Foundation Executive Director
Middleton Cross Plains Area School District Education Foundation
Reports to: Foundation Board · FLSA Status: Exempt
BACKGROUND
The Education Foundation raises funds to augment programs and activities provided by the district. We are a
nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to fostering excellence within our school community by funding
innovative educational opportunities, supporting equitable access, and building lasting community
partnerships. In 2025, the Foundation raised $350,000 in revenue and ended the year with $1,000,000 in total
assets managed in partnership with the local community foundation.
We support the district’s efforts to improve student achievement across all demographic groups by focusing
on equitable practices — the heart of an “Engage. Empower. Evolve.” learning community.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Executive Director serves as the chief administrator of the Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
organization dedicated to advancing student opportunity through strategic philanthropy and community
partnership. This role is intentionally balanced: strategic — setting vision, driving long-range planning,
cultivating high-value relationships, and positioning the Foundation as an indispensable community institution.
The remaining is operational — managing Foundation programs, fundraising campaigns, and scholarship
administration; coordinating internal and external communications; ensuring sound financial stewardship; and
overseeing Foundation volunteers.
The ideal candidate is a relationship-driven leader and confident fundraiser who is equally at home presenting
to a corporate boardroom or coordinating the details of a signature community event. They bring deep respect
for public education and educational equity, a can-do attitude, and a commitment to the organizational
discipline needed to translate an ambitious vision into measurable results.
STRATEGIC RESPONSIBILITIES
Vision & Strategic Planning
- Partner with the Foundation Board of Directors to develop and execute a multi-year strategic plan
aligned with district priorities and community needs, with a clear annual implementation roadmap.
- In consultation with the Foundation Board, create annual goals to improve the effectiveness and
ongoing viability of the organization; present progress reports to the Board on at least a quarterly basis.
- Identify emerging trends in public education philanthropy; leverage appropriate educational
opportunities and network with peer nonprofit organizations to surface new ideas for Board
consideration.
- Lead long-range endowment growth planning to build a durable, self-sustaining financial base for the
Foundation.
Community Leadership & Public Relations
- Serve as the Foundation spokesperson and primary contact with the communities we serve, outside
organizations, media outlets, and individuals; create and deliver Foundation messaging in coordination
with the Communications Committee, ensuring consistency across all materials and channels.
- Represent the Foundation with community entities, enhancing networking opportunities and district
outreach initiatives.
- In conjunction with Board members, identify key community partners and individuals, then develop and
maintain those relationships.
- In conjunction with the Communications Committee, create and help execute annual communication
goals — including social media, digital platforms, and related marketing — for the purpose of
communicating, branding, and building awareness.
- In conjunction with the Communications Committee, ensure information on the Foundation website,
social media platforms, and other digital assets is timely, accurate, and easily accessible.
District Partnership & Alignment
- Serve as a strategic liaison between the Foundation Board, the Superintendent, and district leadership
to ensure philanthropic interests and/or initiatives align with district priorities.
- Collaborate with district staff, principals, and teachers to identify high-impact program gaps and
innovation opportunities the Foundation is uniquely positioned to fund, incorporating student input
where reasonable.
- Cultivate a culture of appreciation and partnership across schools, ensuring educators view the
Foundation as a trusted resource and collaborator with local or school system entities (e.g.,
PTAs/PTOs, weekend food, etc.) that maintain similar goals.
- Coordinate messaging with District communications staff to ensure alignment across all Foundation
communications.
Major Gifts & Donor Strategy
- In conjunction with the Fundraising Committee, design and lead a major gifts program targeting
transformational gifts from individuals, corporations, and private foundations.
- In conjunction with the Fundraising Committee, design a plan and lead solicitation of funding from
various businesses, individuals, and/or other entities that align with or support district needs.
- In conjunction with the Fundraising Committee, develop multi-year giving strategies and stewardship
plans for top-tier donors; manage a personal portfolio of key donor relationships.
- In conjunction with the Fundraising Committee, develop a robust business donor program and expand
business prospects.
- Establish a planned giving and endowment program to secure the Foundation’s long-term financial
health.
Board Governance Development
- Recruit, engage, and develop a high-performing Board of Directors, where “high-performing” is defined
as meeting organizational goals and actively leveraging personal and professional networks on behalf
of the Foundation.
- Work with the Executive Committee and Board committee chairs to ensure accurate, efficient, and
consolidated maintenance of required Foundation documentation, including meeting agendas, minutes,
policies, and procedures.
- Prepare strategic analysis and recommendations that enable informed Board decision-making; lead
Board orientation and ongoing development grounded in nonprofit governance best practices.
OPERATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Development & Fundraising Execution
- In conjunction with the Fundraising Committee, generate and provide vision and oversight for new
development strategies to ensure alignment with organizational goals; identify impact on administrative
support, volunteer needs, and/or budget for Board consideration prior to approval.
- Cultivate and maintain positive, professional relationships with potential and current donors, sponsors,
and grant-making organizations.
- In conjunction with the Communications and Fundraising Committees, create vision for and develop
solicitation materials and ensure all Board members have access to them.
- Coordinate with board and school district stakeholders to identify and apply for grants on behalf of the
Foundation.
- Coordinate benefits offered to major sponsors; ensure any unique sponsor requirements can be
supported by the Foundation prior to accepting donations.
- Maintain accurate donor records, timely acknowledgments, and meaningful recognition in compliance
with IRS regulations and Foundation policy.
Public Relations Execution
- In conjunction with the Board/Communications Committee, create and deliver Foundation messaging,
ensuring consistency across all print, digital/social media, and event channels.
- In conjunction with the Communications Committee, maintain accurate and current information on the
Foundation website and other digital assets.
- Plan and support signature fundraising events in collaboration with board committees — managing
logistics, sponsorship recruitment, vendor relationships, and post-event donor follow-up.
- Coordinate communications and public relations activities with District communications staff and in
partnership with the Board Communications Committee.
Organizational Operations
- Under the oversight of and in conjunction with the Board Treasurer, maintain accurate financial records
including payment platforms (e.g., PayPal, Square, GiveSmart) and donor management software.
- Provide support and direct volunteers in providing administrative support for the organization as
appropriate.
- Identify and utilize technical solutions for organizational needs (e.g., online donations, email platforms,
database management).
- Manage and execute Foundation programs (Inspiration Grants, Scholarships, and Essential Needs) as
directed by the board and with the support of Board Members. Coordinate support and maintain
required expense documentation for Foundation fiscal agent programs (including but not limited to
Cardinal Nest, Stadium Project, and Alumni Group) and other initiatives as agreed upon by the board.
- Review and resolve all correspondence for the organization or direct to the appropriate Board member
for follow-up.
- Document and maintain written procedures for all recurring operational tasks to ensure continuity and
reduce transition risk.
Financial Legal Reporting
- Coordinate with the external accounting firm to ensure accurate and timely completion and submission
of the required annual IRS Form 990 and applicable state tax filings.
- In partnership with the Finance Committee, develop and manage the Foundation’s annual operating
budget; monitor financial performance and flag variances proactively.
- Ensure full compliance with nonprofit tax law, IRS regulations, state charitable registration
requirements, and gift acceptance policies.
- Oversee endowment investment activity in coordination with the Finance Committee; prepare and
present regular financial reports.
- Coordinate with an external audit firm to ensure accurate and timely completion and submission of an
annual review or audit, if required.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Associate’s degree with commensurate experience required; Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit
management, education, business administration, public administration, or a related field preferred.
- CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) designation preferred.
Experience
- Minimum 3–5 years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit management, fund development,
or educational administration.
- Demonstrated success in major gift solicitation, corporate sponsorship, and/or grant writing with a track
record of meeting or exceeding fundraising goals.
- Experience working with or reporting to a nonprofit Board of Directors.
- Prior experience in a primary (K–12) education environment or public sector nonprofit preferred.
- Proven ability to build multi-year strategic plans and translate them into measurable outcomes.
- Demonstrated proactive leadership style with a strong track record of accountability, follow-through, and
staying current with nonprofit sector trends and best practices.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Exceptional relationship-building and interpersonal skills; comfortable engaging with donors, elected
officials, educators, and community members at all levels.
- Outstanding oral and written communication skills; able to craft compelling narratives for diverse
audiences.
- Sound knowledge of nonprofit financial management, tax compliance, and gift administration.
- Proficiency in donor management software and online fundraising platforms.
- Self-directed with strong project management skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
independently.
- Deep commitment to public education as a community asset and to equity in student opportunity.
- Ability to set and maintain organizational boundaries — prioritizing efforts that align with the
Foundation’s mission and thoughtfully declining initiatives that do not, in order to preserve focus and
team bandwidth.
WORKING CONDITIONS
This is a full-time, exempt position. Flexible hours are available with the expectation of regular business-hour
availability and some evening/weekend commitments for events and community engagement. Occasional
local travel required.
Cover letters should speak specifically to your interest in the Foundation’s mission and your experience in fundraising and nonprofit leadership. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The position will remain open until filled. The MCPASD Education Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.
Pay: From $75,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
