Executive Director

The Foundation

The South Carolina State University Foundation is an independent, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) entity organized solely to promote the welfare and future development of South Carolina State University. The foundation receives, manages, and distributes restricted and unrestricted endowment gifts, annual gifts, capital campaigns, planned giving, and other ongoing fund-raising programs — all aimed toward building and maintaining outstanding programs here at South Carolina State University.

Position Summary

Responsible to the Board of Directors, this position manages the day-to-day affairs of the Foundation in a manner consistent with its stated mission through the development and implementation of a strategic plan that aligns with the university’s and establishes guidelines for effective donor cultivation and strong corporate and community relations. This position is responsible for all staff support activities necessary to fulfill the mission as defined in the Articles of Incorporation and the Bylaws of the Foundation and ensuring that effective infrastructure systems are in place, including oversight of the Foundation’s investment portfolio and coordinating fund disbursement. The Executive Director is responsible for educating the public about the organization’s vision, mission, goals, and opportunities to support the University through the Foundation.

If you have nonprofit leadership experience and this mission inspires you, consider joining us!

Essential Functions

1. Effectively lead and manage the Foundation staff in achieving defined outcomes, including delivering the highest possible level of service to donors and other stakeholders.
2. Direct and perform activities resulting in the development of resources, including but not limited to major funds acquisition, annual and direct mail campaigns, major gift drives, special project activities, planned and deferred giving programs, and major capital campaigns in concert with the University and other stakeholders.
3. Develop the Foundation’s public relations and marketing functions to enhance the Foundation’s image, engage the community, and generate donor support.
4. Oversee special events related to capital and other campaigns, including luncheons, dinners, mid-campaign, end-of-campaign celebrations, etc.
5. Work with Board of Directors and investment managers to establish appropriate investment policy and strategy to grow and expand the Foundation’s investment portfolio.
6. Implement systems, processes, and practices to manage the donor base effectively and efficiently and to receive, record, and accurately report gifts.
7. Develop strategies and processes to identify and solicit gifts from potential donors and maintain records related to Foundation activities and results.
8. Oversee the preparation and management of operating budgets and cash flow analysis to ensure the availability of resources needed to support the achievement of Foundation goals and objectives.
9. Ensure the effective, efficient, and timely maintenance of financial records and accurate reporting of financial activities to the Board of Directors and other stakeholders as required.
10. Develop and implement risk management systems, programs, and practices necessary to ensure the safeguarding of Foundation assets.
11. Implement and maintain systems, processes, and internal controls to ensure full compliance with all federal, state, and local statutes, rules, and regulations in every aspect of Foundation business.
12. Coordinate Foundation activities with university staff to ensure optimal collaboration of efforts and development of projects that are concentrated in areas of greatest need.
13. Lead the Foundation and Board of Directors in developing and implementing a strategic fundraising plan that aligns with the University’s strategic plan, including designing and implementing special events created for fundraising, cultivation, and/or donor recognition purposes, including but not limited to the annual Scholarship Gala.
14. Facilitate the activities of the Foundation Board by planning and attending meetings of the Board and its committees. Generate news releases from the Foundation Board members. Participate in/on a variety of meetings, committees, task forces, and/or other related groups to communicate information regarding the Foundation and its initiatives.
15. Assist in developing and overseeing the implementation of short-range, long-range, and strategic planning and related performance measurements and tracking processes for the Foundation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field of study is required; a master’s degree and/or fundraising certification is preferred.
• Five to eight years of senior-level management experience with a demonstrable record of comprehensive fundraising, donor cultivation, resource development, financial and investment management, strategic planning, budget development, public relations/communications, and employee supervision and evaluation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including creating effective and compelling donor materials.
• Experience in media relations, developing and designing marketing information, and managing teams.
• Knowledge of pertinent federal and state laws and regulations.
• Experience working directly with nonprofit boards.

Physical Requirements

Minimum physical exertion. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit, communicate, reach, and manipulate objects, tools, or controls. The position requires mobility. Duties involve moving materials weighing up to 5 pounds on a regular basis and up to 20 pounds on an occasional basis. Manual dexterity and coordination are required over 50% of the work period while operating equipment such as computer keyboard, mouse, calculators, and similar office tools.

Compensation: Annual salary range $95,000 - $120,000 commensurate with experience and qualifications; competitive benefits.

South Carolina State University Foundation is an equal-opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all individuals regardless of age, gender, gender identity/expression, disability, race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, citizenship, and health status. We evaluate all candidates based on merit.