The Educational Leadership Foundation of New Jersey is seeking an executive director to lead the day-to-day operations and finances of the nonprofit foundation and to serve as the program development officer.

The executive director will oversee the leadership of ELFNJ, work directly with the board of trustees and shape the advancement of the governance of New Jersey’s public schools, through training and research.

Duties

  • Responsible for planning, organization and direction of the organization’s operations and programs.
  • Research, write and obtain grant proposals and raise funds through fundraising events and charitable giving to further the professional development of school board members and promote the mission of ELFNJ.
  • Provide services that improve the governance of New Jersey’s publicly funded schools, charter schools, as well as other public entities and nonprofit organizations.
  • Direct and manage ELFNJ, including oversight of foundation investments, budget, financial statements, annual audit, etc. – and share reports with the CEO and board of trustees. Attend all board of trustee meetings.
  • Design, implement and manage a comprehensive proactive development plan focused on expanding corporate and foundation relationships.
  • Develop a strategic marketing plan that provides a clear and concise message in support of the development plan.
  • Oversee the execution of marketing and media relations.
  • Ensure training for board of trustees on roles and responsibilities for a private nonprofit foundation, including hosting an annual retreat.
  • Raise public awareness of ELFNJ by participating in interviews, developing press releases and all other media type engagements.
  • Develop community relationships, direct marketing programs and events to cultivate, motivate and solicit foundation, individual and corporate sponsors.
  • Serve as liaison between ELFNJ, the New Jersey School Boards Association, external groups and as spokesperson for the foundation to educate and inform them concerning the organization’s mission, role, goals, objectives, philosophy and accomplishments.
  • Identify and actively participate in community and state foundation programs and activities to learn, understand and respond to the needs of those being served.
  • Work with educational leaders on accepting applications for funding requests.
  • Provide leadership and guidance in establishing guidelines, policies and procedures for grant-making and operations of the organization. Administer policies and make recommendations to the board of trustees.
  • Develop effective and well-versed presentations in a professional environment.

Qualifications

  • Knowledge of cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies and techniques, particularly in the area of corporate and foundation fundraising techniques required, including but not limited to principles, theories and procedures.
  • Demonstrated ability in grant and proposal writing at appropriate levels for varied proposal development.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of methods, practices and procedures for obtaining information about the giving programs of corporations and foundations.
  • Self-motivation and discipline to regularly set and achieve work goals.
  • Ability to maintain a high level of poise and professionalism in all circumstances.
  • Ability to initiate and build relationships with prospective corporate and foundation donors and interact via telephone and in person with institutional representatives.
  • Demonstrated ability to take primary responsibility for a diverse number of projects and to complete them in a timely manner with limited supervision.
  • Demonstrated record of success in generating significant commitments from corporations.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with key stakeholders.

Education/Experience

  • Required: Doctoral degree or experience as an executive director with a nonprofit corporation.
  • Preferred: A minimum of five years of nonprofit work experience in comparable fields.
  • Preferred: Minimum of three years of demonstrated success in staff leadership, fundraising, partnership development and financial management with two to three years of experience in grant writing.
  • Preferred: Background in New Jersey education policies and procedures.
  • Preferred: Experience with Microsoft O/S, Word, PowerPoint and Excel. Experience and knowledge of LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Blackbaud.

Visit the job posting and send a resume, cover letter and two letters of recommendation via email by the job closing date of Nov. 30.