Job Summary
The Founding Executive Director of Crosby Scholars provides visionary leadership for the launch and long-term sustainability of a Crosby Scholars program in a new expansion community. This leader will guide the program from early development through full implementation, building the relationships, infrastructure, and financial support necessary to establish a successful college access program for students in grades 6–12.
Working in collaboration with Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina, the Crosby Scholars leadership team, school districts, and community partners, the Founding Executive Director will lead efforts to secure funding, build community partnerships, recruit students, hire staff, and establish a local board of directors. The Executive Director will ensure fidelity to the Crosby Scholars model while adapting the program to meet the unique needs of the community.
Essential Job Responsibilities
Program Launch & Strategic Leadership
- Leads the successful launch and long-term implementation of the Crosby Scholars program in the expansion county, aligning all efforts with organizational mission, values, and strategic priorities.
- Develops and executes a comprehensive strategic plan to establish program infrastructure, student services, and community awareness.
- Drives student recruitment and enrollment across participating school districts, ensuring programs effectively prepare students for postsecondary success while maintaining fidelity to the Crosby Scholars model and adapting to local community needs.
- Collaborates closely with Crosby Scholars programs of Goodwill NWNC including leadership, Crosby Scholars regional teams, and cross-functional departments (Finance, HR, IT, Marketing, and Development) to support program implementation and operational success.
- Engages in regional knowledge-sharing and best practice alignment to ensure consistency across Crosby Scholars programs.
- Builds strong internal and external partnerships to advance program goals and participates in cross-functional initiatives that support organizational priorities.
- Travels locally and regionally to support partnerships, events, and program growth.
Fundraising, Grant Writing & Resource Development
- Leads the development and execution of a local fundraising strategy to support program operations, scholarships, and long-term sustainability. Identifies, cultivates, and stewards relationships with individual donors, corporate partners, foundations, and community stakeholders.
- Identifies and pursues grant opportunities and leads the preparation of grant proposals, applications, and reports to secure funding.
- Partners with Goodwill NWNC leadership and development teams to pursue strategic investments and philanthropic partnerships.
- Plans and implements a community fundraising launch campaign to support the establishment and growth of the program.
Community Engagement & Partnership Development
- Builds strong relationships with school districts, superintendents, principals, counselors, and educators across the county.
- Establishes partnerships with community organizations, higher education institutions, employers, and civic leaders to support program growth.
- Serves as the primary ambassador for Crosby Scholars within the community, representing the program at civic, educational, and philanthropic events.
- Cultivates community champions who will help advocate for the program and support fundraising efforts.
- Represents Crosby Scholars at community, business, and civic events to increase awareness and support for the program.
Board Development & Community Leadership
- Recruits, develops, and supports a diverse and engaged local advisory board representing the geographic, professional, and demographic diversity of the community.
- Engages board members in fundraising, advocacy, and strategic guidance for the program.
- Provides leadership and support to ensure the advisory board effectively advances the mission and sustainability of Crosby Scholars.
Team Leadership & Organizational Development
- Recruits, hires, and develops a high-performing team to support program operations and student services.
- Fosters a positive and inclusive work culture that promotes collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Mentors and coaches team members to support professional growth and strong program delivery.
- Creates a workplace environment that reflects the values of respect, integrity, service, excellence, and stewardship.
Operations, Financial Management & Program Evaluation
- Develops and manages annual operational plans, budgets, and performance goals.
- Monitors program outcomes and key performance indicators to ensure strong student impact and program effectiveness.
- Ensures compliance with organizational policies, data reporting requirements, and regulatory standards.
- Partners with Goodwill NWNC teams (Finance, HR, IT, Marketing, and Development) to support program implementation and operational success.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Education, Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field required. Master’s degree preferred.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience in education, nonprofit management, fundraising, or community development.
- Demonstrated success in fundraising, grant writing, or securing philanthropic support.
- Experience building partnerships with schools, community organizations, and civic leaders.
- Experience in launching new programs, initiatives, or community-based efforts strongly preferred.
- Knowledge of college admissions, financial aid, and postsecondary pathways.
- Proven ability to recruit, develop, and lead high-performing teams.
- Strong relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills across sectors.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Experience working with data and program evaluation to guide decision-making.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and to the mission and values of Crosby Scholars and Goodwill NWNC.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard data management systems.
- Must be able to pass all district volunteer requirements & screenings required to enter schools.
- Must have valid driver’s license.
- Ability to travel locally and regionally as required.
BENEFITS
Goodwill believes strongly in supporting our team members and offers excellent benefits, professional development, and opportunities for internal career growth. We are continuously looking for opportunities to expand our benefits program to accommodate the needs of our team members. While this list is not all-inclusive, some of the many benefits we offer to all employees are:
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Money Purchase Pension Plan
- 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan
- Employee Assistance Program
- Free Telehealth
- Employee Referral Program
- Quarterly Incentive Programs (for all retail positions)
- Corporate Discount Programs
In addition, we offer the following benefits for our full-time team members working 30 or more hours per week:
- Medical Insurance
- Prescription Coverage
- Dental and Vision Coverage
- Flex Spending Accounts (Medical and Dependent Care)
- Short & Long-Term Disability
- Life Insurance
- Tuition Reimbursement
EOE. E-Verify Employer.
#ZR
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
