Chief Impact Officer

Job Description

Introduction to Eastern Bank Foundation

Eastern Bank and its Foundation (EBF) are annually ranked among the Top 10 Most Charitable Companies in Massachusetts, according to the Boston Business Journal, with over $250 million in assets and annual donations exceeding $13 million. EBF is funded by Eastern Bank and serves as its charitable arm; therefore, this role does not involve fundraising.

We believe that dismantling centuries-old social and economic hierarchies and systems of oppression can lead to greater equity in our communities. We invest by listening to the lived experiences of our neighbors and partnering on solutions. This commitment guides the Eastern Bank Foundation—not only in what and why we fund but also in how we operate. Our vision is a region—and a world—where these hierarchies are dismantled and systems of oppression based on race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, economic background, ZIP code, or other differences are eliminated.

How EBF Achieves Impact

Each year, EBF supports over 1,200 local nonprofit organizations across a variety of community needs. Our philanthropy is focused on two primary areas: Community Donations and Impact Grants. Impact Grants, which range from $50,000 to $150,000, account for more than half of the Foundation’s annual investments. These grants are awarded to community partners working to advance Economic Inclusion and Mobility (EIM) and close income and wealth gaps to promote equitable prosperity. Our EIM mission supports efforts to:

• Advance equity in the small business ecosystem
• Enrich early childhood development
• Meet the demand for safe and affordable housing
• Promote workforce development for “untapped talent” (adults aged 26+)

Eastern Bank Foundation combines philanthropic investment with volunteerism, advocacy, and collaboration to maximize its impact. We partner with community leaders to combine resources, broaden support for economic inclusion, and drive systemic change. By listening to our communities, we use our voice to advocate for bold policies that advance equity and rally corporations to support these changes.

Position Summary

The Eastern Bank Foundation seeks a Chief Impact Officer (CIO) to manage and ensure the success of its Impact Grant portfolio and related activities. The CIO will perform three primary functions:

1. Support the implementation of the Foundation’s EIM strategies.
2. Ensure timely and efficient communications and processes within the Foundation teams and with colleagues across the Bank.
3. Build and evolve measurement, evaluation, and learning systems to support strategic implementation and maximize impact.

The CIO will uphold the responsive, high-touch, trust-based approach for which the Foundation is known throughout Greater Boston and New England. This role reports to the President and CEO of the Foundation and serves as a thought partner in advancing EBF’s mission.

Familiarity with the local socio-economic landscape is required, including an understanding of historical contexts and intersectional equity.

Essential Functions

• Collaborate with the President & CEO and Foundation Fellows to refine EBF’s Economic Mobility and Inclusion strategies, ensuring continuity in equitable investments in local leaders, organizations, and movements.
• Lead key tasks, including EBF Board meeting preparation and reporting (e.g., Community Reinvestment Act compliance, strategic initiatives updates, regulatory lobbying reports, and Town Hall meeting materials).
• Work closely with the EBF President & CEO and Operations Director on budgeting, tax reporting, quarterly expenditure monitoring, and compliance with Eastern Bank policies and industry regulations.
• Support grantmaking efforts and develop strategic partnerships with community organizations to maximize impact at the intersections of EBF’s EIM strategies.
• Lead the development of EBF’s Measurement, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) systems to enhance data collection, analytics, and reporting.
• Strengthen alignment between EBF’s impact investments, CRA requirements, and volunteer opportunities.
• Manage special projects, such as commissioned research, convenings, communications initiatives, and event coordination.
• Represent EBF at forums, participate on panels, and build relationships to enhance the Foundation’s reputation within the community.
• Ensure a positive, collaborative work environment for Foundation staff and grantees, fostering teamwork and continuous improvement.
• Continuously review external research, evaluation metrics, and administrative tools to ensure EBF’s Impact Grant investments address the most pressing community needs.
• Participate in EBF’s quarterly Board meetings, providing reports and leading discussions with senior leaders at Eastern Bank.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required; an advanced degree in nonprofit management, urban planning, public administration, policy, business, economics, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience: Minimum 15 years in philanthropy, nonprofit, or government sectors, with significant experience in grant evaluation, grantmaking, and program assessment. Policy experience or movement-building expertise is a plus.
• Skills & Abilities:
  • Strong project management and administrative skills, with the ability to manage complex initiatives and deadlines.
  • Demonstrated leadership in strategy development, problem-solving, and advocacy.
  • Commitment to DEI and social justice, with a deep understanding of economic inclusion and mobility.
  • Strong communication and public speaking skills, with experience engaging diverse audiences.
  • Strong teamwork skills, especially in remote and hybrid environments.
  • Experience with nonprofit financial management, strategic consulting, or fundraising operations.
  • Extensive track record of community service, including Board roles or institutional funder engagement.

Work Environment

• This job operates in a hybrid model.
• Regular use of company-provided computer and office equipment.
• Proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint required.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to talk and hear.
• Frequently required to stand, walk, and drive to various locations in a personal vehicle.
• Must be able to use an elevator and reach with hands and arms.
• Vision requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth perception.

Position Type & Expected Hours of Work

• Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
• Standard work hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, with occasional evening and weekend work required.
• Remote work permitted with approval after onboarding.

Travel

• Primarily within Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island.
• Candidates must have their own transportation.

Other Duties

This job description is not exhaustive. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time based on organizational needs.

About Us

At Eastern Bank, we support employees by offering opportunities for growth, fairness, and recognition of individuality. These values have earned us a reputation as a great workplace.

We offer a Total Rewards benefits program, including:

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• Retirement benefits
• Vacation and tuition reimbursement

Eastern Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, including women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and more.

If you’re excited about this role but don’t meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply! Our recruitment team is eager to connect with you.