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Executive Director

Job Description

Executive Director

Erie Community College Foundation is a 501 c3 entity seeking an Executive Director to lead our organization through an upcoming period of growth. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of our organization, ensuring that we are operating efficiently and effectively to meet our goals. In this role, you will be the face of our foundation, working closely with the Board of Directors, College executives and associates, giving foundations, businesses, government officials and the student body. You will ensure that staff members are aligned with the foundation’s mission and vision and that we are working together to successfully achieve strategic objectives. Our foundation has a close-knit culture in which we place a high priority of communication, recognition,
and collaboration. We are in search of an Executive Director who is aligned with our culture and will continue to enhance it through positive leadership.



Role and Responsibilites:
The major role of the Executive Director involves directing the activities of the Erie Community College Foundation. The Foundation is a private non-profit organization engaged in raising funds to support a variety of programs and activities that will promote enrichment and development in of the College. The incumbent’s primary responsibilities include conceptualizing, planning, and implementing a coordinated broad-based program of fund raising. The Executive Director is responsible for the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of major gifts from corporations and foundations, business and industry, and individuals in support of college-wide programs. The incumbent will hire and supervise a Foundation staff. The Executive Director will work with senior academic leadership, faculty members of the College staff who interface with the development function. This position reports directly to the Foundation Board


Primary Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement strategic plans that meet business goals and objectives created in partnership with the Board of Directors
  • Recruit and develop a team of senior leaders to manage critical business functions
  • Ensure commitment to and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations across the organization
  • Create a culture of transparency and communication throughout the organization
  • Develop positive relationships with key stakeholders, including shareholders and government agencies
  • Proactively address challenges in the internal and external environment to protect business interests
  • Plan, organize and direct programs through which corporation, foundations, small businesses, alumni and individuals are encouraged to contribute gifts to the College’s annual fundraising campaigns; Such programs include grant proposals, direct mail campaigns, phonations and personal solicitations;
  • Plan and create techniques, materials and approaches in the cultivation and solicitation of annual gifts and administrates capital campaigns
  • Train, motivate, manage and provide support to the Foundation directors and other volunteers
  • Lead, train, motivate, manage, supervise, and provide support to all Foundation staff
  • Assure required level of legal and financial expertise in proposal preparation
  • Supervise the stewardship of Foundation directors and other volunteers
  • Work with the legal and financial experts within the college and foundation board to assure required level of legal and financial expertise in proposal preparation
  • Work with the financial experts within the college and foundation board to Supervise the stewardship of Foundation investments
  • Prepare and supervise annual Foundation budgets
  • Prepare and publishes an Annual Report of the Foundation.


Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of fund raising as related to the operation and management of a private foundation. Thorough knowledge and experience in successfully managing an annual fund, capital campaign or corporate giving program, preferably within a college or university.

  • Ability to communicate effectively, both in written and verbal form
  • Exercise sound judgment in dealing with highly sensitive matters
  • Ability to manage volunteer subordinates as well as staff subordinates
  • Ability to prepare, defend and supervise budgets
  • Ability to prepare and deliver periodic financial reports and supervise all record keeping functions
  • Physically capable of performing the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation


Mnimum Qualifications:
The following are the minimum requirements for the Executive Director

  • A bachelor’s degree.
  • Transparent and high integrity leadership.
  • Three or more years senior nonprofit management or education experience.
  • Experience and skill in working with a Board of Directors.
  • High level strategic thinking and planning.
  • Ability to envision and convey the organization’s strategic future to the staff, board, volunteers, and donors.
  • Ability to effectively communicate the organization’s mission to donors, volunteers, and the overall community.
  • Demonstrated ability to oversee and collaborate with staff.
  • A history of successfully generating new revenue streams and improving financial results.
  • Active fundraising experience. Excellent donor relations skills and understanding of the funding community.
  • Previous success in establishing relationships with individuals and organizations of influence including funders, partner agencies and volunteers.
  • Solid organizational abilities, including planning, delegating, program development and task facilitation.
  • Strong financial management skills, including budget preparation, analysis, decision making and reporting.
  • Strong aptitude for verbal and written communication, presentation, and relationship development
  • Strong written and oral communication skills.
  • Strong public speaking ability.
  • In-depth knowledge of best practices in management and governance.
  • Strong work ethic with a high degree of energy.


If you are interested in applying for this position, please send your resume and cover letter with salary range, to foundation board member, Althea Luehrsen at direct apply.

*Please mention you saw this ad on AcademicJobs.*

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