Executive Director - Foundation

FVTC•Appleton, WI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is shared between Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) and the FVTC Foundation, Inc., with 65% of time allocated to Foundation work and 35% to FVTC. The Executive Director leads and directs the Foundation and provides strategic direction for its work cultivating community relationships and philanthropic support to enhance the College’s mission and vision. The role leads development of the Foundation’s strategic plan and annual objectives, and plans and executes fundraising initiatives in partnership with the Foundation Board, staff, the College, and its students. The Executive Director cultivates, solicits, and manages major-gift and partnership prospects on behalf of the College. As a College community-relations leader, the Executive Director develops strategies, initiatives, and events that strengthen FVTC’s community presence and reputation. The role oversees Foundation operations, fundraising and resource development, Board governance, financial management and compliance, and the student scholarship program. It also builds community partnerships, represents the College and Foundation at events, and supervises assigned staff. The position is based at the Appleton Main Campus. Work must be completed in person, though the work environment may change based on College needs. Some travel may be required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area such as business, management, or communications.
At least five years of progressively responsible leadership experience, including successful solicitation of individuals, corporations, and/or foundations and demonstrated success closing donations or major gifts.
Experience in people, process, and community leadership, with a focus on developing and communicating a vision, building relationships, and achieving results.
Demonstrated initiative, innovation, and creativity in fundraising or community development projects.
Excellent writing, speaking, and presentation skills.
Excellent public relations skills and the ability to represent the College with a high degree of personal credibility.
Commitment to the mission, vision, purposes, and values of the College.
Community-oriented self-starter effective at making appropriate contacts, building relationships, and developing prospective donors.
Ability to understand the value of the technical college in the community and articulate its impact clearly and powerfully.
Sound judgment and the highest level of professionalism.
Ability to work with discretion and minimal supervision.
Sound business acumen for leading a 501(c)(3) organization.
Superior organizational, time-management, planning, and follow-through skills.
Ability to work well with diverse Foundation and College leaders and staff and strengthen relationships in support of the shared mission.
Ability to organize data and information into reports understandable to multiple audiences.
Ability to produce competitive proposals.
Ability to manage projects and processes and lead others to achieve results.
Ability to work independently and professionally in a fast-paced environment.
Valid driver’s license and acceptable Motor Vehicle Record check.
Some travel may be required; ability to operate a vehicle is required.

Nice To Haves

Graduate degree work or other training or experience in resource development, advancement, or marketing.

Responsibilities

Develop a Foundation strategic plan and annual objectives aligned with the College’s and Foundation’s missions and vision.
Conduct and oversee Foundation business operations.
Plan, direct, and conduct fundraising activities, including annual giving, capital and special campaigns, planned giving, and targeted donation solicitation, in accordance with AFP ethical standards.
Prepare agendas, goals, operating plans, budgets, and reports for Foundation Board or Executive Committee review.
Ensure Foundation policies, procedures, and records comply with applicable federal, state, and FASB rules and regulations.
Work with the Foundation Accounting Manager and external Fund Management Firm on investments, properties, finances, and reporting requirements.
Cultivate and strengthen Foundation Board membership.
Oversee and direct the Foundation student scholarship program.
Develop strategies and execute plans to strengthen the College’s community position and reputation.
Engage civic, business, and cultural entities through personal contacts, speaking engagements, awareness-building, and leadership in community initiatives.
Identify, develop, and strengthen relationships with College constituents, community organizations, business partners, and community boards.
Communicate the College’s mission, vision, and value and engage others in doing so.
Lead the planning and execution of major Foundation events at the College, including communications and logistics.
Ensure appropriate College and Foundation representation at community events and represent the College President when necessary.
Supervise assigned staff, including hiring or recommending hires, assigning and evaluating work, conducting performance reviews, and recommending grievance or disciplinary actions.
Oversee preparation of the Foundation annual report and other materials and publications with the College Marketing Department or outside vendors.
Provide semi-annual reports to the College Board of Trustees, periodic updates to the College Executive Team, and other reports as requested.
Collaborate with Institutional Effectiveness on submissions for grant-funded activities to private and public foundations.
Serve as FVTC’s representative to the WTCS Foundation Directors’ Committee.