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Decatur Education Foundation Seeks New Executive Director

Decatur Education Foundation (DEF) is seeking a strategic, dynamic, and community-minded leader to build on the organization’s impactful 20-year history.

Mission

We solve the problems that keep our kids from finding success by connecting people, resources, and ideas. Central to this work is a commitment to eradicating barriers caused by systemic racism, income inequality, and the lack of behavioral health supports.

Vision

All Decatur youth realize their full potential, regardless of economic status, ethnicity, race, nation of origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, cognitive or physical ability.

Our Values

  • We are committed to anti-racism work in our organization, in our schools and in our community.
  • We are flexible and responsive to the changing needs of children in our community.
  • We are inclusive and welcoming to all who want to engage in our work.
  • We operate with a philosophy of collaboration and support rather than competition.
  • We value integrity, equity of opportunity, collective impact, and entrepreneurship.

This full-time, salaried position reports to: Decatur Education Foundation Board of Directors. 

General Statement of Responsibility

The Executive Director oversees all aspects of the organization including:  planning, budgeting, goal-setting, fundraising, operations, supervision of staff, and relationships with external stakeholders.

Specific Duties

  • Serves as primary representative of and fundraiser for the organization with donors and other stakeholders
  • Leads and collaborates with staff and board on aspirational vision for the organization and translates the vision to partners, donors and stakeholders
  • Translates the vision into plans and annual goals, and supports staff in the execution of these plans and goals
  • Manages operations of the organization, including hiring, firing, evaluation and supervision of the staff
  • Oversees and is responsible for all financial and fundraising functions
  • Works with resource development manager to plan and supervise all revenue campaigns including annual campaign, events, restricted gifts, business support and grants
  • Develops and manages relationships with institutional partners such as City Schools of Decatur, Decatur Housing Authority, City of Decatur, etc.
  • Works collaboratively with the DEF Program Team to vet and approve new programs and partnerships
  • Manages high-level communication with partners and crafts and executes documents on behalf of the organization (scholarship and restricted fund agreements, MOUs, etc.)
  • Works collaboratively with the Chair of the Board of Directors to ensure that board meetings are well-planned, critical topics are covered, and strategic objectives are being met per fiscal calendar
  • Works collaboratively with communication manager to plan and support a communication strategy and public relations with the goal of expanding foundation support and engaging stakeholders
  • Engages in public speaking to further the mission and raise awareness about the work of the organization
  • Works collaboratively with board and staff on the development and implementation of a strategic plan
  • Provides leadership to internal organizational committees regarding communications, operations, development, governance and finance
  • Maintains membership and represents the Foundation in appropriate professional groups, organizations, associations and community service clubs
  • Ensures compliance with all IRS, state and other regulations as required by law
  • Oversees annual audit and works with contracted CPA to ensure financial reports are accurate and completed in a timely manner

Recommended Experience

  • Excellent communicator (written and oral)
  • Great people skills – enjoys interacting with diverse stakeholders
  • Excellent leadership and management skills
  • Fosters community engagement
  • Fundraising experience, including individual donors and business sponsors, and grant writing
  • Good public speaker who can inspire and clearly articulate our story and vision
  • Team-oriented
  • Ability to see the big picture and craft partnerships that support youth
  • Values youth-centered approaches

Annual Salary:            Up to $95,000 commensurate with experience

Benefits offered

We ask that applicants send a cover letter and résumé to hiring@decatureducationfoundation.org.

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