Foundation Executive Director

This position will report to the Foundation Board and will not be an Administrator for the District.

BACKGROUND

The Education Foundation raises funds to augment programs and activities provided by the district. We are a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to fostering excellence within our school community by funding innovative educational opportunities, supporting equitable access, and building lasting community partnerships. In 2025, the Foundation raised $350,000 in revenue and ended the year with $1,000,000 in total assets managed in partnership with the local community foundation.

We support the district's efforts to improve student achievement across all demographic groups by focusing on equitable practices - the heart of an "Engage. Empower. Evolve." learning community.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Executive Director serves as the chief administrator of the Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing student opportunity through strategic philanthropy and community partnership. This role is intentionally balanced: strategic - setting vision, driving long-range planning, cultivating high-value relationships, and positioning the Foundation as an indispensable community institution. The remaining is operational - managing Foundation programs, fundraising campaigns, and scholarship administration; coordinating internal and external communications; ensuring sound financial stewardship; and overseeing Foundation volunteers.

The ideal candidate is a relationship-driven leader and confident fundraiser who is equally at home presenting to a corporate boardroom or coordinating the details of a signature community event. They bring deep respect for public education and educational equity, a can-do attitude, and a commitment to the organizational discipline needed to translate an ambitious vision into measurable results.

STRATEGIC RESPONSIBILITIES

Vision & Strategic Planning

• Partner with the Foundation Board of Directors to develop and execute a multi-year strategic plan aligned with district priorities and community needs, with a clear annual implementation roadmap. • In consultation with the Foundation Board, create annual goals to improve the effectiveness and ongoing viability of the organization; present progress reports to the Board on at least a quarterly basis. • Identify emerging trends in public education philanthropy; leverage appropriate educational opportunities and network with peer nonprofit organizations to surface new ideas for Board consideration.
• Lead long-range endowment growth planning to build a durable, self-sustaining financial base for the Foundation.

Community Leadership & Public Relations

• Serve as the Foundation spokesperson and primary contact with the communities we serve, outside organizations, media outlets, and individuals; create and deliver Foundation messaging in coordinationwith the Communications Committee, ensuring consistency across all materials and channels.
• Represent the Foundation with community entities, enhancing networking opportunities and district outreach initiatives.
• In conjunction with Board members, identify key community partners and individuals, then develop and maintain those relationships.
• In conjunction with the Communications Committee, create and help execute annual communication goals - including social media, digital platforms, and related marketing - for the purpose of communicating, branding, and building awareness.
• In conjunction with the Communications Committee, ensure information on the Foundation website, social media platforms, and other digital assets is timely, accurate, and easily accessible.

District Partnership & Alignment

• Serve as a strategic liaison between the Foundation Board, the Superintendent, and district leadership to ensure philanthropic interests and/or initiatives align with district priorities.
• Collaborate with district staff, principals, and teachers to identify high-impact program gaps and innovation opportunities the Foundation is uniquely positioned to fund, incorporating student input where reasonable.
• Cultivate a culture of appreciation and partnership across schools, ensuring educators view the Foundation as a trusted resource and collaborator with local or school system entities (e.g., PTAs/PTOs, weekend food, etc.) that maintain similar goals.
• Coordinate messaging with District communications staff to ensure alignment across all Foundation communications.

Major Gifts & Donor Strategy

• In conjunction with the Fundraising Committee, design and lead a major gifts program targeting transformational gifts from individuals, corporations, and private foundations.
• In conjunction with the Fundraising Committee, design a plan and lead solicitation of funding from various businesses, individuals, and/or other entities that align with or support district needs. • In conjunction with the Fundraising Committee, develop multi-year giving strategies and stewardship plans for top-tier donors; manage a personal portfolio of key donor relationships. • In conjunction with the Fundraising Committee, develop a robust business donor program and expandbusiness prospects.
• Establish a planned giving and endowment program to secure the Foundation's long-term financial health.

Board Governance & Development

• Recruit, engage, and develop a high-performing Board of Directors, where "high-performing" is defined as meeting organizational goals and actively leveraging personal and professional networks on behalf of the Foundation.
• Work with the Executive Committee and Board committee chairs to ensure accurate, efficient, and consolidated maintenance of required Foundation documentation, including meeting agendas, minutes, policies, and procedures.
• Prepare strategic analysis and recommendations that enable informed Board decision-making; lead Board orientation and ongoing development grounded in nonprofit governance best practices.

OPERATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Development & Fundraising Execution

• In conjunction with the Fundraising Committee, generate and provide vision and oversight for new development strategies to ensure alignment with organizational goals; identify impact on administrative support, volunteer needs, and/or budget for Board consideration prior to approval.
• Cultivate and maintain positive, professional relationships with potential and current donors, sponsors, and grant-making organizations.
• In conjunction with the Communications and Fundraising Committees, create vision for and develop solicitation materials and ensure all Board members have access to them.
• Coordinate with board and school district stakeholders to identify and apply for grants on behalf of the Foundation.
• Coordinate benefits offered to major sponsors; ensure any unique sponsor requirements can be supported by the Foundation prior to accepting donations.
• Maintain accurate donor records, timely acknowledgments, and meaningful recognition in compliance with IRS regulations and Foundation policy.

Public Relations Execution

• In conjunction with the Board/Communications Committee, create and deliver Foundation messaging, ensuring consistency across all print, digital/social media, and event channels.
• In conjunction with the Communications Committee, maintain accurate and current information on the Foundation website and other digital assets.
• Plan and support signature fundraising events in collaboration with board committees - managing logistics, sponsorship recruitment, vendor relationships, and post-event donor follow-up. • Coordinate communications and public relations activities with District communications staff and in partnership with the Board Communications Committee.

Organizational Operations

• Under the oversight of and in conjunction with the Board Treasurer, maintain accurate financial records including payment platforms (e.g., PayPal, Square, GiveSmart) and donor management software. • Provide support and direct volunteers in providing administrative support for the organization as appropriate.
• Identify and utilize technical solutions for organizational needs (e.g., online donations, email platforms, database management).
• Manage and execute Foundation programs (Inspiration Grants, Scholarships, and Essential Needs) as directed by the board and with the support of Board Members. Coordinate support and maintain required expense documentation for Foundation fiscal agent programs (including but not limited toCardinal Nest, Stadium Project, and Alumni Group) and other initiatives as agreed upon by the board.
• Review and resolve all correspondence for the organization or direct to the appropriate Board member for follow-up.
• Document and maintain written procedures for all recurring operational tasks to ensure continuity and reduce transition risk.

Financial & Legal Reporting

• Coordinate with the external accounting firm to ensure accurate and timely completion and submission of the required annual IRS Form 990 and applicable state tax filings.
• In partnership with the Finance Committee, develop and manage the Foundation's annual operating budget; monitor financial performance and flag variances proactively.
• Ensure full compliance with nonprofit tax law, IRS regulations, state charitable registration requirements, and gift acceptance policies.
• Oversee endowment investment activity in coordination with the Finance Committee; prepare and present regular financial reports.
• Coordinate with an external audit firm to ensure accurate and timely completion and submission of an annual review or audit, if required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Associate's degree with commensurate experience required; Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, education, business administration, public administration, or a related field preferred. • CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) designation preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 3-5 years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit management, fund development, or educational administration.
• Demonstrated success in major gift solicitation, corporate sponsorship, and/or grant writing with a track record of meeting or exceeding fundraising goals.
• Experience working with or reporting to a nonprofit Board of Directors.
• Prior experience in a primary (K-12) education environment or public sector nonprofit preferred. • Proven ability to build multi-year strategic plans and translate them into measurable outcomes. • Demonstrated proactive leadership style with a strong track record of accountability, follow-through, and staying current with nonprofit sector trends and best practices.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Exceptional relationship-building and interpersonal skills; comfortable engaging with donors, elected officials, educators, and community members at all levels.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills; able to craft compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
• Sound knowledge of nonprofit financial management, tax compliance, and gift administration. • Proficiency in donor management software and online fundraising platforms. • Self-directed with strong project management skills and the ability to manage competing priorities independently.
• Deep commitment to public education as a community asset and to equity in student opportunity. • Ability to set and maintain organizational boundaries - prioritizing efforts that align with the Foundation's mission and thoughtfully declining initiatives that do not, in order to preserve focus and team bandwidth.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This is a full-time, exempt position. Flexible hours are available with the expectation of regular business-hour availability and some evening/weekend commitments for events and community engagement. Occasional local travel required.

• Cover letter should speak specifically to your interest in the Foudation''s mission and your experience in fundraising and nonprifit leadership. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The position will remain open until filled.

The MCPASD Education Foundation is an equal opportunity emplor. We are committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.