Executive Director

Overview:
Blanket Fort Foundation, previously known as the Lerner Family Foundation, was established in 1997 by Mark and Traci Lerner. In October 2021, the Foundation hired its first staff member, 2nd generation member, Sara Lerner, to professionalize the operations. Since October 2021, the foundation has clarified its mission, values, and funding priorities, developed a grant and learning/evaluation process, launched its website, and created and maintained invaluable relationships amongst its grant partners, funding community, and other community leaders. The Foundation operates in conjunction with a family office that manages all investing and accounting. The Foundation’s name, Blanket Fort Foundation, reflects the family’s values and serves as a reference to the comfort, security, and safety that every child deserves. The Foundation understands and values the importance of trust-based philanthropy.

About the Foundation:

• Mission: Blanket Fort Foundation, informed by our family’s Jewish values, supports education, basic needs, and increasing economic opportunities for children and families in Baltimore and beyond.
• Core Values: Community, Learning, Justice & Equity
• Funding Priorities: Education, Basic Needs & the Jewish Community

Position Description:
The Executive Director (ED) of Blanket Fort Foundation will plan and direct all operational and administrative activities for the Foundation, working closely with the Foundation’s 8-member board comprised of the two founders, 4 children, and 2 spouses. The ED is responsible for translating the Foundation’s mission, values, and funding priorities into an actionable grantmaking strategy. The ED will serve as a trusted advisor to the board members and will provide strategic guidance and leadership to the foundations’ grantmaking, programming, governance, planning, administrative, and budgeting activities. The ED will oversee a gradually growing budget of $1.5-2 million in annual grants and a portfolio of approximately 50 grantees with grants ranging in size from roughly $1,000 to $300,000 a year. The ideal candidate will live in the Baltimore area and will have a strong understanding of the Baltimore community’s strengths, challenges, needs, and opportunities. Key determinants for success in this role include making impactful, mission-aligned grants, building strong relationships across the community, efficiently and effectively managing day-to-day tasks while maintaining focus on the long-term vision, and engaging the family members in the work and process. This is a primarily remote position with an option to work in an office space/hold meetings at the family office in Quarry Lake. This is a full-time position, but for the right candidate, part-time may be considered. Salary and benefits will be competitive and commensurate with experience.

Major Responsibilities:

• Oversee grantmaking and advise on high performing organizations and mission- and values-aligned funding opportunities.
• Participate in philanthropic community affinity groups, events, and learning opportunities.
• Be informed of and implement best practices for processes and operations.
• Evaluate and direct grantmaking strategy.
• Research new organizations and innovative funding opportunities in relation to foundation priorities.
• Continue to provide focus around funding areas while maintaining flexibility to address community needs as they evolve and emergencies arise.
• Work closely with the founders on day-to-day management as well as bigger picture work to clarify their legacy.
• Interact with, engage, and facilitate conversations amongst the board members, including several board meetings a year. Understand how to work with family dynamics and incorporate next gen members in decision making.
• Be responsible for the due diligence on grant proposals and monitor the progress, challenges, and successes of grantees and their programs.
• Maintain regular interaction with grantmakers, policymakers, and the nonprofit and funder community in Baltimore. When possible, engage in collaborative projects.
• Assure that day-to-day operations run smoothly, manage communication with and requests to the family office, ensure regulatory requirements are met, and oversee all “back office” activities.
• Prepare and present an annual budget.
• Prepare an annual report highlighting the Foundation’s grantmaking and learnings.
• Transition the Foundation from Monday.com to a grants management system like Foundant or Impactfully.

Desired Skills/Attributes:

• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Strong analytical skills
• A thorough understanding of how to read and interpret nonprofit financial statements
• Self-driven, proactive, organized, team-player
• Comfortable leading strategic direction and major projects while recognizing that the Board has ultimate decision-making authority
• Strong interpersonal skills
• 5+ years of experience working for a family foundation preferred
• Flexibility to attend meetings outside of typical working hours including occasional evening meetings with board members
• A deep understanding of the Baltimore community
• Existing relationships and networks in the Baltimore area