Executive Director – Greater Steps Scholars Scholarship Fund

FOUNDATION FOR THE CAROLINAS•Charlotte, NC

11d

About The Position

The Executive Director provides visionary leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for the Greater Steps Scholars Scholarship Fund. This initiative is dedicated to expanding educational access and advancing economic mobility. The role serves as the program’s lead development officer and chief ambassador, cultivating strong relationships with donors, corporate partners, educational institutions, alumni, volunteers, and community leaders. It also ensures exceptional stewardship of scholarship resources and delivers outstanding, mission-aligned experiences for all scholars.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required
Minimum 7–10 years of progressive nonprofit leadership experience
Demonstrated success raising significant philanthropic revenue
Knowledge of charitable giving and donor stewardship
Experience managing fundraising events
Experience working with advisory boards
Ability to work effectively with donors, Inlivian families, educational partners, Inlivian and FFTC staff, and volunteer boards and committees
Strong public speaking and communication skills
Ability to work with confidential and sensitive data
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within group settings
Proven ability to lead teams and manage organizational change
Excellent computer skills including working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred
Experience in scholarship administration, higher education, or community foundations
Familiarity with scholarship management systems and CRM platforms

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a strategic plan that advances the Greater Steps Scholar’s mission and vision
Identify opportunities for program growth and innovation
Monitor trends in higher education, workforce development, and scholarship administration
Develop and execute an annual fundraising strategy
Cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors
Secure corporate sponsorships and foundation grants
Identify new revenue opportunities
Lead fundraising events and donor engagement initiatives
Meet or exceed annual fundraising goals established by the Board
Maintain timely and accurate client and prospect records in RM software
Develop, write and disseminate donor correspondence
Oversee the design, production and distribution of marketing materials
Partner closely with the Greater Steps Scholars Advisory Board
Prepare board agendas, reports, and strategic recommendations
Support Greater Steps Scholars Selection Committee
Recruit and engage volunteers
Maintain strong governance practices
Ensure an equitable, transparent scholarship selection processes
Oversee scholar recruitment and engagement in partnership with Inlivian
Strengthen alumni engagement
Develop scholar leadership opportunities
Ensure compliance with all scholarship policies and donor intent
Serve as the public face of Greater Steps Scholars
Represent Greater Steps and Foundation for the Carolinas at community events
Build partnerships with schools, colleges, nonprofits, corporations, and civic organizations
Promote Greater Steps Scholars impact through speaking engagements and media opportunities
Develop and manage the annual operating budget
Ensure sound fiscal stewardship
Track fundraising, scholarship outcomes, scholars’ success, and donor engagement
Produce annual impact report
Present organizational performance to the Advisory Board and stakeholders