Description
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) serves as the strategic and operational leader of the organization. The CEO works in collaboration with the board of directors and community stakeholders to achieve the mission of the foundation. This dynamic leader is responsible for overseeing strategic vision, operations, fundraising, programs, and community engagement, ensuring the foundation delivers meaningful impact.
The CEO reports directly to the board of directors.
Essential Functions of the Job
Strategic Leadership & Mission Achievement 20%
Develop and implement a multi-year strategic plan aligned with the mission and goals of the foundation.
Identify and develop strategic partnerships with organizations that complement the foundation’s mission and amplify its impact.
Mentor and develop staff and board members to ensure leadership continuity and organizational growth.
Maintain a strong working relationship with partners to ensure alignment with district needs.
Monitor trends in nonprofit management to guide innovative practices.
Board Development 15%
Collaborate with the board to recruit, train, and maintain an engaged, diverse, and effective board of directors.
Support board committees, including Finance, Development, and Governance.
Identify and recommend policy changes to the board of directors to enhance governance, organizational effectiveness, and alignment with best practices.
Ensure the board is fully informed about the organization’s operations, programs, and financial health.
Fundraising & Financial Management 15%
Lead fundraising staff to ensure financial sustainability, including major gifts, grants, annual campaigns, and planned giving.
Partner with the community to grow endowed funds.
Develop and manage the annual budget in collaboration with the board’s Finance Committee.
Work closely with the accountant to prepare and provide accurate financial data and information for regular financial reports, ensuring transparency and compliance with all financial policies.
Operational Management 20%
Provide oversight of all operational aspects of the foundation, including staff management, policy compliance, and program implementation.
Oversee human resources functions, including recruitment, development, and performance management.
Oversee the administration of employee payroll and benefits, ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing, compliance with relevant tax and labor laws, and effective management of employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, and other offerings. Collaborate with external vendors or service providers as necessary to maintain efficient and competitive payroll and benefits systems.
Leverage technology to streamline operations, enhance donor engagement, and measure program impact effectively.
Prepare for and manage organizational risks, including crisis response and contingency planning to safeguard the foundation’s operations.
Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and nonprofit governance standards.
Experience overseeing contracts, ensuring they align with organizational goals, legal requirements, and financial sustainability.
Program Development & Evaluation 10%
Collaborate with partners to identify and prioritize programs that align with district needs.
Oversee program staff and department, ensuring effective management, alignment with organizational goals, and optimal performance.
Oversee the evaluation and impact measurement of programs, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
Adjust program offerings as necessary to maximize community and student impact.
Community Engagement & Advocacy 20%
Serve as the public face of the foundation, building relationships with key stakeholders, donors, volunteers, and community partners.
Advocate for public education by engaging with civic leaders, business organizations, community members, and parent groups.
Review and approve the foundation’s marketing, communications, and public relations strategies to ensure alignment with organizational goals and enhance visibility and support.
Interface with media outlets to promote the foundation’s mission, programs, and achievements, ensuring consistent and positive messaging
Ensure the foundation’s public image remains positive and accurate, including maintaining updated and accurate profiles on external databases such as GuideStar, Charity Navigator, and other nonprofit rating platforms.
Monitor and manage the organization's reputation through consistent branding, messaging, and communication strategies.
Skills and Characteristics
Proven track record of effectively leading and scaling a nonprofit organization, including managing staff and operational growth.
Demonstrated excellence in organizational management, with the ability to coach and develop high-performing teams, set strategic objectives, and deliver measurable results.
Strategic thinker with a results-oriented mindset and creative problem-solving skills.
Strong leadership and organizational skills, with the ability to inspire, manage, and develop a high-performing team.
Experience working with a Board of Directors, including cultivating relationships and providing strategic guidance.
Strong marketing, public relations, and fundraising expertise, with the ability to engage and build relationships across diverse stakeholders and communities.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking, storytelling, and persuasive communication.
Collaborative and relationship-driven, with a demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and fostering mutual respect.
Proactive self-starter who takes initiative and works effectively with minimal supervision.
Highly organized with a deep understanding of fostering collaborative relationships and achieving shared goals.
Passionate advocate for public education, with the ability to engage and build trust with diverse community partners.
Action-oriented, entrepreneurial, and adaptable, with a focus on innovation and continuous improvement.
Exemplifies integrity, a positive attitude, and a mission-driven mindset.
Strong commitment to advancing the nonprofit sector and upholding its professional standards.
Experience Requirements
Required:
Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, public administration, education, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
Minimum of 10 years of leadership experience, with proven success in nonprofit management, fundraising, and strategic planning.
Knowledge of nonprofit governance, financial management, and program evaluation.
Demonstrated ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders, including educators, donors, and community leaders.
Preferred:
Experience working with public schools or educational foundations.
Expertise in fundraising, including major gifts, planned giving, scholarships, and grants.
Experience with tax credits.
Physical and Travel Requirements
Less than 20%, primarily by car.
Occasional travel is required during evenings and weekends.
Occasional lifting up to 25 lbs., bending, and kneeling throughout the day
Prolonged standing, sitting, and walking
Valid Driver’s License and Auto Insurance Coverage
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
Benefits include health and dental insurance; retirement plan contributions; and paid time off.
Equal Opportunity
This Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practice laws. Foundation strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, volunteers, applicants, or any other covered person because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, and pregnancy), age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.
