EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR – LANCASTER EDUCATION FOUNDATION

The Lancaster Education Foundation (LEF) is an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit established to enhance educational opportunities in the School District of Lancaster (SDoL). LEF’s mission is to support teaching excellence and student success in SDoL

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Executive Director (ED) is responsible for leading the overall impact of LEF, with specific focus on fundraising efforts, fiscal management, and management of both LEF and McCaskey Alumni Association (MAA) staff. They have strategic and operational responsibility for executing LEF’s mission in collaboration with the LEF Board of Directors, staff, and SDoL leadership. The ED is responsible for cultivating positive partnerships with SDoL and the local community, nurturing donors in multiple tiers of giving, building communication strategies to foster internal and external collaboration, and managing the day-to-day operations of LEF.
The position is a full-time, salaried position and primarily in-person with some flexibility for remote work. Some evening and weekend work is required for meetings and events. The ED reports to the LEF Board of Directors through supervision by the Board President and Executive Committee.

FOCUS AREAS and RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Fundraising
  •Coordinate and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy in conjunction with LEF staff, board, and committees
  •Research, identify, and contact potential donors with a focus on identifying opportunities for planned and sustained giving
  •Cultivate and expand existing donor relationships and partnerships
  •Develop and execute a donor communications strategy
  •Lead all fundraising event efforts including developing ideas for, coordinating, and implementing future opportunities
  •Write grant proposals
  •Work with the Program Manager to maintain donor database (via Bloomerang) and accurate fundraising activity records
• Financial Management
  •Maintain ethical best practices on fiscal documentation, reporting, and procedures
  •Work with the Board of Directors to develop short- and long-term budgets, fundraising goals, and organizational planning
  •Work closely with the LEF Board Treasurer and appropriate committee chairs to oversee all LEF finances
  •Strong background and proficient use of established LEF systems, including Quickbooks and Bloomerang, to support projects and program operations
• Organizational Leadership
  •Ensure all LEF activities are consistent with long-term goals, mission, and strategic plans
  •Establish and maintain an organizational structure to effectively accomplish goals
  •Oversee and manage LEF & MAA staff, including day-to-day operations to ensure the organization functions properly and transparently
  •Oversee recruiting, employment, onboarding, ongoing training, and evaluation of staff
  •Ensure employee and business practices comply with regulatory and legal requirements and LEF policies
  •Attend LEF and MAA Board meetings (12 per year) as well as monthly committee meetings
  •Prepare reports to keep the Board apprised of activity status, issues, decisions, and major projects
  •Lead by example to create a positive and supportive work environment
  •Build collaborative relationships with SDoL staff and teachers, as well as with community organizations, granting bodies,and other partners relevant to the mission of LEF
  •Collaborate with board members, staff, and external partners to build alignment, inspire active participation, and fosterclear and open communication
• Community Engagement
  •Work closely with LEF committees to actively promote LEF’s mission with integrity and positivity
  •Develop effective outside partnerships to boost awareness of LEF and enhance LEF’s ability to serve the SDoL community
  •Represent LEF in the public forum, working collaboratively with SDoL management and administrators, School Board, Federal/State/Local agencies, and the local community
  •Support and oversee LEF marketing and communication efforts
  •Maintain a working knowledge of significant developments and trends in K-12 education
• QUALIFICATIONS:
  •Bachelor’s degree
  •Minimum of 5 years’ experience in non-profit leadership and/or fundraising experience
  •Demonstrated and proven success in fundraising
  •Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with:
  o Fiscal management
  o Fundraising software and budget creation
  o Nonprofit organizations and public school districts
  o Foundation practices
  •Competent and ethical leadership skills to effectively execute organizational strategies and manage staff
  •Demonstrated ability to build successful relationships with school district management, school board, federal/state/local agencies, alumni, volunteers, and community members
  •Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to present ideas effectively
• PHYSICAL/MENTAL/ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:
  Physical Demands:
  •Sitting at a desk for extended periods of time
  •Standing & walking for extended periods of time
  •Some lifting, up to 25 pounds
  •Repetitive movement of fingers and hands for keyboarding
• Sensory Abilities:
  • Visual acuity to read correspondence and computer screens
  • Auditory acuity to use the telephone
  • Ability to speak clearly and distinctly
• Temperament:
  •Ability to be flexible and work as a member of a team
  •Must be courteous and able to deal effectively with people
  •Must be cooperative, congenial, and service oriented
  •Ability to work with limited supervision
• Mental Demands:
  •Ability to interpret detailed written and verbal communications
  •Ability to function in fast-paced and high-pressure work setting
• Salary Range:
  •$61,000 – $67,000 annually, dependent on experience.

APPLICATION PROCESS:
Please send your resume with up to 3 references to holly.flint.white@gmail.com.

LEF reaffirms its commitment to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, gender, sexual orientation, age, sex, national origin, ancestry, veteran’s status, non-job related handicap or disability, or the use of guide or support animal because of blindness, deafness or physical handicap in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. LEF complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the organization has facilities.