Executive Director for University Foundation

Location : Normal

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number: 202300009

Department: V.P. Marketing, Communication & Advancement

Opening Date: 09/14/2023

Closing Date: Continuous

Description

Summary:

The Executive Director serves as the Foundation's Chief Operating Officer and is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Foundation. He reports to the Chairman of the Foundation Board, prepares the agenda for meetings of the Board, provides the Board all necessary budgets, reports, analyses, maintains the corporate minutes book, and meets the requirements for corporate records.

Examples of Duties

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Supervises the accounting of the foundation accounts and prepares related financial reports.
• Assists the President in providing external and internal financial reporting.
• Designs and implements accounts coding structure to allow proper monitoring and budgeting of programs.
• Supervises accounting for sponsored programs, including setting-up accounts when grant awards are received.
• Reviews prior year's programs and analyzes and balances accounts, closing programs and transferring active programs to new fund group.
• Monitors program expenditures to insure operation within fiscal constraints.
• Prepares audit reports for external agencies.
• Responsible for collecting, compiling and completing statistical analysis of information for external auditing agencies.

Administrative:

• Hiring and supervising staff to achieve the administrative, stewardship and fundraising goals of the Foundation while promoting their professional development through regular evaluation of their job performance.
• Making a recommendation to the Board regarding the Foundation's annual grant request.
• Maintaining a database that will serve the fundraising responsibilities of the Foundation.
• Maintaining records to assure the use of endowments consistent with the donor's intent.
• Working with the Investment Manager to assure that investment policies and guidelines are followed, and a regular system of valuations and reporting are in place.
• Maintaining records, an accounting system and contacts with legal counsel regarding employment and tax matters, exempt activities, proper documentation for the annual tax return and the annual certified audit.
• Accepting gifts on behalf of the Foundation and consulting with the appropriate Foundation committees concerning gifts of an unusual nature.
• Having a management and reporting system for the Charitable Gift Annuity Program.
• Providing direct supervision and assigning specific tasks to the Foundation consultant.

Foundation Board:

• Providing the Board with monthly status reports regarding the Foundation's fundraising efforts in comparison to the fundraising goal and the previous year's fundraising efforts.
• Guiding the Board in the revision of a mission statement and strategic plan for its operation and in the creation of a case for support. Ensure periodic review to reflect changing needs of the University and the Foundation.
• Assisting the Chairman in soliciting the Board for their gifts to the Foundation.
• Assisting the Chairman in the identification, recruitment, orientation, training of new members to the Board of Trustees.

Fundraising:

• Being personally responsible for a portfolio of the Foundation's top 50 donors/major donor prospects to be personally visited at least once a year including conducting face-to-face solicitations as necessary, annually ranking of the Foundation's top 300 major donor prospects, ensuring that all staff accomplish goals and responsibilities in accordance with the annual fundraising plan, and developing an annual marketing and fundraising plan for approval by the Board.
• Conducting and overseeing the Foundation's planned giving program.
• To write fundraising copy for the University's Intercom.

Performance expectations

As senior executive, this is a crucial position that helps set the direction and ensures the health of the institution. The individual is expected to be an excellent fundraising technician and organizational development specialist.

The individual is expected to:

• Translate broad goals into achievable steps. Help set and manage appropriate expectations. Plan and implement programs while meeting deadlines.
• Handle detailed, complex concepts and problems and make rapid decisions regarding management and development issues showing initiative and working as a team player.
• Maintain a flexible work schedule to meet the demands of executive management.
• Establish strong relationships with the Board, staff, donors, and the general fraternity.
• Convey a professional and positive image and attitude regarding the organization and the not-for-profit sector while adhering to the highest ethical standards in management, governance, and fund development. Demonstrate continued professional growth as a Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) and be an active member of the Huntsville community.

Typical Qualifications

Minimum Position Requirements (including certifications, licenses, etc.):

Education and Experience:

• A Bachelor's degree in accounting
• Five years of professional level experience in accounting or auditing work; three years of which have been above the beginning professional level, including one year at an advanced supervisory or equivalent level; or possession of a certificate as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA).
• Seven (7) years fundraising experience in a professional position is required.
• Demonstrated experience in managing and implementing a fund development program.
• A master's degree in accounting or related area may be substituted for one year of required general experience.

Fundraising skills required:

• Expected to have demonstrated experience and confidence in asking people to contribute time and money.
• Expected to be an enabler of volunteers and staff.
• The nature and dimensions of philanthropy including ethics.
• Motivator for giving and volunteering.
• Standard fundraising techniques including research and cultivation practices, face-to-face solicitation, special events, telephone solicitation, and direct mail, and, development office functions including gift processing, prospect and donor histories, and fundraising reporting.

Supplemental Information

Essential Functions:
Management skills required:
Short and long-term planning
Evaluation, directing and motivating staff
Oral and written communication skills
Marketing and financial management, governance, organizational behavior and development.
Familiarity with computer systems is necessary

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, short and long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

To learn more details, visit our benefits page at

01

Do you have five years of professional level experience in accounting or auditing work; three years of which have been above the beginning professional level, including one year at an advanced supervisory or equivalent level; or possession of a certificate as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have seven (7) years fundraising experience in a professional position?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have demonstrated experience in managing and implementing a fund development program?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have a bachelor's degree in accouting?

• Yes
• No

Required Question