Hawai’i Community Foundation – CEO

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org

Hawaiʻi Community Foundation (HCF) has been serving the people of Hawaiʻi for over 100 years, focusing on inspiring generosity, advocating for equity, and fostering connections between the community, donors, nonprofits, and leaders across various sectors. Established as a statewide public foundation, HCF expertly manages more than 1,160 funds and 300 scholarships, stewarding resources from individuals, businesses, and families to address a wide range of community needs. With a dedicated team of over 90 employees statewide, HCF plays a pivotal role in addressing key social issues and driving positive change in Hawaiʻi. By partnering with community organizations, businesses, and government, the foundation strives to create lasting impacts, aiming to enhance the quality of life for all residents through thoughtful investments and collaborative efforts in Hawaiʻi’s future.

HCF is a cornerstone of philanthropy across the Hawaiian Islands, dedicated to improving the lives of the community through strategic giving and community partnerships. With total assets under management of over $1.0 billion and nearly $50 million in annual grants and contracts, HCF is not only a funding resource but also a leader in convening nonprofit, business, and government entities to drive positive, systemic change.

Through its commitment to innovation and impact, HCF acts as a trusted partner for donors, offering expert philanthropic guidance and connecting them with meaningful opportunities to make a difference. Beyond grantmaking, the organization serves as a knowledge hub, providing valuable insights on pressing social issues, advancing sector-wide best practices, and fostering collaboration to create lasting community change.

As an example, HCF played a pivotal leadership role in the response to the Lahaina fires, acting as a strategic convener and grant-maker to coordinate relief efforts across nonprofits, government agencies, and community organizations. HCF quickly activated the Maui Strong Fund, raising nearly $200 million from over 240,000 donors worldwide. It strategically distributed $109 million across 244 grants to support immediate relief, interim stability, and long-term recovery efforts, prioritizing housing, financial assistance, food, mental health services, and environmental restoration. By fostering collaboration and ensuring equitable access to aid, HCF not only provided urgent assistance, but also laid the groundwork to invest the balance of the Maui Strong Fund in the long-term sustainability and resilience of the Maui community.

With a focus on fostering systemic change through philanthropy, HCF’s 2024-2026 Strategic Plan aims to elevate community voices, address key societal challenges, and enhance donor engagement. The plan identifies three focus areas for philanthropy: traditional donor-centered giving, giving based on community need, and disaster preparedness and recovery. The plan emphasizes four strategic goals: improving operational efficiency and donor experience, developing internal expertise for equitable community outcomes, strengthening disaster response capabilities, and ensuring a sustainable infrastructure to support these initiatives. HCF acknowledges evolving social and economic trends, aiming to adapt by leveraging trust-based philanthropy, impact investing, and cross-sector collaboration.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

HCF is seeking an exceptional leader to step into the role of President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO), a position that will help to shape the next chapter of philanthropy in Hawaiʻi. This is a rare and exciting opportunity for an individual with vision, strategic acumen, and a deep commitment to community impact to lead one of the state’s most influential nonprofit organizations.

The CEO will be guided by a committed Board of Governors made up of seventeen community leaders, supported by a strong executive team, and working alongside a diverse network of stakeholders. The CEO’s leadership will set the strategic direction of the foundation, fostering strong partnerships and expanding the reach and effectiveness of HCF’s programs and grants. As the face of the organization, the CEO will effectively engage with donors, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and the broader community to maximize the HCF’s reach and impact.

This role requires a dynamic and inspiring individual who brings a proven track record in executive leadership, fundraising, and cross-sector relationship management. The CEO will possess a deep understanding of Hawaiʻi’s diverse communities and the ability to quickly adapt to and engage within them. A background in executive leadership, philanthropy, nonprofit, or mission-driven organizations will be essential. In addition, strong communication skills, strategic thinking, and a passion for making a meaningful difference will be critical to success.

The CEO will have an unwavering commitment to transparency and integrity, and will lead with authenticity, purpose, and vision. The CEO will be deeply passionate about philanthropy and the community, recognizing this opportunity as a personal and professional calling, and will embrace new approaches to deepen HCF’s impact statewide.

Read more about the desired candidate’s experience, skills, and attributes in linked the Job Description.

Starting Annual Salary: $350,000 – $550,000, depending on candidate qualifications and experience

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit the following, addressed to Hawaiʻi Community Foundation Transition Committee, c/o Inkinen Executive Search, via email to executives@inkinen.com by April 18, 2025:

• Cover Letter – expressing interest in the CEO role and commitment to Hawaiʻi Community Foundation’s mission
• Resume