The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo is seeking to hire a Director, Rural Initiatives and Regional Partnerships.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Rural Initiatives and Regional Partnerships is a member of the Foundation’s Giving Strategies team, reporting to the Director, Gift Planning. The Director of Rural Initiatives and Regional Partnerships is responsible for leading strategic initiatives to strengthen rural communities across designated counties. This role oversees two affiliated foundations in Western New York – the Niagara Area Foundation and the Wyoming Foundation - and their councils, ensuring alignment with the broader mission of the Community Foundation. The Director is the primary point of contact for rural nonprofits and community leaders and will cultivate partnerships, manage grantmaking, and support programs that strengthen rural communities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive rural strategy aligned with the foundation’s mission.
• Lead and manage two rural-focused foundations and their respective councils.
• Facilitate collaboration among rural councils, community leaders, and stakeholders.

Community Engagement

• Serve as a visible and trusted leader in rural communities.
• Represent the foundation at public events, forums, and in media.
• Build and maintain relationships with local governments, nonprofits, schools, and businesses.

• Pilot the Community Heart & Soul program in selected towns, engaging residents to identify community strengths, future aspirations and actionable steps to achieve their goals.

Program Development & Management

• Design and oversee initiatives that support rural economic development, education access, and community resilience.
• Work with the Knowledge Management Officer to conduct needs assessments and use data to inform program priorities.
• Monitor and evaluate program impact across rural counties.

Fundraising & Resource Development

• Identify potential clients of Niagara Area Foundation and Wyoming Foundation.
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities including grants, client and donor engagement, and public-private partnerships.
• Oversee grantmaking processes, including application review, compliance, and reporting.
• Steward relationships with clients, donors and philanthropic partners focused on rural issues.

Governance & Administration

• Provide leadership and administrative support to the councils of the two foundations.
• Develop and manage annual budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency.
• Ensure compliance with legal, ethical, and regulatory standards.

OTHER JOB DUTIES:

• Coordinate with Communications team to execute strategic communications plans and projects including social media, newsletters, events, and council meeting materials.
• Participate in special projects, as assigned
• Other duties as assigned

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervises Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Philanthropy Fellow

TRAVEL

• Frequent travel is required and primarily within the eight counties of Western New York.
• Flexibility to spend time on site in Niagara and Wyoming counties on a regular basis required.
• Some domestic travel may be required for job training and professional development.

TECHNICAL EXPERTISE/EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelor’s degree in a related field is required, master's degree is preferred; or a candidate with at least five (5) years of relevant professional experience in philanthropy, nonprofit administration, social services, government, or other arenas directly related to the Community Foundation’s work will be considered.
• Demonstrated experience managing boards of directors or other high level, mission-driven volunteers.
• Must have experience working with CRM management database

Salary range: $86,000-$91,000 Annually

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION:

For more than a century, the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo has enhanced and encouraged long-term philanthropy in the Western New York community. A 501 (c)(3) organization, the Community Foundation’s mission is: Connecting people, ideas and resources to improve lives in Western New York. Established in 1919, the Community Foundation has made the most of the generosity of individuals, families, foundations and organizations who entrust charitable assets to the Community Foundation’s care. Learn more at cfgb.org.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Community foundations are designed to grow and evolve as our community’s needs change, and new positions are regularly created as a result. As the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo continues to grow, we’re looking for talented people who want to use their abilities to make a lasting difference. If that is you, then please send a cover letter explaining your interest in this position and what you would bring to the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo.

Applications may also be received by U.S. Postal Service if an electronic medium is not available. No calls please.

Application deadline: November 14, 2025. We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. As such, the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo is committed to providing a work environment that is free of all forms of unlawful harassment, discrimination and retaliation.