Job Summary

The Executive Director of the Duval Education Foundation provides strategic leadership, organizational management, and resource development to advance the Foundation's mission in support of Duval County Public Schools. Working collaboratively with the Superintendent, Chief of Staff, Foundation Board of Directors, district leadership, business and community partners, donors, and philanthropic organizations, the Executive Director develops and implements comprehensive fundraising, partnership, and community engagement strategies that secure private investment and expand educational opportunities for students and employees. The Executive Director oversees Foundation operations, board governance, financial stewardship, grant development, donor relations, and strategic communications while ensuring compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and Direct Support Organization (DSO) requirements. Through visionary leadership and collaborative partnerships, the Executive Director aligns philanthropic resources with district priorities to remove barriers to student success, support workforce excellence, foster innovation, and strengthen the long-term impact of the Foundation throughout the community.

Essential Functions

1. Provides strategic leadership for the Duval Education Foundation by developing and implementing comprehensive fundraising, partnership, and community engagement strategies that align with the District's Strategic Plan and the Foundation's mission and goals.

2. Leads all fundraising and resource development efforts by identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individual donors, corporate partners, foundations, grant opportunities, sponsorships, and other philanthropic investments to ensure long-term organizational sustainability.
 
3. Provides leadership and administrative support to the Foundation Board of Directors by recruiting and developing board members, facilitating board and committee meetings, supporting governance activities, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws, policies, and Direct Support Organization (DSO) requirements.

4. Develops, strengthens, and maintains collaborative relationships with business leaders, community organizations, governmental agencies, educational partners, and philanthropic stakeholders to advance district priorities and expand community investment.

5. Serves as the chief ambassador for the Foundation by promoting its mission, communicating the impact of philanthropic investments, representing the Foundation at public events, and fostering strong donor stewardship, recognition, and long-term engagement.

6. Directs grant development and administration activities by leading the preparation of competitive funding proposals, ensuring compliance with grant requirements, monitoring outcomes, and identifying innovative funding opportunities that expand educational programs and services.

7. Collaborates with District leadership and departments to identify funding priorities, align Foundation investments with strategic initiatives, coordinate cross-functional partnerships, and support innovative programs that enhance student achievement and workforce excellence.

8. Provides executive leadership for Foundation operations by supervising assigned personnel, directing budget development and fiscal management, monitoring organizational performance through data and key performance indicators, and ensuring compliance with all applicable policies, regulations, ethical standards, and reporting requirements.

9. Performs other duties and responsibilities consistent with the goals, mission, and objectives of the Duval Education Foundation and Duval County Public Schools.

Compensation

This position has a starting salary of $110,000 and is non-negotiable. 

Qualifications

Education:  Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree or equivalent experience in nonprofit leadership, business development, communications, or related field preferred. 
 
Experience: Minimum five to seven years of experience in fundraising, sales, business development, marketing, or nonprofit leadership preferred. Experience working with independent Board of Directors, civic board, or similar governance structure preferred. Experience planning and executing large-scale campaigns, donor stewardship initiatives, or community events preferred. 
 
Certifications & Licenses: None

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Thorough knowledge of nonprofit leadership, fundraising principles, donor cultivation, stewardship, and philanthropic resource development.
• Knowledge of grant research, proposal development, grant administration, compliance, and reporting requirements.
• Knowledge of strategic planning, organizational leadership, and performance management principles.
• Knowledge of nonprofit governance, Board development, and effective Board engagement practices.
• Knowledge of budgeting, financial management, fiscal accountability, and sound business practices.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies governing nonprofit organizations and Direct Support Organizations (DSOs), including Florida Statute 1001.453.
• Knowledge of public education systems, educational initiatives, and community partnership strategies that support student achievement and organizational success.
• Knowledge of marketing, communications, public relations, and community engagement principles.
• Knowledge of data analysis, performance metrics, and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) used to evaluate organizational effectiveness and measure outcomes.
• Skill in developing and implementing strategic fundraising plans that secure philanthropic investments, grants, sponsorships, and other revenue sources.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships with donors, business leaders, community organizations, elected officials, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Skill in leading organizational initiatives, managing multiple complex projects, and establishing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Skill in analyzing financial and operational data to support strategic planning and informed decision-making.
• Skill in preparing and delivering effective presentations, proposals, reports, and public communications.
• Skill in supervising, coaching, mentoring, and evaluating staff while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Skill in negotiating partnerships, facilitating consensus, and resolving complex issues through sound judgment and diplomacy.
• Ability to think strategically and develop innovative solutions that align philanthropic investments with district priorities.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with diverse internal and external audiences.
• Ability to establish credibility and maintain productive working relationships with the Foundation Board of Directors, District leadership, donors, community partners, and the public.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws, policies, regulations, and governance requirements applicable to the Foundation and the District.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and demonstrate the highest standards of integrity, ethics, and professionalism.
• Ability to organize work, manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing organizational needs.
• Ability to represent the Foundation and Duval County Public Schools professionally at local, regional, and statewide meetings, events, and public functions.
• Ability to utilize technology, data management systems, and Microsoft Office applications to support communication, reporting, financial management, and organizational operations.
• Ability to inspire, influence, and lead diverse teams and stakeholders toward the achievement of shared organizational goals while fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.