Executive Director; part-time; West Foundation

Executive Director Position At The Ruth St. John And John Dunham West Foundation

The Ruth St. John and John Dunham West Foundation is a nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to enriching the Lakeshore region of Wisconsin through investment in the arts, education, humanitarian initiatives, civic organizations, and historic preservation. Established in 1957, the Foundation continues the legacy of John and Ruth West, whose lifelong commitment to community service and quiet philanthropy has had a lasting impact on Manitowoc and the surrounding area.

Through strategic grantmaking and stewardship of significant cultural assets, the Foundation seeks to strengthen organizations that enhance the quality of life for current and future generations.

The Foundation's origins are rooted in the vision and generosity of its founders. John West, an engineer and longtime leader of the Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company, and Ruth St. John West, shared a deep appreciation for community, culture, and the natural environment. Together they transformed their Lake Michigan property into the renowned West of the Lake Gardens, a six-acre botanical destination that remains one of the region's treasured landmarks.

Today, the Foundation continues to support and preserve the Gardens as both a historic site and a place for public enjoyment. Beyond its stewardship of West of the Lake Gardens, the Foundation is committed to advancing organizations whose work benefits the Lakeshore community. Grant funding supports humanitarian, educational, cultural, and civic initiatives that promote community well-being, encourage artistic expression, preserve local heritage, and strengthen public life.

The Foundation's philanthropic philosophy reflects the belief that investing in nonprofit organizations and public institutions creates lasting opportunities for growth, enrichment, and meaningful community impact. The West legacy extends beyond the Foundation through their enduring support of the Rahr-West Art Museum, where their personal contributions helped expand the museum and build its permanent collection. Following the passing of John and Ruth West, the majority of their estate was dedicated to sustaining the Foundation's charitable mission, ensuring their commitment to philanthropy would continue for generations.

Today, the Foundation remains dedicated to preserving the founders' vision by supporting organizations that foster vibrant communities, celebrate culture, and improve the lives of residents throughout Wisconsin's Lakeshore region.

The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive of the Ruth St. John and John Dunham West Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) private philanthropic organization founded in 1957 and based in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. The Foundation owns and operates West of the Lake Gardens, a 6-acre historic garden open to the public, and has distributed grants to Manitowoc-area nonprofits throughout its distinguished history.

The Executive Director translates the Board's strategic intent into vision- and mission-aligned programs, grounded in the Foundation's core values, sound financial stewardship, and measurable community impact. This is a hands-on executive role requiring a sophisticated blend of strategic leadership, governance partnership, philanthropic expertise, and authentic community engagement. The ED manages a small professional team. The ED also monitors grant applications for completeness and provides them to the Board for decision-making, oversees operations of the Gardens and serves as the Foundation's principal external representative, including with governmental, regulatory, and community stakeholder entities.

The ED is expected to support the Board in cultivating meaningful partnerships with local government and civic institutions in service of Manitowoc-area residents. The ED shares responsibility with the Office Manager for implementing the Foundation's operating policies, procedures, and Board decisions, leading strategically while the Office Manager leads tactically.

Core responsibilities as Executive Director include:

• Strategic Leadership & Mission Stewardship
• Governance &…