




Stanton Chase is the executive search firm partnering with the Bonner Foundation on this engagement. Please direct all inquiries and application materials to Abbey Corona: a.corona@stantonchase.com. The Bonner Foundation will not be responding to individual inquiries; no calls or contact through third-party agencies, please.
Bonner Foundation Overview:
Since its founding in 1990, the Corella & Bertram F. Bonner Foundation (Bonner Foundation) has focused on civic learning and community engagement through the development and management of the Bonner Scholars and Bonner Leaders Programs. Each year, these programs, offered by more than 60 colleges and universities, engage nearly 3,000 undergraduates in a four-year developmental experience that integrates community-based learning, leadership development and social impact initiatives. To date, the Foundation has graduated more than 20,000 Bonner Scholars and Bonner Leaders across its national network.
In addition to providing ongoing funding and support for the Bonner Programs, the Bonner Foundation has formed a community of practice to advance higher education's commitment to supporting low-income students financially, academically, and through their engagement in community service. By providing research and development for the civic engagement field, the Foundation also promotes its depth, sustainability, and value to colleges and communities.
The Vice President of Operations and Strategic Initiatives Role:
The inaugural Vice President of Operations and Strategic Initiatives will be a senior leader at the Bonner Foundation, working closely with the President and other members of Bonners team. This individual will play a key role in strengthening internal operations, advancing strategic initiatives, and deepening partnerships across the Bonner Network and beyond. The position is designed to enhance organizational effectiveness while launching and managing high-impact special projects that expand the Foundations visibility, partnerships, and long-term sustainability.
This role is well-suited for a thoughtful, strategic, and collaborative leader who thrives in dynamic, mission-driven environments and is energized by working alongside a passionate and nimble team. Candidates should bring a deep appreciation for higher education and college access, and ideally, direct experience working with or within service-based scholarship programs or campus civic engagement initiatives.
Key Objectives:
- Oversee and improve key internal operations, including workflow management, team planning, administrative processes, and special event execution
- Partner with the Director of Finance & Administration and the President to optimize internal systems, budgeting, and infrastructure support
- Work closely with the VP of Program Development & Learning Initiatives and campus support teams to strengthen the execution of meetings, trainings, national gatherings and other cross-functional initiatives
- Develop and execute strategies to expand outreach efforts for attracting diverse and talented students, including partnerships with college access organizations to reach more eligible high school students
- Lead national outreach to development officers across the Bonner Network, with the aim of supporting campus fundraising for Bonner programs
- Build relationships with campus admissions teams to enhance the visibility and positioning of Bonner as a recruitment asset
Key Selection Criteria:
- Demonstrated experience managing complex projects, organizational operations, and stakeholder communications
- Experience with college access or success initiatives, student leadership programs, or partnerships between nonprofits and higher education institutions
- Deep understanding of how colleges and universities function, particularly in areas such as development, student affairs, or civic engagement
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence and diplomacy to engage with presidents, deans, and students alike
- Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in higher education, nonprofit leadership, civic engagement, philanthropy, or related fields
- Masters degree preferred
Personal Characteristics Desired:
- Strategic thinker and strong executor; able to generate ideas and follow through on them
- High emotional intelligence, humility, and empathy; a relationship-builder who collaborates across lines of difference
- Comfort working in a lean, agile, fast-moving organization where staff regularly step in across roles
- Experience navigating ambiguity and institutional change with a positive, can-do spirit
- Comfort giving and receiving feedback, engaging in healthy dialogue, and pushing ideas forward, even when challenging norms
- Strong commitment to equity and inclusion; lived experience as a first-generation college student or member of an underrepresented community is welcomed
- Deep appreciation for Bonners mission, and familiarity with the Bonner Network or similar service-based programs is a strong plus
Salary is commensurate with experience and aligned with the Foundations budget and commitment to equity. The listed range for this position is $125,000 - $175,000. It is a full-time position with attractive benefits based at the Foundations office in Princeton, New Jersey (hybrid work schedule).
See Full Job Description here:
https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:ba85e608-1db5-4256-a610-671fac44a3dd
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