Job Title: Executive Director of the Cloquet Educational Foundation
Location: Cloquet, Minnesota
Classification: 0.7 Full-time equivalent (approximately 28 hours per week)
Compensation: $50,000- $58,000 commensurate with experience and qualifications, with potential for
growth
Reports to: The Cloquet Educational Foundation Board of Directors
The Organization
The Cloquet Educational Foundation (CEF) believes an ideal community promotes educational excellence by supporting learning opportunities for children, in the classroom and beyond, so they can develop into healthy, productive and responsible adults. Our purpose is to secure funding for educational opportunities for Cloquet area students from birth through high school graduation. We work in partnership with the Cloquet Public Schools and the community to accomplish our goals. Our funding does not replace school district responsibilities. It works to enhance district dollars by providing necessary support for prioritized educational initiatives and creative and innovative programs. The Foundation was established in 1983 by a group of visionaries who wanted to make sure future generations of students would have expanded opportunities for learning while maintaining the tradition of educational excellence in Cloquet.
The CEF, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, strives to ensure effective, efficient and non-discriminatory distribution of charitable funds to educational initiatives within the Cloquet School District (ISD #94) and when appropriate within the Cloquet, Minnesota community. The CEF provides opportunities for academic, artistic, athletic, cultural and social growth for children and youth by financially supporting programs and activities.
Executive Director Position Overview
The CEF Executive Director (ED) is a highly skilled nonprofit professional who, in partnership with the CEF Board of Directors, will advance the mission of the organization by generating and increasing financial support and enhancing community involvement. The ED is responsible for the overall direction and management of the organization and its day to day operations. The ED is the public face of the Foundation and serves as chief fundraiser, leader and manager of fund development. The ED reports directly to the CEF Board of Directors.
Primary Responsibilities
● The planning, development, administration, organization, management, implementation and evaluation of a strategic and comprehensive development program that will complement the Foundation’s mission
● Ensuring that all programs and activities are consistent with the Foundation’s mission
● Overall leadership and management of day-to-day functions of the Foundation
● Building diversified funding streams to increase long-term sustainability
● Planning and executing ongoing or new, innovative fundraising events● Maintaining a focus on financial development to provide funding support for CEF grant awards
● Community outreach, building collaborative relationships and partnerships while prospecting, cultivating and generating donations from businesses as well as individuals
● Raising positive community awareness of the Foundation and its purpose
Fiscal Management and Oversight
● Provide financial stewardship and oversight of all financial activity of the CEF, including financial management, investments, endowment activity, and documentation
● Work with the Finance Committee, Treasurer, and outsourced accounting team to manage the budget and daily financial administration
● Manage the fiduciary responsibility of the CEF and ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and contracts, including financial controls and proper tracking and use of donor-restricted funds
● Work with audit/tax preparers to ensure completion of annual financial statements and Form 990
● Track in-kind donations for special events, prepare invoices for annual sponsorships, and ensure proper recording in the financial records
● Work with the Treasurer to monitor endowment fund balances and ensure compliance with spending policy and donor restrictions
● Select, train, motivate, and direct Foundation personnel and volunteers
Fundraising, Events and Development
● Implement strong annual and endowment fundraising initiatives, including effective donor and alumni development programs
● Build community relationships, marketing programs, and other activities to solicit and develop individual and corporate donors
● Nurture productive relationships and collaborations with key donors and supporters of the CEF
● Develop donor retention strategies for existing donors and sponsors
● Lead and support the Board to achieve success in their fundraising efforts
Communications, Marketing and Public Relations
● Effective public speaker
● Be the CEF’s brand ambassador by promoting the brand/image in all activities
● Builds a broad range of relationships to support and enhance awareness of CEF and its mission
● Promote events and the foundation, in general, through graphics, photos, videos and more
● Take an active role in managing the CEF social media outlets and website
● Create marketing materials to promote CEF initiatives and events to be used both in print and in social media promotions
Required Qualifications:
● Bachelor’s degree or relevant work experience
● Minimum of five years of fundraising experience with demonstrated success in donor cultivation and major gifts
● Strong, proven leadership and management skills with excellent oral and written communication skills
● Experience managing a nonprofit budget
● Ability to build collaborative relationships, community partnerships and successful networking to accomplish goals
● Demonstrated ability to multi-task and have exceptional organizational skills
● Excellent interpersonal skills to establish and enhance positive relationships with donors,
community leaders, Board of Directors, district employees and alumni
● Personal qualities that include integrity, leadership, commitment to the Foundation and school district mission, respect for diversity and the ability to inspire and motivate
● Computer skills and a willingness to learn new processes and practices as required
● Ability to be a team leader and to listen closely to volunteers, take direction and make informed decisions that move the Foundation forward
● Demonstrated ability to create and implement policies and procedures that guide the programmatic and fiscal activities of the Foundation
● Ability to work successfully with a variety of stakeholders including board members, staff,
volunteers, community leaders and others
● Proven track record of creativity and innovation
Preferred Qualifications
● A Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Nonprofit Management or related field
● Certified Nonprofit Professionals (CNP) or Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credentials
● Belong to a nonprofit organization such as the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)-formerly NSFRE or National Council of Nonprofits (NCP)
● Proficiency with donor management software
● Ability to learn and utilize new technologies such as artificial intelligence
● Strong social media, marketing and public relations experience to successfully engage
stakeholders in the Foundation’s activities
● Experience working with a Board of Directors and committees
● Ability to work independently and proactively
● Knowledge of the Cloquet community and its philanthropic landscape
● Experience working with a nonprofit foundation and overseeing significant financial assets or endowments
Compensation and Benefits
● $50,000- $58,000 commensurate with experience and qualifications, with potential for growth
● Flexible schedule with opportunity for remote work
● Minnesota Earned Sick and Safe Time
● This position is not eligible for Health Care benefits
● Opportunity to make a significant impact on thousands of students in an exceptional school district
For consideration, please send a cover letter, resume and references to CEF Search Committee, [email protected]
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The position will be open until August 31, 2026.
As an equal opportunity employer, The Cloquet Educational Foundation hires without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender,sexual orientation, marital status, genetics, gender identity or expression, veteran status, disability or any other category protected by applicable law.
Pay: $50,000.00 - $58,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
