Description

THE OPPORTUNITY

For more than two decades, The Greehey Family Foundation has been dedicated to improving the lives of San Antonio’s most underserved residents. Founded by Bill and Louree Greehey, the Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that strengthen families, uplift youth, care for the elderly, and bring hope to those experiencing homelessness or hardship. We strive to invest in programs that build a healthier, stronger, and more equitable community where everyone can live with dignity, stability, and hope. With annual grantmaking of approximately $15 million, the Foundation serves as a vital catalyst for positive change, supporting initiatives that create lasting impact across the region.

The Foundation is now hiring the first Executive Director to lead the Foundation into the next phase of philanthropic impact. The Greehey Family Foundation is seeking a dynamic, diplomatic, seasoned team player to lead the Foundation. The ED must be comfortable working closely with the Board of Directors, which consists of family members, and staff in a “hands-on” way in setting strategy, creating new processes, and building systems. This is a unique opportunity for an accomplished nonprofit leader to steward a significant philanthropic resource and make a meaningful difference in one of Texas’ most vibrant communities.

Candidates for the ED should have excellent planning, facilitation, interpersonal and communication skills and should demonstrate a track record of organizational and team management. The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of The Greehey Family Foundation, providing strategic leadership, operational oversight, and serving as the primary liaison between the Board, family members, grantee partners, and the broader philanthropic community. This role requires a collaborative leader who can continue to translate the Foundation’s mission and values into meaningful action while building trust and fostering excellence across all aspects of the organization.

Overview of the Executive Director Role

Executive Leadership and Strategic Direction

Lead all aspects of the Foundation’s programs, administration, and financial operations in support of its mission and to maximize community impact. Specific responsibilities include:

• Direct the Foundation’s grantmaking program, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and mission while overseeing grant evaluation, application review, inquiry responses, grant reports, and recommendation preparation for Board consideration
• Establish and oversee evaluation and data collection systems to measure grantmaking effectiveness and track progress toward stated outcomes
• Champion excellence, innovation, and impact throughout the organization, modeling the Foundation’s values in all activities
• Facilitate the development of a strategic plan and lead implementation by setting clear priorities, allocating resources effectively, strengthening operations, and ensuring organizational alignment toward common goals
• Model and drive excellence, impact and innovation in service of the Foundation’s mission
• Maintain strategic awareness of emerging challenges and opportunities affecting the Foundation, its grantees, and the broader philanthropic sector. Lead efforts to address and adjust the Foundation’s actions as appropriate
• Oversee and motivate a high-performing team united by shared purpose and values of integrity, mutual respect, and trust
• Develop and maintain operational systems and procedures that drive efficiency, transparency, and adherence to philanthropic best practices
• Articulate the Foundation’s vision with passion and clarity to inspire internal and external stakeholders
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships and communications with current/prospective grantees, current staff, other funders, philanthropic organizations, nonprofits and community organizations
• Oversee management of the Foundation’s physical properties, assets, and contracts with consultants/vendors

Board and Family Relations

• Cultivate an effective, trust-based working relationship with the Board and family members, serving as a valued thought partner through consistent, transparent communication
• Arrange and attend Board and future committee meetings including preparation of agendas; overseeing materials development; implementing board directives; communicating with the Board between meetings for status updates
• Support the work of the Board of Directors – acting as a strategic partner to develop and implement a plan for how to maximize impact in the communities served
• Implement Board-approved organizational policies, procedures, and plans, and regularly report on progress on key metrics and milestones
• Support the development, training and engagement of the next generation of the Greehey family and board members through the Foundation’s governance and activities

Financial Management and Compliance

• Ensure fiscal integrity across all Foundation operations
• Lead development of the annual budget, including submission to the board for approval
• Ensure the board receives and reviews the quarterly financial statements which accurately reflect the Foundation’s performance against the annual budget
• Direct financial resources prudently to maximize impact while ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations
• Monitor the Foundation’s compliance with minimum annual distribution requirement and ensure prompt payment of approved grants
• Manage and steward the financial assets of the Foundation as defined by the Board’s Investment Policy
• Oversee preparation and filing of annual tax returns, annual audit materials and other regulatory submissions
• Collaborate with the Foundation’s legal, audit and financial advisors to ensure full regulatory compliance; communicate requirements to the Board and monitor relevant regulatory developments

Requirements

CORE VALUES, EXPERIENCES AND SKILLS DESIRED

The ideal candidate will have at least ten years of executive management and leadership within the philanthropic or nonprofit sectors with a track record of significant growth and impact. The successful candidate will demonstrate through prior experience the following qualities, attributes and accomplishments:
 

Leadership Qualities & Personal Attributes

• A values-driven leader characterized by integrity, humility, positivity, empathy, strong emotional intelligence and genuine passion for community impact
• Demonstrated low-ego leadership style with strong character and conviction to champion the Foundation’s mission and values
• Focus on collective results and community benefit over personal recognition
• Proven ability to lead organizations and families through change, working in partnership with internal stakeholders to translate a vision into clearly defined priorities and results
• Excellent analytical and intellectual abilities coupled with pragmatism and a roll-up-one’s sleeves attitude
• Self-starter that possesses a high level of energy and is not dependent on a large infrastructure to achieve results
• Evidence of ability to develop and implement a strategy and initiatives in a creative, responsible way while building a team to foster the mission
• Collaborative, approachable leadership style that values consultation and inclusivity with internal and external partners
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development
• Ability to inspire generosity and strengthen community through personal example
• Natural convening ability with capacity to build consensus and forge strong partnerships across the family, the philanthropic sector and the community
• Visionary with the maturity, confidence, experience, and collaborative skills necessary to garner the trust and confidence of the Board, the family, staff, and grantee partners

Professional Experience & Expertise

• Minimum of ten years of progressive leadership experience in the nonprofit sector
• Demonstrated track record in nonprofit leadership, strategic planning, program development and implementation, evaluation, and financial management. Ability to identify the need for and to secure and manage external expertise and resources as necessary
• Experience being the face of an organization and building relationships with a diverse set of stakeholders
• Respect for the grant-seeking community and for the importance of its strong partnership with members of the Board and staff
• Proven ability to lead and strategically manage complex organizations
• Success translating organizational vision into clearly defined priorities and measurable results
• Strong work ethic and unwavering commitment to excellence
• Outstanding communication skills with proven effectiveness as an organizational spokesperson and grace to represent the Foundation
• Familiarity with audit, legal, financial and IRS regulations and ability to enforce policies
• Sound judgment regarding when to speak on behalf of the Foundation versus when to defer to family members
• Understanding of or experience with the philanthropic landscape of San Antonio, Texas and Bexar County
• Bachelor’s degree required; graduate degree preferred
• Long-term commitment to working with The Greehey Family Foundation

HOW TO APPLY

This is a great role for a strong leader who wants to work closely with The Greehey Family Foundation Board to create the conditions for the Foundation to be continuing to be successful in honoring the legacy of its founders. 

This Executive Director will serve as a thought partner and advisor to the Board and report directly to the Chair and President of the Foundation.  This opportunity is a full-time, in-person position located in San Antonio, Texas. Please visit our website at greeheyfoundation.org to learn more about the Foundation. The compensation package is commensurate with experience and includes a competitive base salary as well as benefits and vacation.  

Interested candidates should apply here. We will receive letters of interest and resumes until February 13, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Inquiries may be directed to Denise Smith at denise@denisesmith.net. We will contact those candidates who most closely match the requirements. We thank you in advance for your interest.