Skip to main content

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer
Organization: Community Foundation of Louisville (CFL)
Location: Louisville, KY
Date Posted: 02/23/2026

## Our Client

Founded in 1984, the **Community Foundation of Louisville (CFL)** mobilizes people, networks, and capital to spark meaningful change in and beyond Louisville. With nearly $1 billion in assets, over 2,200 charitable funds, and collaborations with local partners and fundholders, CFL connects real investments with relevant causes.

CFL is dedicated to providing best-in-class services to fundholders and addressing a range of community issues. The key priorities of CFL’s mission are to remove barriers to accessing capital and resources and to open opportunities for all. Working with neighbors, changemakers, and community investors, CFL inspires greater generosity to move all of Louisville forward.

Charitable giving through the Community Foundation of Louisville is intentional. CFL seeks to empower and inspire its fundholders to give in creative ways, enabling a broad array of local nonprofits and small businesses to dream big and be successful. From supporting local startups and scholarship opportunities to impact investments through **Invest Louisville**, local grantmaking through the **Fund for Louisville**, and the annual **Give for Good** giving drive, CFL offers funding for nonprofit organizations, community leaders, and pioneering projects.

### Historical Impact

In 1984, the Community Foundation of Louisville had holdings of just over $1 million and distributed $90,000 in grants. By 2024, the Foundation surpassed **$1.2 billion in total grants distributed** since its founding. With a dedicated board of 23 and a staff of more than 30, CFL remains committed to strengthening the city of Louisville and its people.

*Learn more about the Community Foundation of Louisville at [https://www.cflouisville.org]

## The Opportunity in Context

Louisville, the largest city in Kentucky, enjoys a fascinating history. Founded in 1778 on the Ohio River, it features a diverse population and a vibrant culture, alongside challenging community issues that philanthropy can help address. The area has great wealth and a significant wealth diaspora—as well as significant poverty, affordability, and livability issues.

The region is home to nationally renowned cultural assets, a thriving arts and food scene, and a rich infrastructure of nonprofit organizations. In addition to the Kentucky Derby, Louisville is a logistics hub (UPS Worldport), a manufacturing center (Ford and GE), a leader in medical research, and a global destination for the bourbon industry.

Like much of the nation, the region is changing as it reckons with health, social, racial, economic, and technological inequities. CFL sits at the nexus of these circumstances and is well-positioned to frame and advance the course of the region’s future.

## Position Responsibilities

The Community Foundation of Louisville seeks an accomplished leader to serve as its next **Chief Executive Officer**. The CEO will provide dynamic leadership to promote the Foundation’s goals, implement Board-identified policy directives, and enhance the role of CFL as a key convener in Metro Louisville.

### Vision and Leadership

* **Stakeholder Engagement:** Build a culture of community-engaged philanthropy by strengthening relationships with fundholders, public sector leaders, and nonprofit partners across all neighborhoods.
* **Asset Growth:** Increase assets and endowment to support the implementation of a strategic plan for long-term sustainability.
* **Public Advocacy:** Serve as a visible leader in philanthropy, advancing CFL’s purpose in public forums and building strategic alliances.
* **Needs Assessment:** Use community conversations to evaluate needs, prioritize issues, and measure impact.
* **Advisor Relations:** Deepen relationships with the professional advisor community to ensure high-net-worth populations are aware of CFL’s value proposition.
* **Tool Utilization:** Work with the Board and staff to use training, grants, impact investments, and policy advocacy to their highest and best use.

### Board Relations

* Guide the implementation of Board goals into actionable execution plans.
* Work closely with the Board to provide leadership and support that enhances governance.
* Collaborate with Board Committees to ensure effective stewardship.

### Marketing and Communications

* Assure effective communications to solidify CFL’s brand identity.
* Highlight opportunities in philanthropy and strategic focus areas to inspire fundholders and collaborators.

### Operational Leadership

* Champion CFL’s values and sustain a strong performance-based culture.
* Oversee internal controls, budgeting, and finance to inspire donor and board confidence.
* Integrate technology to support efficiency and high-quality service.
* Manage the annual operating budget in a pragmatic, cost-effective fashion.

## Profile of the Successful Candidate

The Foundation seeks a seasoned professional with:

* **Entrepreneurial Nature:** Intellectual curiosity combined with analytical skills and political savvy.
* **Leadership Experience:** A successful track record in business development, wealth management, or the foundation sector.
* **Ambassadorship:** Experience working in highly visible environments as an organizational spokesperson.
* **Technical Knowledge:** Familiarity with philanthropic financial tools, impact investing, and staff management.
* **Collaborative Style:** An inclusive, consensus-building approach that inspires staff, donors, and community partners.
* **Education:** A bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree is preferred.

## Logistics & Application

### Start Timeframe

We seek to have someone in place in **Summer/Fall 2026**.

### Compensation

This position offers a competitive salary range of **$325,000 to $400,000 per year** depending on experience, including a comprehensive benefits package.

### To Apply or Nominate

All applications are held in strict confidence. Please submit your credentials and a letter of interest through the private applicant portal at:
[https://the360group.us/portal/]

Applications should be directed to the attention of **Vincent Robinson**, Managing Partner, or **Melissa Ulum**, Of Counsel. Nominations can be submitted to **[email protected]**.

Earn a certificate with the Council! Start your journey today.

More News & Resources

Elevate your PAC strategy, strengthen your network and celebrate the profession. Join us March 2–5 in Tampa, Florida for the 50th anniversary of the National PAC Conference!