President

LLOYD A. FRY FOUNDATION

PRESIDENT

 

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

 

The Lloyd A. Fry Foundation (Foundation) is dedicated to improving the lives of the people of Chicago faced with challenges rooted in systems of inequity. The Foundation partners with nonprofit organizations that share our commitment to building a community in which all individuals and families can thrive.

 

In 1933, Lloyd A. Fry founded the Lloyd A. Fry Roofing Company on the Southwest Side of Chicago. During the next several decades, the company grew to become the world's largest manufacturer of asphalt roofing and allied products, with nearly 5,000 dedicated employees in manufacturing facilities nationwide. The company was sold to Owens-Corning Fiberglass Corporation in 1977. In large part, the proceeds from the sale of the company now serve as the endowment of the Lloyd A. Fry Foundation. The Foundation has been addressing the needs of the Chicago community since 1983.

 

Armed with the vision “… a Chicago that offers education, opportunity, health, and hope for all,” the Foundation’s funding priorities focus on improving conditions for underinvested and underserved communities in Chicago within the three funding program areas of arts learning, education, and employment.

 

For more information about the Foundation, please visit: https://www.fryfoundation.org/

 

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

 

Under the direction of the Board of Directors and in collaboration with Foundation staff, the President leads the organization in providing the vision and strategy necessary to advance the Foundation’s mission and achieve its goals. The President works collaboratively with the Board and staff, leveraging their expertise to identify, lead and implement the Foundation’s grantmaking priorities.

 

The President will also uphold the Foundation’s history, culture, and reputation as it evolves to meet the changing needs of under-invested communities in Chicago and identify key areas where the Foundation can meaningfully address issues affecting Chicago families facing systemic barriers. The President fosters a strong and inclusive organizational culture and ensures full organizational commitment to its work.

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

 

• Partner collaboratively with the Board and staff to develop programming, grantmaking, and systems that are aligned with the Foundation’s vision and mission

• Serve as the Foundation’s ambassador to external constituencies

• Oversee the financial aspects of the role, in conjunction with the Controller, relationship banks and trust advisors

• Be informed of the investment management and financial administration strategies and systems that are effective and aligned with the Foundation’s vision and mission

• Collaborate with other private and/or public funders and grantees for greater social impact

• Lead the work of the organization and administer the preparation of Board materials, grant reports, foundation records, and all administrative and business matters of the foundation while utilizing a strong internal controls acumen

• Make decisions that promote the efficient and effective operation of the Foundation

• Provide inspiration, support, and guidance to the team; lead recruitment efforts of program officers and staff as needed

• Promote an organizational culture that supports open communication and collaboration

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

 

STRATEGY & VISION SETTING

Demonstrated experience in charting and implementing a strategic vision, articulating clear direction and expectations, and ensuring proper planning, accountability, and continual learning. Ability to identify strategic opportunities, issues, and challenges affecting under-invested communities in Chicago, with understanding of how the Foundation’s grantmaking can support nonprofits working in its program areas. Brings curiosity, openness to new ideas, and an understanding of public policy formation and its implications for community-based funding strategies.

 

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

Recognized success working with a broad set of internal and external stakeholders, including Board and staff, as well as policymakers and nonprofit and philanthropic organizations, to develop and implement strategy, advocate for disinvested communities, and advance the Foundation’s mission.

 

EXTERNAL VISIBILITY & ADVOCACY

Strong external presence and network, with the ability to serve as the spokesperson and representative/ambassador of the Foundation. Skilled in building meaningful relationships with policy makers and community leaders. Proven ability to elevate the organization’s visibility and reputation. An understanding of and familiarity with Chicagoland nonprofit communities.

 

ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP

Documented achievement in leading an organization of significant size and stature, with a “fiduciary mindset” needed for trusted stewardship. Significant experience in identifying, developing, mentoring, recognizing and rewarding talent that is diverse in all ways. A commitment to advancing the values of the Fry Foundation externally and internally. Ability to prioritize and make decisions.

 

CONSENSUS BUILDER

Capacity for cultivating an environment of mutual respect, learning, and shared purpose. Aptitude in developing consensus across different interests, creating buy-in, and communicating the path to achieve strategic goals.

 

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

 

• Minimum of 10+ years of progressively responsible and visionary leadership experience within the philanthropic sector preferred

• Significant experience within or adjacent to nonprofits with demonstrated success serving underserved communities

• Excellent leadership and management skills; strong team player who appreciates the strength of staff and encourages/supports their growth

• Strong ability to set direction and execute strategy

• High degree of integrity, analysis, and problem-solving skills

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Capacity to lead and manage through ambiguity

• A deep appreciation for and understanding of the Chicago-area social impact landscape

 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

 

The salary range for this position is $200,000 to $225,000 annually commensurate with experience. The Foundation offers a competitive benefits package with medical, dental and vision, generous PTO and a tax-deferred annuity plan.

 

HOW TO APPLY

 

The Foundation has retained Morten Group, LLC to conduct this search. Applicants should complete the form available at mortengroup.com/executive-placements/fryfoundation, including the submission of a cover letter and resume in PDF format by the best consideration date of Friday, July 18, 2025. Cover letters will be evaluated as a writing sample. Please note that only those applicants invited to a screening interview will be contacted between July 18 – August 1, 2025.

 

Lloyd A. Fry Foundation encourages individuals from traditionally underrepresented communities to apply and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, order of protection status, physical or mental disability, veteran/military status, unfavorable discharge, marital status, pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation. The Fry Foundation specifically prohibits all forms of unlawful discrimination, including discrimination because of any one of the protected statuses listed above.