Bonner Foundation VP for Operations & Strategic Initiatives

 
 

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 Bonner’s 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 Foundation’s 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 and 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 and 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

  • Develop and execute partnerships with college access organizations to reach more eligible high school students

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

  • Master’s degree preferred

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.

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