Executive Director - Gulf Coast State College Foundation

Position Title:     Executive Director – Gulf Coast State College Foundation             

Reports To:         GCSC Foundation Board of Trustees/President

Department:       Community Engagement

Location:             Panama City Campus 

Classification:     Executive

FLSA Status:        Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Gulf Coast State College Foundation is a direct service organization supporting Gulf Coast State College.  Its primary function is to raise funds to provide student scholarships and other support for the college.  The Foundation seeks a dynamic, energetic, and highly professional individual to lead this mission.  In a collaborative work environment, this individual will bear primary responsibility for development and fundraising, alumni relations, and for the long-term growth of the Foundation’s assets. 

This position will report, jointly, to the Board of Directors of the Gulf Coast State College Foundation and the President of Gulf Coast State College.  Specific supervisory responsibility will be detailed according to a written agreement between the Gulf Coast State College Foundation and Gulf Coast State College.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:

• Bear primary responsibility for all fundraising and development efforts of the Foundation.
• Create and implement a comprehensive fundraising and development plan to include major gift solicitation, planned giving programs, grant solicitation, capital campaigns, alumni and employee giving campaigns, and other campaigns for individuals, corporations, foundations, and other organizations.
• Plan, organize, and direct special events and other fundraising activities to support the Foundation’s goals. Direct and administer overall strategic planning and activities to achieve outcomes in key areas including donor development, direct fundraising, and Board development. 
• Positively represent the Foundation to constituencies throughout Bay, Gulf, and Franklin counties, the larger Norwest Florida region and beyond as needed, to include businesses, business leaders, and potential donors. The Director will clearly articulate the mission and financial needs of the Foundation to these constituents in support of Foundation activities, programs, and goals.  Actively seek opportunities to speak to community, civic, and business groups to raise awareness of the Foundation’s mission and goals, particularly as it supports student success.
• Present to the Board annually a proposed budget based on sound financial principles and best practices. Assure adherence to the budget as approved by the Board of Directors. 
• Work directly and collaboratively with the Foundation Board of Directors and the college President, keeping them well-informed regarding topics that may relate to the Foundation’s mission and goals. Provide written and verbal reports at each meeting of the Board of Directors regarding budgets and adherence thereto, progress toward financial goals, and other information as requested regarding scholarship support and the performance of the Foundation.  Work diligently to timely implement policies and instructions as directed by the presidents of the Foundation and the college.
• Provide general oversight and support for, and supervision of, Foundation staff.
• Direct the development and maintenance of appropriate record-keeping systems including financial records, required public records, donor and prospect tracking, acknowledgment and recognition systems, and alumni databases. Assure proper implementation of such systems and strict adherence to confidentiality requirements.
• Follow established Foundation policies and procedures. Proactively recommend additions and adjustments to formal policies and procedures to the Board of Directors to further the mission of the Foundation.  Assist Board of Directors as needed to periodically review and adjust mission, vision, and goal setting.
• Other duties as directed by the presidents of the Foundation and the college.

 REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Excellent interpersonal skills. The ability to quickly establish good rapport with co-workers, Foundation Board members, current and potential donors, members of the community, and other interested parties.  Must be comfortable in one-on-one situations with prospective donors, and must be highly effective in personally soliciting donations and other support directly.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills to include grant preparation and formal presentation to individuals and groups.
• Demonstrate consistent initiative in identifying grant opportunities and to prepare grant submissions as appropriate.
• Ability to take personal initiative as appropriate and work independently when needed, and to work collaboratively and cooperatively with others.
• Must be able to exercise sound independent judgment, demonstrate good stewardship skills, and exercise appropriate discretion within designated authority to further the Foundation’s mission. Must be able to professionally accept constructive criticism.
• Fluency in typical business software including word processing, presentation, spreadsheets, database systems, and others as needed.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and deadlines with ease.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.  Master’s degree preferred.

Minimum of five (5) years of experience in a successful leadership role in a non-profit, foundation, or association to include:

• Major gift solicitation, planned giving, and capital campaigns
• Identifying, writing, securing, and managing private or public grants
• A proven track record of meeting fundraising targets

Salary Range
$80,000 to $112,000 annually based on experience

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Weekend and evening work will be required
• Travel will be required

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The work environment encompasses primarily inside work. The job requires the ability to sit and competently use computers and other office equipment for long periods of time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. The noise level in the environment is moderate.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, talk, and hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, and feel. The employee is regularly required to walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee may be required to lift and/or move up to (60 pounds) and climb/balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl. The vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus as well as ability to determine the color of objects.

Applicants will be reviewed starting February 15.