September 19, 2002 | Read Time: 3 minutes
Q. What can program officers do to prepare for a foundation presidency? I find more foundation presidents coming from institutions of higher learning. Is this a trend? If so, how does this affect those of us who already work at foundations and want to move into the leadership role?
A. There is more than one way to get to the top of the organizational chart at a foundation, says Joanne Scanlan, senior vice president for professional development at the Council on Foundations, in Washington. “Some people come through the foundation ranks, but many also have come from outside of the foundation world — they managed a business, headed a college, ran a nonprofit organization,” she says. “From what we can tell, one of the most crucial factors is the board of directors. How the board of directors sees the mission of the organization, and how do they define the chief executive’s role in fulfilling that mission.”
While it’s true that there are many people coming from academe to lead foundations today, it’s not a new development, says Ms. Scanlan. “University presidents have a long and colorful history of being presidents of foundations. It’s not a recent trend, it’s a long-lasting trend,” she says. “In fact, there’s probably a broader range of people coming into the top executive position now than there has been in the past.”
With that said, though, you’ll still want to add some skills that will bolster your résumé when you look for the top seat, says Ms. Scanlan. Program officers at foundations should look to enhance their managerial and leadership skills, financial planning, and investment knowledge. It also is a good idea to do a little introspection, because, Ms. Scanlan says, foundation presidents all seem to have at least a dollop of charisma: “It’s that kind of unique intangible — presidents need to be able to lead and bring their staff along and see new ways of doing things. There’s a great deal of personal presence that’s necessary to the position.”
Securing a mentor probably could help your presidential aspirations become a reality, says Ms. Scanlan. If your organization is a member of the Council on Foundations, you can participate in a program that pairs a foundation employee with a current foundation head or a retired foundation leader.
It helps to make connections with the leaders of foundations other than the one that employs you, says Shelley Levan Margolis, executive director of the BankAtlantic Foundation, which supports arts and culture in and around Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Other foundation leaders can help you to get a good idea of what the top job requires — and your connections might eventually help you secure a leadership position. “Unless your foundation director has left, and the board is looking for a replacement, you might have to move to another foundation to get the job,” says Ms. Margolis. She recommends that you track down your local association of grant makers for help in meeting foundation heads.
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