About Grigg Lewis Foundation
Established in 1968 through a gift from Henrietta Grigg Lewis, the Grigg Lewis Foundation makes funds available to charitable organizations benefiting residents of Eastern Niagara County.
The Foundation supports a broad range of community needs, including arts and culture, community improvements, education, elderly services, health and wellness, history and preservation, human services, and youth. In 2025, it awarded $2.7 million through 118 grants to 77 nonprofit organizations.
Beyond grantmaking, the Foundation runs several signature initiatives:
- Lockport Spokes: A free after-school program, run with local partner agencies, that serves 7th-12th grade students.
- Christa Caldwell Workership Program: Paid summer positions that place college students with local nonprofits, building job skills while strengthening nonprofit capacity.
- Core Group Program: Reliable, largely unrestricted annual support for long-standing nonprofit partners, totaling more than $4.5 million to 39 organizations since 2001.
- Community involvement: Convening the Lockport Family Focus Group and managing the Lockport Resource Guide to connect residents with local services.
The Foundation is led by an engaged Board of Directors and a small, dedicated staff based in Lockport.
Learn more at grigglewis.org.
The Opportunity
The Grigg Lewis Foundation is seeking an Executive Director to carry forward the philanthropic legacy of Henrietta Grigg Lewis and lead the Foundation into its next chapter. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and success of the Foundation. The role partners with the Board on governance and strategic direction, leads the grantmaking program and signature initiatives, oversees the investment portfolio alongside the Board and its investment managers, and leads and develops the Foundation's staff.
This is an opportunity for a community-minded leader to build strong relationships with nonprofit partners, community leaders, and peer funders across Eastern Niagara County. The next Executive Director will help the Foundation measure and communicate its impact, deepen its engagement with grantees and residents, and grow its youth programs.
They will also help the Board pursue emerging opportunities that fit its mission, such as youth and child development, affordable housing, and economic development, that strengthens Lockport as a place to live and work.
Functions & Responsibilities
Governance and Board Partnership
- Work with the Board of Directors to define and advance the Foundation's mission and ensure it serves the community in perpetuity.
- Advise the Board President, in consultation with legal counsel, on Board activities within the bounds of the bylaws, and maintain proper oversight of corporate records.
- Arrange and attend Board and committee meetings, including preparing agendas, materials, and minutes, and carry out Board directives between meetings.
- Review and maintain the Foundation's operating policies, practices, and guidelines, presenting recommendations to the Board for input and approval.
- Build leadership capacity across the staff, Board, and committees.
Financial Stewardship and Investment Oversight
- Lead financial planning and budget management, reporting regularly to the Finance and Investment Committees and the full Board.
- Serve as the primary liaison to the Foundation's investment managers, consulting on investment policy, strategy, and market trends that may affect the portfolio.
- Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual operating results, and ensure accounting practices are sound and cost-effective.
- Partner with the Foundation's outside CPA firm on the annual audit and the review of State and Federal 990-PF filings, including quarterly fair market value calculations and excise tax.
- Structure and analyze Program Related Investments within IRS guidelines and ensure compliance with all applicable nonprofit laws and accounting standards.
Grantmaking and Program Leadership
- Lead the Foundation's quarterly grantmaking cycle, from application review and site visits through Board recommendations, payout, and follow-up reporting.
- Implement the Foundation's grantmaking policies and annual goals within Board-approved guidelines.
- Evaluate funded programs and report to the Board on funding effectiveness and community impact.
- Provide technical assistance to nonprofits and grant-seekers, including help identifying other funding sources.
- Identify and develop new program ideas and initiatives and help Board members identify and vet charitable opportunities.
- Support the Foundation's signature programs, including Lockport Spokes and the Christa Caldwell Workership Program.
Staff Leadership and Administration
- Lead, support, and develop staff, conducting annual performance reviews and recommending compensation to the Personnel Committee.
- Oversee day-to-day operations, including office management, technology, payroll and benefits administration, and record keeping.
- Review and negotiate employee benefit plans and the Foundation's insurance coverage, including liability, cybersecurity, and D&O.
External and Community Relations
- Serve as the public face of the Foundation, representing it at community events, grantee events, and public engagements across Eastern Niagara County.
- Ensure the Foundation and its mission are consistently presented in a strong, positive light, and oversee the website and other communications.
- Build partnerships and collaborations with other grantmakers and nonprofit organizations.
- Maintain a strong professional presence in the philanthropic sector through conferences, convenings, and peer networks.
- Consider opportunities to attract new funds and grow the Foundation's resources.
Compensation and Benefits
A salary range of $140,000-155,000 plus a comprehensive benefits package is offered. Qualifications
The Executive Director will have the following experience and attributes:
- A minimum of a bachelor's degree.
- Progressive leadership experience in the nonprofit sector; experience in philanthropy or with a private or community foundation strongly preferred.
- Financial fluency, including the ability to read and interpret financial statements and investment reports, and the confidence to manage relationships with investment managers, auditors, and finance professionals.
- Comfort and skill in public speaking, with a visible, approachable presence at community events and the ability to represent the Foundation with credibility and warmth.
- Knowledge of Eastern Niagara County and the Lockport community; local connections are ideal.
- Comfort working with political and community leaders while maintaining an apolitical approach.
- Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop staff, including developing internal talent.
- A personable, approachable leader with a servant-leadership style who builds strong relationships.
- Familiarity with grantmaking, nonprofit law, and governance; experience working closely with a Board of Directors.
- Strong organizational, analytical, and written communication skills, sound judgment, and attention to detail.
- Proficiency with Excel, Word, and QuickBooks or similar tools.
- A genuine commitment to the people, nonprofits, and communities of Eastern Niagara County.
Work Environment & Expectations
This is a full-time leadership role based in Lockport, NY. The role has an in-office presence with some hybrid flexibility as needed, and includes occasional evening and weekend commitments for meetings, events, and other community engagements.
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Aleron
Nov 13, 2026