEEE provides a comprehensive benefits package for the Executive Director of the Foundation. 

Travel

The Executive Director of the IEEE Foundation is expected to travel domestically and internationally ~25% of their time. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

• All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

• For information on work demands and conditions required for this position, please consult the reference document, ADA Requirements.

• Physical/Mental Demands

• Mobile positions at IEEE generally include that require frequent mobility to locations outside IEEE’s facilities. Employees in these jobs frequently operate a computer, read, and write, and constantly interact with others in person, as well as over the phone, and via other devices. Employees in mobile positions require frequent business travel to local and/or international locations. People in these positions frequently set up displays and presentations in both physical and electronic forms. Persons in these positions frequently lift, carry, push, and/or pull objects weighing up to 20 lbs., and occasionally, up to 50 lbs.

• People holding these positions must have strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills, and an ability to interact and work with others. They must be able to work independently and under time constraints and deadlines.

• Work Environment

• Mobile positions work in a number of different locations. Such locations are primarily indoor but may occasionally be outdoor. The work environments for mobile positions generally have the lighting, temperature, and noise of indoor working environments that range from those found in small meeting rooms to large, convention hall venues.

Other Requirements

As defined in IEEE Policies, individuals currently serving on an IEEE board or committee are not eligible to apply. 

PLEASE NOTE: This position is not budgeted for employer-sponsored immigration support, this includes people in F (both CPT and OPT), J, H, L, or O status.

Applications & Nominations

• Applications should include a resume/CV to: IEEEFoundationExecutiveDirector@KornFerry.com.

• Nominations and confidential inquiries are welcome. 

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Korn Ferry shall provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified candidates, and will refer candidates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected basis. Artificial Intelligence tools may be used in connection with the recruitment process for this position.