Job Description
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Organization: The Doughboy FoundationLocation: Washington, D.C. (In-person required; limited telework permitted)Reports to: Board of DirectorsStatus: Full-time, exemptCompensation: $130,000 plus incentives
Benefits: $12,000/year in lieu of health insurance (this provision becomes void if / when organization offers health insurance).
About the Doughboy Foundation
The Doughboy Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., dedicated to honoring and preserving the memory of Americans who served in World War I. “Keeping Faith with the American Doughboy”.The Foundation leads nationwide remembrance initiatives, benefit performances, public programming, and educational campaigns that connect past service with present civic values and honors all who have served.
With assets exceeding $6 million and growing donor and institutional engagement, the Foundation is positioned for impactful national expansion under dynamic and mission-focused leadership.
Position Summary
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) serves as the chief strategist, public representative, and operational leader of the Doughboy Foundation. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the CEO is responsible for advancing the Foundation’s mission, stewarding its financial and human resources, and overseeing programming, fundraising, and institutional partnerships.
The CEO must bring visionary leadership, high-level fundraising ability, and a demonstrated commitment to civic remembrance engagement and veterans’ affairs. This position requires in-person presence in Washington, D.C., with limited telework permitted at the Board’s discretion.
Key Responsibilities1. Mission & Strategic Leadership
- Guide the strategic direction and long-term vision of the Foundation in partnership with the Board.
- Serve as the public face of the organization, representing the Foundation to government, media, donors, and the general public together with the President.
- Ensure programs, events, and initiatives align with the Foundation’s core mission and brand.
2. Fundraising & External Relations
- Oversee all fundraising strategy, including major gifts, grants, sponsorships, and partnerships.
- Cultivate relationships with high-net-worth individuals, corporate supporters, government agencies, and cultural institutions.
- Support donor events, concerts, galas, and public commemorations nationwide.
3. Organizational & Financial Management
- Oversee Executive Director who has day-to-day responsibility for operations, including staff supervision, budgeting, and financial reporting.
- Work closely with the Board and COO to ensure fiscal responsibility and transparency.
- Ensure compliance with IRS and D.C. nonprofit laws, including audits and annual filings.
4. Board Engagement
- Act as primary liaison to the Board of Directors; support governance, board development, and strategic decision-making.
- Prepare board reports, financial updates, and performance metrics.
5. Program & Content Oversight
- Oversee all programming, including, but not limited to: the daily rendering of Taps; engagements of the AEF Band; the national tour of The Story of a Rose; Bells of Peace Armistice Day ceremonies; education campaigns; the national historic marker program; grant programs for restoration of local memorials; and digital media efforts.
- Ensure historical accuracy, relevance, and emotional resonance in all public-facing content.
- Ensure continued robust relationships with, but not limited to, the National Park Service, The Trust for the National Mall, The Hello Girls organization/award ceremony, and America 250. Continuously explore opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships.
QualificationsRequired:
- 10+ years of senior leadership experience in the nonprofit, public service, or cultural sector.
- Proven success in fundraising, donor engagement, and strategic partnership development.
- Outstanding communication and public speaking skills.
- Demonstrated passion for military history, veterans’ affairs, public memory, or civic education.
- Experience managing multi-million-dollar budgets and supervising professional staff.
Preferred:
- Experience with performing arts, historical commemorations, or national memorials.
- Familiarity with working in D.C. nonprofit, policy, or public sector landscapes.
- Prior service in the military or veterans’ community engagement (a plus, but not required).
Work Requirements
- Must be based in the Washington, D.C. area and work primarily in person at the Foundation’s headquarters.
- National travel required for events, partnerships, and donor cultivation.
- Occasional evening/weekend responsibilities for public programming and Board activities.
Compensation and Incentive Structure
Base Salary: $130,000 per year
Incentive Program: When approved by the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors, The CEO will be eligible for annual performance-based incentives as follows:
Performance Metric
Incentive
Raise $500,000+ in new funds in a fiscal year
$10,000 bonus
Secure a multi-year gift or grant ≥ $250,000
$5,000 bonus per qualified award
Increase unrestricted revenue by 25% YoY
$7,500 bonus
Establish 3+ new corporate sponsorships
$2,500 bonus
Launch successful national campaign/event
$5,000 bonus (Board discretion)
Cap: Annual incentive bonus not to exceed 25% of base salary ($32,500 per year).
Review Period: Performance evaluated annually by the Board of Directors.
NOTE: As described herein, In addition to the Base Salary, the CEO shall be eligible to receive annual incentive compensation based on performance benchmarks related to fundraising and organizational growth. The specific criteria, bonus amounts, and performance goals shall be reviewed and approved annually by the Board of Directors.
All incentive compensation shall be contingent on the CEO remaining in good standing with the Foundation, and shall be paid no later than sixty (60) days after the close of the fiscal year, subject to Board review and approval. The total incentive compensation shall not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the CEO’s base salary in any fiscal year.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and three references to sandy@doughboy.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $130,000.00 per year
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Weekends as needed
Experience:
- Fundraising: 3 years (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Washington, DC 20004 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Washington, DC 20004: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
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