President & CEO

President & Ceo

The Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organizations (Maryland Nonprofits) is one of the largest and most successful state associations of nonprofits with close to 2,000 members and partners, and a staff of more than 20. Its mission is to strengthen organizations for greater quality of life and equity.

Leadership Opportunity

Maryland's nonprofit sector is navigating one of the most consequential periods in recent memory. Recent federal cuts have impacted the workforce, grants, and programs that nonprofits and their communities rely on. A national rollback of equity initiatives, overlaid with the state's projected $1.4 billion budget gap, create compounding pressures for Maryland Nonprofits' members. Against this backdrop, the unifying role of a strong statewide association has never been more critical.

Last spring, the Board of Directors announced the departure of President & CEO, Heather Illiff, following more than a decade of executive leadership and a total of 18 years of dedicated service to the organization. The Board is now embarking on a search for its next President & CEO (President). A compassionate advocate and skilled bridge-builder, the next President joins a statewide organization at a defining national moment, forging partnerships at the local, regional, and federal levels to ensure residents across Maryland have access to the resources they need to thrive.

The incoming leader will build on a strong organizational legacy while outlining an ambitious vision for the critical role of the state's nonprofit sector.

A 2023–2027 Strategic Plan focuses Maryland Nonprofits on four interconnected priorities:

• Serving as a leading voice and convener for a robust and equitable nonprofit sector
• Driving more equitable outcomes across nonprofit organizations and communities
• Strengthening and diversifying revenue and membership for long-term sustainability
• Aligning organizational culture, governance, and capacity around equity and inclusion

The President will play a central role in advancing these priorities, while also deepening the organization's advocacy influence, expanding its reach and relevance to current and prospective nonprofit members, and ensuring that its programs and services meet the capacity building needs of members of all sizes, industries, and geographies. They will balance mission-driven growth with disciplined financial planning and operational sustainability.

As the organization's primary spokesperson and influential advocacy leader, the President will cultivate strong relationships with nonprofit leaders, policymakers, funders, and cross-sector partners. They will elevate Maryland Nonprofits' visibility and credibility while ensuring that the voices and needs of nonprofits, particularly those led by and serving historically marginalized communities, are represented in decision-making spaces.

Internally, the President will lead a talented leadership team by fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture grounded in equity, transparency, and accountability. In close partnership with the Board, the President will ensure strong governance, financial stewardship, and strategic alignment with core priorities.

The position's key responsibilities include:

Strategic Leadership and Governance

• Advance the mission of Maryland Nonprofits by developing excellent programs, engaging members, and advancing the field of nonprofit capacity building.
• Partner with the Board of Directors and staff to refine and implement a clear, forward-looking strategic vision aligned with Maryland Nonprofits' mission and values.
• Translate strategic priorities into actionable plans, measurable outcomes, and organizational accountability systems.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Board, ensuring strong governance, timely reports, clear workplans, and informed decision-making; serve as a non-voting, ex officio board member.
• Identify emerging trends, risks, and opportunities affecting the nonprofit sector and position the organization responsively.
• Ensure consistent alignment across strategy, programs, and resource allocation.

Outreach and Advocacy

• Maintain and expand Maryland Nonprofits' reputation and reach as a state, regional, and national leader.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson and influential leader, representing members' interests to the media, government, funders, donors, and other nonprofit leaders.
• Advance a proactive public policy agenda that strengthens nonprofits in Maryland and empower organizations to make a greater impact in their communities.
• Support the creation of legislative alerts, campaigns, and testimony that responds to state and federal opportunities and threats.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with policymakers, government agencies, philanthropic partners, and leaders from the nonprofit and business sectors.
• Develop partnerships with cross-sector stakeholders to advance collaborative solutions to nonprofits' greatest challenges.
• Elevate the organization's brand and influence through strategic…