President and CEO

Established in 1953, the Abell Foundation has been a trusted force dedicated to improving the quality of life in Baltimore City. For more than 35 years, the Foundation has awarded grants to nonprofit partners who are driving change across the city—funding innovative pilot programs, essential community services, capital projects and research on challenges facing Baltimore. In addition to grantmaking, the Foundation makes catalytic investments in businesses that benefit Baltimore and offers its partners access to deep local knowledge and a team rooted in Baltimore’s civic and philanthropic core.

As the Foundation looks to the future, it seeks a visionary and accomplished leader who will shape the next chapter of its work by deepening its impact, strengthening community, civic and stakeholder relationships, and building on its bold legacy of innovation and leadership in philanthropy.

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND

The City of Baltimore has been central to the story of the Abell Foundation since its inception. Journalist and printer Arunah S. Abell launched The Sun newspaper in Baltimore in 1837. His venture grew into the A.S. Abell Company, which published the Baltimore Sunpapers. At their height in the first half of the twentieth century, the Sunpapers issued three daily editions and had a significant local and national circulation, bringing news, analysis, and attention to Baltimore.

In 1953, Harry C. Black, then chairman of the A.S. Abell Company, created the A.S. Abell Company Foundation. With the sale of the A.S. Abell Company in 1986, the assets of the Foundation grew significantly. The Trustees changed the name to the Abell Foundation and launched a new era of giving.

In 1987, the Trustees named Baltimore native and former public official, Robert C. Embry, Jr., the Foundation’s first President. Together, Embry and the Trustees established the Foundation’s guiding purpose: to improve the quality of life in Baltimore. Specifically, they prioritized creating opportunities for Baltimoreans living in concentrated poverty by working to address systemic social, economic, and environmental challenges. Embry has led the Abell Foundation, and its cutting-edge approach to philanthropy for the past 38 years.

FOUNDATION FOCUS

The Abell Foundation supports organizations that are building a stronger Baltimore where all its residents can thrive. The Foundation’s grantmaking, research, and investments leverage Baltimore’s assets while working to improve systems so that they are more just and promote the well-being and safety of all Baltimoreans. The Foundation’s grantmaking and research initiatives are rooted in seven core program areas: health and human services, education, community development, workforce, criminal justice and addiction, environment and arts. In 2024, the Abell Foundation awarded 236 grants with a total investment of $11,835,023.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Location: Baltimore, MD

Reports to: Board of Directors

Status: Full-Time, Exempt

The President & CEO will be responsible for leading the organization with strategic vision, integrity, empathy and a commitment to the Foundation’s mission. This individual will oversee all aspects of operations, grantmaking, partnerships, research, communications, and stewardship of financial and philanthropic resources. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the President & CEO will help define a forward-looking vision that honors the Foundation’s legacy while strengthening its position, reputation, and impact for years to come.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Vision

• Collaborate with the Board to create, articulate, and execute a clear future vision and strategic direction for the Foundation.
• Motivate staff, partners, and community stakeholders to embrace and participate in the new vision and strategy.
• Serve as the lead ambassador for the Foundation.
• Build and nurture relationships with grantees, partners, civic institutions and community leaders.
• Represent the Foundation’s values, purpose, and priorities with authenticity and clarity.
• Create an organizational culture that possesses the courage to question, innovate, challenge and change.

Management & Oversight

• Oversee daily operations including grantmaking, finance and administration.
• Guide the development of new initiatives and evaluation strategies.
• Manage, develop, and lead staff.
• Promote professional development and leadership opportunities for staff.
• Translate strategic intentions into concrete objectives and create performance accountability mechanisms.
• Ensure effective use of technology, systems, and workflows that support transparency and impact.

Board Engagement

• Serve as a key partner to the Board in governance, reporting, and strategic planning.
• Provide timely and relevant information to guide Board decision-making.
• Foster a collaborative and informed Board culture.

Financial Stewardship

• Oversee budget development, financial reporting, and audits in coordination with finance staff.
• Monitor and protect the Foundation’s endowment in collaboration with the Board, finance staff and investment advisors.
• Evaluate and manage the Foundation’s direct investments.
• Ensure sound financial and legal practices aligned with the Foundation’s policies.

Communications & Community Presence

• Elevate the Foundation’s visibility and voice through proactive internal and external communication strategies.
• Attend and participate in local, regional and national philanthropic networks or events.
• Maintain a strong awareness and understanding of developments in business, industry, political, and social arenas that may affect the Foundation.
• Engage with stakeholders, partners, staff, and Board in an open, honest and respectful manner.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

The ideal candidate will bring a combination of the following skills, experiences, and attributes:

• 10+ years of executive leadership in philanthropy, nonprofit, or government.
• Deep knowledge of and strong connections to Baltimore.
• Demonstrated management, collaborative leadership and team building skills.
• Proven experience leading organizational change, including strategy and culture change.
• Strong relationship and trust building skills across diverse communities and stakeholders.
• Substantial experience in grantmaking, nonprofit operations, or community investment.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to execute with precision and clarity.
• Intellectual curiousity and a willingness to take risks.
• Familiarity with financial oversight, governance, and organizational development.
• Familiarity with direct and program related investments.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and ethical leadership.

COMPENSATION

Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience. Benefits include:

• Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
• HSA
• Retirement and Annuity Plans
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance