Education Foundation Director

Background:

The OASD Education Foundation strives to engage the community in supporting Oshkosh public schools and is committed to providing resources for innovation, fine arts, athletics, scholarships, and other resources to enhance students' lives. The Foundation fuels this new and innovative programming through teacher-driven grant requests. Scholarships and grants to teachers and students fund special class projects and provide special assistance to students and school programs. This funding helps teachers implement creative ideas that expand their students’ academic experiences - inspiring lifelong learning and success. The OASD Education Foundation is a collaboration of businesses, nonprofits, community partners and generous donors who have one common goal: to advance excellence in our schools. The Foundation’s endowment fund exists to help develop and enhance the OASD education system for future generations and provide a permanent source of support. Established in 2012, the OASD Education Foundation is managed by the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation, a nonprofit organization whose donors enjoy maximum tax advantages.

MISSION: Provide fiscal resources to enhance the educational experience in the Oshkosh Area School District.

VISION: Enhance the quality of educational experiences for OASD students and staff. The OASD Education Foundation will collaborate to achieve excellence by raising financial resources to fund educational enhancements through donations.

Responsibilities:

1. Coordinate with the Board of Directors the following activities: development of the Foundation’s strategic plan; development of annual Foundation goals and action plans; planning and execution of fundraising activities including major gift solicitation, planned giving, special events, annual giving campaign; communication and relationship with the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation, community, donors, potential donors, and District staff.
2. Manage the organization, fund development, public relations, communications, and strategic/tactical planning.
3. Raise public awareness of the Foundation through multiple avenues including, but not limited to social media, newspaper, and public speaking engagements.
4. Develop community relationships, direct marketing programs, and events to cultivate, motivate, and solicit individual foundation and corporate donors.
5. Network and cultivate relationships with peers and similar organizations at regional, state, and national levels.
6. Coordinate and write grant and endowment requests for funds from government, corporate, and private sectors.
7. Perform the administrative tasks required to carry out the Foundation’s mission and objectives.
8. Ensure and retain board members, through active board recruitment, to achieve fundraising, marketing, and programmatic goals.
9. Create an alumni base and continue to develop it with new graduates.

Skills and Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in two or more of the following areas: nonprofit management, fundraising, public relations, communication and marketing, and experience working for or on a Board of Directors
• 3-5 years of experience in fundraising or non-profit administration
• Exceptional presentation and written communication skills
• Strong organizational and planning skills with the ability to take initiative and effectively handle multiple tasks, changing priorities, and complex assignments

Experiences Preferred:

• Proven successful experience leading an organization in the nonprofit, corporate or governmental sector where there are multiple and diverse constituencies 
• Proven fundraising experience that has included solicitation of major gifts, with repeated success 
• Hands-on experience in developing a strategic plan and setting long-range policy and program planning 
• Experience working with a mission-driven organization in a leadership capacity and coordinating the efforts of volunteers 
• Demonstrated ability to work with business, community, and public entities 
• Demonstrated strong organization and prioritization skills 
• Proven presentation and written communication skills 
• Proven history of meeting or exceeding fundraising goals, including grant writing 
• Knowledge of nonprofit operations and volunteer management 
• Knowledge of public education or school district organization 
• Familiarity with donor management systems 
• Skilled use of social media 
• Experience using Microsoft/Google Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Personal Characteristics:

• A person whose integrity is present in actions and interactions 
• A firm commitment to the belief that the OASD Education Foundation can make a powerful and positive impact for students, families, and staff 
• An excellent communicator who can be inspirational and motivational 
• A person who leads by influence and example rather than authority and has exceptional people skills 

To apply for this position, please provide the following information:

• Cover letter outlining your overall credentials, strengths, and unique qualities, which qualify you for this position
• A resume describing work experience, skills and educational background
• Reference list and letters of recommendations
• Compensation expectations

The OASD Education Foundation Director will report to the Superintendent’s designee.