Executive Director of Albemarle Foundation for Education (AFE) -Albemarle County Public Schools

Description

In Albemarle County Public Schools, we work together as a team to end the predictive value of race, class, gender, and special capacities for our children’s success through high-quality teaching and learning for all. We seek to build relationships with families and communities to ensure that every student succeeds. We will know every student!

ACPS is actively recruiting an Executive Director of the Albemarle Foundation for Education (AFE). The Albemarle Foundation for Education (AFE) was established in 2022 to be a convener of resources to help Albemarle County Public Schools reach its bold aspirations for student success. Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders. AFE works in partnership with ACPS to ensure all resources are invested in helping the division reach its strategic goals.

The Executive Director will lead the development and growth of the Albemarle Foundation for Education (AFE). AFE is an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit based upon the philosophy that public education can be financially empowered through a broad-based system of community support, which provides another resource for enhancing and advancing educational opportunities in ACPS. The Executive Director will drive resource development and implement strategic initiatives. Fosters sustainable philanthropic investments, promotes equity in education and supports transformational initiatives that benefit students, educators, and communities. Manages all aspects of the AFE’s operations, fundraising and strategic direction to support the mission, vision, and goals of both AFE and ACPS.

Job Duties

– Collaborates with the AFE Board of Directors to establish and implement the Foundation’s strategic vision and priorities
– Collaborates closely with the ACPS Superintendent or designee, meeting quarterly at a minimum, to align AFE initiatives with ACPS’s mission and strategic goals;
– Establishes the foundational business infrastructure, including legal, financial, and operational structures;
– Develops and implements policies, procedures, and systems to ensure compliance with non-profit regulations and best practices;
– Designs and implements impactful programs and initiatives aligned with the mission and community needs;
– Advocates for AFE’s mission and acts as the Foundation’s spokesperson in the community, with donors and in collaborative partnerships;
– Ensures compliance with applicable laws, ACPS School Board policies, regulations, personnel policies, and contractual terms;
– Develops and executes a comprehensive fundraising strategy that includes major gifts, planned giving, annual campaigns, grants, and corporate partnerships to diversify and grow revenue streams;
– Screens potential donors and sponsors in accordance with applicable laws and School Board policy;
– Cultivates relationships with individual, corporate, and foundation donors to secure sustainable financial support;
– Leverages donor prospecting tools and data-driven fundraising practices to identify and engage new funding opportunities;
– Ensures accurate and timely donor recognition, stewardship, and reporting, including an annual written report to the ACPS School Board detailing donors, sponsors, fundraising activities, and sponsored initiatives;
– Oversees AFE’s daily operations, ensuring alignment with the Board’s goals and adherence to nonprofit best practices;
– Develops and manages AFE’s annual budget, ensuring fiscal accountability and transparency;
– Supervises financial reporting, audits, and compliance requirements, including maintaining the Foundation’s 501©(3) status;
– Establishes an appropriate system of accounting for all capital and non-capital projects, grants and awards, sponsorships and partnerships, scholarships, and endowments;
– Maintains records of all donations and expenditures, providing an annual report to the ACPS School Board;
– Builds and nurtures relationships with community stakeholders, businesses, and other organizations to advance AFE’s mission;
– Partners with ACPS staff and community leaders to address unmet needs and create equitable opportunities for all students,
– Develops and implements marketing and communication strategies to increase awareness and support for AFE initiatives;
– Supports the AFE Board of Directors by providing regular updates, facilitating meetings, and assisting with board development and training;
– Identifies, recruits, and engages volunteers to support fundraising, events, and program initiatives;
– Fosters a collaborative and inclusive organizational culture that values teamwork, accountability, and innovation;
– Maintains exclusive authority to engage, hire, direct, supervise, and control contractors and other Foundation employees;
– Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills Required

Proven experience in a leadership role within a non-profit or similar organization, preferably in a startup or early-stage environment. Strong business acumen with the ability to establish operational systems, financial structures, and organizational policies. Proven success in developing and executing fundraising strategies, including securing major gifts and grants. Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, including public speaking and relationship-building. Strong organizational and financial management skills, with the ability to oversee budgets and complex projects. Knowledge of donor management systems (e.g., CRM software) and data-driven fundraising practices. High ethical standards, integrity, and a demonstrated commitment to educational equity and excellence. Ability to inspire trust, build consensus, and effectively lead diverse teams. Knowledge of public education systems.

Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree and minimum of 10 years of leadership experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, or a related field, with a track record of meeting or exceeding revenue goals is required. Master’s degree in nonprofit management, public administration, education, or a related field preferred. Experience working with or reporting to a volunteer Board of Directors and managing cross-sector partnerships.

Work Schedule

8 hours/day, 12 months (260 days)/year
Albemarle County Public Schools
401 McIntire Rd.
Charlottesville, VA 22902
Additional details regarding schedule and work arrangement to be discussed

Additional Info

APPLY HERE: https://albemarleva.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5176673