Full-time Administrator: Executive Director of the Lakeland Foundation

Lakeland Community College•Kirtland, OH

About The Position

Lakeland Community College is seeking an Executive Director to lead the Lakeland Foundation, an institution-adjacent 501(c)(3) organization established in 1982 and governed by a Board of Directors. The Foundation raises funds for scholarships, initiatives, programs, and priorities at the College and serves the College’s alumni association. Reporting to the President of the College and working closely with the Chair of the Foundation Board, the Executive Director leads all aspects of the College’s philanthropic initiatives. The role carries significant responsibility for fundraising and relationship-building with internal and external stakeholders, collaboration with the Foundation Board, and management and oversight of Foundation staff. The successful candidate will be a motivated, achievement-driven strategic thinker with strong integrity, work ethic, and commitment to the community college mission. This is a 12-month, full-time, exempt position. The anticipated hiring range is $89,066 to $92,950 per year. The final offer is targeted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range and depends on internal equity, available budget, and the candidate’s qualifications. College business hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
At least five years of relevant fundraising experience.
Demonstrated success in individual giving and securing principal gift support from a portfolio of individual, foundation, and corporate donors.
Demonstrated success in closing major gifts.
Demonstrated staff management experience.
Experience working with nonprofit boards and diverse stakeholders.
Ability to work independently and in a self-directed manner.
Ability to develop creative ideas and identify realistic paths to achieve them.
Ability to thrive in a dynamic, team-based, evolving environment.
Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills, including the ability to inspire and motivate diverse internal and external constituencies.
Ability to communicate persuasively about the importance of community colleges and Lakeland students’ needs and opportunities.
Strong communication and presentation skills.
Attention to detail.
Tolerance for ambiguity.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.

Responsibilities

Craft long-term philanthropic strategy aligned with the College’s mission, vision, key performance indicators, and strategic priorities.
Serve as principal gifts officer by identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors in coordination with the College President and consistent with College funding needs.
Develop innovative partnerships with external organizations to secure new funding and support existing funding needs.
Build long-term relationships with corporations, community and civic organizations across Northeast Ohio and Lake County, and initiate mutually beneficial partnerships.
Maintain visibility and engagement for the College with its alumni base.
Proactively engage with and manage the Foundation Board of Directors.
Develop strategy for fundraising communications and Foundation brand-building.
Oversee donor communications and recognition processes and uphold donor intent.
Represent the Foundation and College as an external ambassador in Northeast Ohio and within Ohio’s community college sector.
Work with the College’s Finance department accounting staff to ensure timely, accurate donation reporting and provide regular financial reports to the Foundation Board and College President.
Lead and oversee Foundation staff and create and manage the Foundation’s annual budget.
Ensure compliance with the Foundation’s Code of Regulations and College fundraising policies and procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned.