Executive Director Open Position

Position Type: Part-Time (20–25 hours per week; flexible schedule with occasional evenings or weekends for events)​

Reports To: Foundation Board of Directors / Board Chair

Position Summary

The Part-Time Executive Director serves as the strategic and operational leader of the School Foundation and is responsible for advancing the organization’s mission through fundraising, donor engagement, campaign management, and community outreach. This role works closely with the Foundation Board to increase awareness, expand the donor base, and grow philanthropic support for the school district.

The Executive Director will lead efforts to strengthen fundraising initiatives, manage donor relationships, oversee grants and foundation finances, and build meaningful connections with alumni, community partners, and supporters.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising, Donor Cultivation & Engagement

• Develop and implement an annual fundraising strategy aligned with foundation priorities and goals.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors, corporate partners, and community supporters.
• Expand the foundation’s donor base and increase donor retention and giving levels.
• Manage donor communications, recognition programs, and stewardship efforts to build long-term relationships.
• Maintain and utilize donor database systems to track contributions, engagement, and outreach.
• Partner with board members to support fundraising efforts and donor introductions.

Campaign & Event Management

• Plan, coordinate, and execute annual fundraising campaigns and special events.
• Lead strategic fundraising initiatives designed to increase foundation awareness and philanthropic support.
• Manage event logistics including sponsorship development, marketing, volunteer coordination, and post-event evaluation.
• Collaborate with school district leadership and board members to promote campaign initiatives.
• Track, evaluate, and report campaign performance and fundraising results.

Grant Development & Program Oversight

• Identify and pursue external grant opportunities that align with the foundation’s mission and district priorities.
• Research, write, and submit grant proposals and manage follow-up reporting requirements.
• Coordinate with district leadership, administrators, and educators to identify funding needs and opportunities.
• Oversee the Foundation’s annual internal grant cycle, which awards funds to schools, teachers, and programs within the district.
• Manage the grant application process including communication, timelines, review coordination, and award announcements.
• Support the grant review process with the Foundation Board or designated committees and ensure transparency and consistency in awards.
• Monitor funded programs and collect impact data to communicate outcomes to donors and stakeholders.

Leadership & Financial Management

• Serve as the primary liaison between the Foundation Board, school district leadership, donors, and community partners.
• Support the Foundation Board with strategic planning, board development, and committee coordination.
• Manage the foundation’s operating budget and financial processes in collaboration with board leadership.
• Prepare regular reports on fundraising progress, financial status, and organizational impact.
• Ensure responsible stewardship of all funds and adherence to nonprofit governance and best practices.

Alumni & Community Engagement

• Strengthen relationships with alumni, families, community organizations, and local businesses.
• Develop initiatives that increase community awareness and engagement with the foundation.
• Expand alumni outreach and opportunities for alumni involvement and giving.
• Represent the foundation at community events, school activities, and partnership meetings.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree required; preferred fields include Business, Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, Communications, or a related field.

Experience

• Minimum 3–5 years of professional experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, development, administration, or related fields.
• Experience managing fundraising campaigns, donor engagement, grant writing, or community initiatives preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong relationship-building and donor stewardship skills
• Demonstrated success in fundraising or development initiatives
• Excellent organizational, communication, and project management abilities
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a board of directors and community stakeholders
• Financial oversight and budgeting experience
• Experience with donor databases, CRM systems, or nonprofit fundraising tools preferred
• Strong written communication skills, particularly for donor communications and grant writing

Key Attributes

• Passion for supporting public education and strengthening opportunities for students and educators
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to grow and expand the impact of the foundation
• Strategic thinker who can translate vision into actionable fundraising and engagement initiatives
• Relationship-focused leader who builds trust with donors, board members, school leaders, and community partners
• Self-motivated and adaptable with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a part-time leadership role
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and stewardship of philanthropic resources

Additional Expectations

• Flexible schedule with availability for occasional evening or weekend events.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism when working with donors, educators, and community leaders.