Employment Opportunities : Who We Are : East Grand Rapids Schools Foundation

Employment Opportunities

Executive Director, East Grand Rapids Schools Foundation

Location: East Grand Rapids, MI
Position Type: Full-Time | Exempt
Reports To: Executive Board of the Board of Directors

Who we are:

Our mission: The East Grand Rapids Schools Foundation enriches the experience of all students by investing in programs and educational enhancements that support the whole child.

The Foundation provides for the immediate needs of our schools by funding programs or projects, and by funding enhancements to teaching and learning that are not covered by the regular school budget. Together, the Foundation and our generous donors provide funds for both immediate needs and long term enhancements within our district. Thanks to more than 40 years of support from our community the Foundation has an endowment of more than $17 million. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded more than $6 million in program support, grants, professional development, awards, and scholarships.

Position overview:

The East Grand Rapids Schools Foundation is seeking a dynamic and visionary Executive Director to lead and grow our mission to enrich K-12 student learning through strong community partnerships, donor engagement, and innovative grantmaking.

We are seeking a results-driven and relationship-oriented Executive Director to lead and expand our fundraising and community engagement efforts. The ED is responsible for creating and implementing strategies to increase financial support from individuals in both the local and alumni communities, businesses, and foundations.

The ED is relationship-oriented and serves as the public face and strategic leader of the Foundation, fostering connections between donors, educators, and the broader community to support educational excellence and opportunity across the district.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Strategy

Provide strategic direction and vision in collaboration with the Board of Directors and the leadership of the school district.
Lead long-term planning aligned with district priorities and community values.
Represent the Foundation at community events, school functions, and district staff meetings.

Fundraising Strategy & Donor/Community Relations

Develop and execute an annual development plan to meet fundraising goals which includes annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, sponsorships, events, and special initiatives.
Cultivate, solicit, and steward individual, corporate, and foundation donors.
Engage alumni, parents, and other supporters to expand the Foundation’s reach.
Manage donor engagement and steward existing donors through regular communication, recognition and engagement opportunities.
Maintain donor and prospect records in a donor management system (CRM). Raiser’s Edge experience preferred.

Operations & Governance

Manage the overall operations of the Foundation, including staff, contractors, and volunteers.
Partner with the Board to ensure strong governance, fiscal oversight, and legal compliance.
Prepare agendas, reports, budgets, and presentations for Board meetings and stakeholders.

Event Planning & Management

Oversee fundraising and cultivation events, including annual galas, giving days, and community engagement events.
Oversee volunteer committees in planning and executing events.

Grantmaking & Program Oversight

Oversee the classroom grant program, including coaching staff, award distribution, and impact reporting.
Communicate impact of grants to donors and prospective donors.
Collaborate with district leaders and educators to identify high-impact and program funding opportunities.
Ensure transparency and effectiveness in the grant funding allocation and program evaluation.

Educator & School Engagement

Serve as a bridge between the Foundation and teachers, principals, and school/district staff.
Promote the Foundation’s programs, scholarships and grant opportunities within schools.
Celebrate and communicate the successes of funded programs and teacher initiatives.

Qualifications (preferred, but not all required):

Bachelor’s degree required; nonprofit management or related field experience preferred.
Relevant leadership experience in nonprofit, education, or community engagement.
Understanding of the fundraising principles, donor life-cycle management, donor engagement, and fundraising ethics.
Proven success in fundraising, donor stewardship, and relationship-building.
Ability to cultivate long-standing relationships and engage in new partnerships in support of our mission.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking.
Passion for public education and commitment to teacher and student success.
Ability to engage and manage high-performing staff and highly engaged board members.
Ability to manage budgets, grants, and staff with integrity and accountability.
Experience with CRM or donor management systems like Raiser's Edge.
Proficient in use of Google platforms and/or Microsoft platforms
CFRE or applicable fundraising credential or certificate preferred.

Compensation & Benefits:

Salary commensurate with experience (range $90-$110K). Benefits package includes health/dental/vision insurance, retirement contribution options, and paid time off.