Executive Director, Foundation

Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute•Caldwell Campus, NC

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Executive Director of the Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute Foundation serves as the chief development officer of the Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established to advance the mission of Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute. The Executive Director is responsible for leading all fundraising, philanthropic, grant development and stewardship, alumni engagement, and community engagement activities of the Foundation at the direction of the College President. This position plays a central role in securing private support, cultivating meaningful donor relationships, and advancing the College’s strategic priorities. The Executive Director serves as a highly visible ambassador for both the Foundation and the College, working collaboratively across the institution and with external stakeholders to build a culture of philanthropy, expand community partnerships, and grow the Foundation’s capacity to support student success, faculty excellence, and institutional innovation. This role requires exceptional leadership, a passion for community college education, and a demonstrated ability to build and sustain relationships that result in transformative investment.

Requirements

Three years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, nonprofit management, donor relations, advancement, or a related field required.
Bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) with major coursework in education, business administration, nonprofit management, communications, public administration, or a related field required.
Knowledge of the mission, goals, and objectives of CCC&TI.
Knowledge of government and nonprofit budgeting and accounting procedures.
Knowledge of management and governance of 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.
Knowledge of current trends, research, and best practices in advancement, fundraising, alumni engagement, philanthropy, and nonprofit management.
Knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
Knowledge of Foundation bylaws.
Knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, and equipment.
Knowledge of College policies and procedures governing assigned work.
Knowledge of public relations techniques.
Knowledge of financial record-keeping techniques.
Knowledge of basic letter and report writing practices.
Knowledge of correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.
Ability to prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
Ability to establish and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Ability to work independently in the absence of supervision.

Responsibilities

Provides leadership and direction for the overall activities of the Foundation.
Collaborates with the President in coordinating external college fundraising activities to ensure alignment with institutional mission and priorities.
Works in partnership with the President in determining annual Foundation Board priorities and levels, as well as special initiatives or capital needs that require funding.
Develops Foundation policies, procedures, and practices.
Ensures compliance with all regulations and best practices related to 501(c)(3) nonprofit management and governance.
Serves as the primary liaison for the Foundation Board of Directors, including board engagement, meeting coordination, and supporting effective governance practices.
Recruits, supervises, evaluates, and develops Foundation staff, building a high-performing team culture grounded in donor stewardship and community engagement.
Works closely with the College’s Business Office, Foundation Treasurer and Investment Committee to ensure sound fiscal management of Foundation funds, assets, endowments, and other financial resources, maintaining compliance with applicable financial policies, audit requirements, and reporting standards.
Works to secure major gifts, bequests, and other planned gifts.
Cultivates new donors and prospects while encouraging existing donors to increase their levels of support.
Prepares endowment fund authorities for donations, ensuring that they are accurate and useful.
Manages donor and volunteer recognition through events, website, and publications and ensures accurate listings.
Acknowledges tributes and memorials and verifies that gifts are published as appropriate.
Composes prospect and thank-you letters for a variety of donors.
Maintains the Foundation’s Articles of Incorporation, bylaws, and policies and procedures.
Oversees and assists with coordination of the Dream Award ceremony and Bernhardt Family Scholar programming.
Works with the College Scholarship Committee to ensure all Foundation scholarships are properly represented.
Prepares bank deposits and manages account transfers and endowment disbursements.
Verifies accuracy of invoices and approves all payment disbursements.
Develops reports, presentations, and information for the Foundation Board, Board of Trustees, College leadership, and community stakeholders.
Ensures that accurate minutes and financial records are maintained and current.
Oversees financial management, including investment allocations and fund activity.
Ensures all contributions are used as designated.
Manages and tracks endowments, grants, and special donations.
Provides assistance to the Foundation Financial Auditor.
Oversees Foundation grant stewardship activities and approves appropriate expenditures and transfers in accordance with Foundation policies and donor intent.
Oversees the preparation of community grant applications.
Develops and projects the annual Foundation budget for Board approval and works within that budget.
Prepares campaign calendars, prospect lists, solicitation mailings, and communications.
Manages the Annual Fund Drive and provides direct assistance to campaign leadership.
Coordinates with the Communications and Public Relations Department and Printshop to prepare and update all brochures, publications, press releases, webpage, and social media content.
Monitors pledges and pledge collections.
Assists with alumni relations, alumni engagement initiatives, events, and distribution of information.
Assists with selection of fund drive volunteers.
Participates in professional development activities and required employee training.
Maintains membership in professional organizations as appropriate.
Performs other duties as assigned by the College President, Foundation Board Chair, or Foundation Board of Directors.