Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Philanthropy Fellow

The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo is seeking to hire a Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Philanthropy Fellow.

SUMMARY

Through the Rural Philanthropy Fellows Cohort, the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo is launching a two-year Philanthropy Fellowship opportunity to strengthen and expand our impact in Niagara and Wyoming Counties through engagement with county residents, organizations, and community partners.

The Rural Philanthropy Fellows Cohort is comprised of 15 fellows — 12 Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Rural Philanthropy Fellows and three Herrick Foundation Philanthropy Fellows. Each two-year Fellowship offers a unique professional opportunity to make meaningful contributions to either Michigan or New York philanthropy and the larger philanthropic community. This candidate could be an emerging or established leader who is passionate about entering the field of philanthropy and having an impact. Through grant support made by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and the Herrick Foundation, the Fellow will be employed by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, based in Buffalo, New York, to support their rural-focused efforts in Niagara and Wyoming Counties.

The Fellowship is ideal for someone interested in philanthropy, community-led development, volunteer management, and local grantmaking. The Fellow will gain practical experience and professional development while contributing directly to improving lives in Niagara and Wyoming Counties in New York State.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support initiatives of Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo’s geographic affiliates serving Niagara/Wyoming Counties
• Outreach to community groups, civic groups, professional advisors, prospective clients, nonprofit organizations, etc. to increase awareness and community engagement
• Support execution of strategic communications plan for the Niagara Area Foundation/Wyoming Foundation, including representing both affiliates at community events
• Support information gathering and research on needs in Niagara/Wyoming counties
• Support Niagara County/Wyoming County grant portfolios in conjunction with other team members
• Assist with Council governance (advance strategic goals, Council member recruitment, annual evaluation process, and general support)

OTHER JOB DUTIES

• Participate in site visits to community partners
• Actively participate in meetings as appropriate
• All other duties as assigned

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Beyond direct job experience, the Fellow will also benefit from being part of a larger cohort of Rural Philanthropy Fellows. The cohort will receive ongoing support from a group of philanthropic practice experts via the New York Funder Alliance (NYFA) for:

• Development of skills and knowledge, supported by the Fellowship Cohort learning opportunities and an individualized professional development budget.
• Tailored 1:1 networking support to explore potential career paths post-fellowship across the philanthropic sector and adjacent fields.

The Fellow will also benefit from attendance at local and national stakeholder meetings and conferences.

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

• None

TRAVEL

• Reliable transportation is required for regular travel throughout Niagara and Wyoming Counties and, as needed, the greater Western New York region. Mileage reimbursement is provided in accordance with company policy.
• Some domestic travel may be required for job training and professional development.

TECHNICAL EXPERTISE/EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Experience or interest in philanthropy, nonprofit work, or community engagement
• Effective written, verbal and visual communicator
• Strong technical skills, including Microsoft Office programs and data analysis tools
• Commitment to Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo’s mission, vision and values

COMPENSATION

• Salary Range: $58,000 - $63,000 (Grant Funded)
• Benefits: Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance; a flexible spending account; participation in a 401(k) plan with employer contribution; life insurance; short- and long-term disability coverage; paid time off; a generous holiday schedule; and opportunities for professional development.

About the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo

For more than a century, the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo has enhanced and encouraged long-term philanthropy in the Western New York community. A 501 (c)(3) organization, the Community Foundation’s mission is: Connecting people, ideas and resources to improve lives in Western New York. Established in 1919, the Community Foundation has made the most of the generosity of individuals, families, foundations and organizations who entrust charitable assets to the Community Foundation’s care. Learn more at cfgb.org.

For more information about the Rural Philanthropy Fellows Cohort , please contact Carrie Pickett- Erway, with CPE Consulting, LLC, Program Manager at cpicketterway@outlook.com

About the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation is a grantmaking organization dedicated primarily to sustained investment in the quality of life of the people of Southeast Michigan and Western New York. The two areas reflect the devotion of Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. to his hometown of Detroit and greater Buffalo, home of his beloved Buffalo Bills NFL team. Prior to his passing in 2014, Mr. Wilson provided that a significant share of his estate be used to continue a life-long generosity of spirit by funding the Foundation that bears his name. Based in Detroit, the Foundation began with a grantmaking capacity of $1.2 billion over a 20-year period, which expires January 8, 2035. This structure is consistent with Mr. Wilson’s desire for the Foundation’s impact to be immediate, substantial, measurable, and overseen by those who knew him best. For more information about the foundation visit www.rcwjrf.org

About the Herrick Foundation

Founded in 1949, the Herrick Foundation seeks to empower and support organizations that strengthen communities and help people flourish. Our work is focused on underserved and overlooked communities in Southeast Michigan and communities where engaged family and Board members live. The Herrick Foundation is an invitation only grantmaker, funding anonymously in Housing, Lifelong Learning and Community Wellbeing.

For more information about the Herrick Foundation visit www.herrickfdn.org

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Community foundations are designed to grow and evolve as our community’s needs change, and new positions are regularly created as a result. As the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo continues to grow, we’re looking for talented people who want to use their abilities to make a lasting difference. If that is you, then please also send a cover letter explaining your interest in this position and what you would bring to the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo.

Applications may also be received by U.S. Postal Service if an electronic medium is not available. No calls please.

Application deadline: November 14, 2025. We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. As such, the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo is committed to providing a work environment that is free of all forms of unlawful harassment, discrimination and retaliation.