Director of Philanthropy & Executive Director of ECTC Foundation

Kentucky Community and Technical College System • Elizabethtown, KY

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Elizabethtown Community and Technical College (ECTC) seeks an experienced, relationship-focused leader to serve as Director of Philanthropy and Executive Director of the ECTC Foundation. Reporting to the Vice Chancellor of Advancement, this position provides strategic leadership for the ECTC Foundation while advancing a culture of philanthropy across the College. The Director develops meaningful relationships with donors, alumni, corporations, foundations, faculty, staff, volunteers, and community leaders to inspire philanthropic investment that supports student success and strengthens the communities ECTC serves. The Director serves as the Executive Director of the ECTC Foundation, providing leadership for Foundation operations, governance, and Board engagement while managing a portfolio of philanthropic relationships that result in major, annual, planned, endowed, and unrestricted gifts. The successful candidate is an exceptional relationship builder, communicator, and strategic thinker who is passionate about connecting donor interests with institutional priorities and measurable community impact.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, nonprofit leadership, higher education, foundation management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree or relevant nonprofit certification (such as CFRE) preferred.
• Experience working with governing boards, volunteers, and donors is strongly preferred.
• Experience with constituent relationship management (CRM) systems such as Raiser's Edge or similar fundraising software preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications; experience with data visualization, reporting tools, or graphic design is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Executive Director of the ECTC Foundation and provide leadership for the Foundation's day-to-day operations.
• Support the Foundation Board of Directors by preparing meeting materials, reports, and strategic recommendations.
• Work collaboratively with Foundation officers, committees, and volunteers to advance Foundation priorities.
• Ensure Foundation activities comply with applicable laws, KCTCS policies and procedures, and ethical fundraising standards.
• Lead the College's scholarship and annual giving strategies by developing fundraising initiatives, engaging donors, and collaborating with campus partners to increase philanthropic support for student success.
• Develop and implement strategies to increase annual, major, planned, endowed, corporate, foundation, and unrestricted giving.
• Manage a portfolio of current and prospective donors through qualification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and renewal.
• Conduct donor visits and develop individualized engagement and solicitation strategies.
• Prepare gift proposals and philanthropic opportunities aligned with College priorities.
• Partner with the College Chancellor, Vice Chancellor of Advancement, Foundation Board members, volunteers, faculty, and staff to cultivate philanthropic support.
• Develop stewardship communications, impact reports, and donor recognition initiatives.
• Ensure donors receive timely, thoughtful communication that strengthens long-term relationships and encourages continued investment.
• Recruit, engage, and support Foundation Board members and volunteer leaders.
• Strengthen relationships with alumni, retirees, employers, community organizations, civic leaders, and philanthropic partners.
• Provide leadership for fundraising and donor engagement events, including strategy development, sponsorship cultivation, donor stewardship, and post-event evaluation to maximize philanthropic impact.
• Represent ECTC and the Foundation at College and community events, including occasional evenings and weekends.
• Collaborate with Advancement Services to ensure accurate documentation of donor interactions, gift commitments, and fundraising activity within Raiser's Edge.
• Utilize fundraising metrics and constituent data to guide strategy and evaluate progress.
• Assist with campaign planning, annual fundraising initiatives, and strategic advancement projects.
• Provide support for College and Foundation initiatives as assigned by the Vice Chancellor of Advancement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Exceptional health care, vision, and dental coverage for you and your family
• Tuition reimbursement/waiver for you, your spouse, and dependents
• 403(b) retirement plan: a 5% employee contribution receives a 10% employer match
• Vacation/Sick Time
• Work-Life Balance
• 9.5 Paid Holidays
• 2 Weeks Institutional Closing Pay (Last 2 weeks of December) for qualifying positions
• Employee Assistance Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior