The University of Massachusetts Amherst Foundation (UMAF or Foundation) invites applications and nominations for the position of Executive Director for Board Relations and Volunteer Engagement (Executive Director). UMAF seeks a talented professional with board relations and volunteer engagement experience to serve as an advisor to the UMAF Board and committees, the Alumni Association board, and school and college advisory boards and provide guidance on governance best practices, operational strategies and efficiencies, and board engagement and productivity. The Executive Director reports to the Chief of Staff and works closely with the UMAF President and executive team, the Chair, Secretary, and other members of the Board of Directors, and others throughout the Foundation and greater University of Massachusetts Amherst community to build and enhance the volunteer leadership network.
The successful candidate will bring experience supporting boards and board leadership, managing volunteers at all levels of engagement with an organization, and developing and expanding relationships across a complex organization. They will demonstrate diplomatic skills, work well within diverse groups to achieve common goals, and lead through influence with a wide array of people. They will have experience identifying metrics that provide a comprehensive overview of volunteer engagement to guide a robust volunteer engagement strategy. Experience in a foundation or with a board that engages in fundraising is preferred.
Established in 2003, UMAF has employed development officers and management since its inception. In 2023, it assumed responsibility for all of UMass Amherst’s advancement functions, including advancement services, alumni relations, advancement marketing and communications, development, campaign management, board relations, and volunteer engagement. The Foundation anticipates significant growth in staffing and operations in the coming years, and fosters a culture that supports continuous learning and development, as well as excellence in governance.
A complete Leadership Profile with additional information may be found above.
AGB Search is pleased to assist the UMass Amherst Foundation with this leadership search. To apply for the Executive Director position, candidates are requested to submit the following in PDF format:
For best consideration, applications should be submitted by June 20, 2025, to the AGB Search portal at UMass Amherst Foundation Executive Director. The search will remain open until an appointment is made.
Nominations and expressions of interest in the Executive Director for Board Relations and Volunteer Engagement position are encouraged. Please direct them to UMAFED@agbsearch.com or the AGB Search consultants listed below:
Kimberly Templeton
Principal
kimberly.templeton@agbsearch.com
Andrew Bowen
Executive Search Consultant
andrew.bowen@agbsearch.com
The University of Massachusetts Amherst Foundation is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. UMAF welcomes and values diversity in all its forms and recognizes that a diverse and inclusive team strengthens our work and advances our mission. UMAF recognizes that the benefits of a diverse team are fully realized when people of all races, gender identities, ages, ethnicities, cultural heritages, and nationalities; educational backgrounds; religious and political beliefs; sexual orientations; abilities; and socioeconomic and veteran status are valued, respected, and included at every level.
