Chief Executive Officer; ST

The board of directors of Sherwood Trust seeks a dynamic organizational and community leader to partner in building on its significant philanthropic and community development achievements. In continually honing its grantmaking focus and community support strategies, the Trust has earned a reputation as an innovative and invaluable resource for organizations and coalitions addressing the needs of disadvantaged populations in the Walla Walla, Washington region.

The ideal candidate brings a track record of success in leading organizations of similar size, to engaging boards effectively through growth and changes, and in collaborating with the community to address local challenges. S/He is a self-starter and team player, thrives in a culture that values partnership, and leads with integrity, confidence and humility.

In honor of its founders, Donald and Virginia Sherwood, Sherwood Trust’s vision is that everyone in the Walla Walla Valley has a sense of belonging and contributes to a thriving region. As a place-based private foundation, Sherwood Trust focuses its investments in capacity building -- ensuring that both its nonprofit and community partners have the skills, consulting support, staff, and facilities they need to be resilient and thrive.

Grantmaking

With an endowment of approximately $30 million, Sherwood Trust provides over $1 million in grant funding each year. Since its founding in 1991, Sherwood Trust has granted over $32 million for communities across the Walla Walla Valley.

In 2017, Sherwood Trust’s strategic planning process resulted in a focus on four capacity building priorities:

• Community Collaboration
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Resilient Organizations
• Civic Engagement

In response to community feedback, Sherwood Trust added a small grants program in 2018 for grants between $5,000-$20,000. The new CEO will have the opportunity to evaluate this program and Sherwood Trust’s monitoring and evaluation strategies to determine whether additional improvements can be made to enhance the effectiveness of grant investments.

Programs

Sherwood Trust has made long-term community investments in several programs to support area leaders and nonprofit board developments. With the addition of a Program Manager staff position in 2017, Sherwood Trust has enhanced the quality and effectiveness of its programs.

• Community Leadership Program – Since 2004, this partnership with Rural Development Initiatives brings 25-30 community leaders together for skill-building, teambuilding, and the execution of a community project.
• Nonprofit & Community Learning Center – This partnership with Walla Walla Community College brings high quality, free adult education programs that benefit nonprofit leaders, staff, board members, and volunteers to learn about topics ranging from board governance and fundraising to civic engagement and diversity training.

The CEO will provide strategic oversight of these programs and have flexibility to create new programs or learning opportunities in response to community needs or Sherwood Trust priorities.

Voted among the “Best Small Towns in America,” historic Walla Walla, located at the base of the Blue Mountains in the scenic wine country of southeastern Washington, offers a relaxed lifestyle, a charming downtown with sophisticated restaurants, art, and theater, excellent schools, and abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation. A thriving wine industry complements the agricultural heritage of the Walla Walla Valley, and the area enjoys a strong diverse economy.

Walla Walla is home to Whitman College, ranked among the top 50 liberal arts colleges in the country, as well as Walla Walla University and nationally acclaimed Walla Walla Community College. This is a great place to live!

Based on recent consultations with community leaders and grantees, the board of directors has set strategic priorities for the near future:

• Evaluate current grant programs and recommend changes necessary to ensure their future effectiveness and accessibility
• Maintain current programs for building the capacity of nonprofit organizations and for developing community members’…