About The Partnership Plan
The Partnership Plan is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the quality of education in the Stillwater Area Public Schools. Since its founding 1989, the organization has provided funding and support to bring innovation, enrichment, and opportunity to students and teachers districtwide. By connecting community generosity with educational excellence, The Partnership Plan empowers educators, inspires learners, and helps create equitable access to exceptional learning experiences for all students. Additional information can be found on The Partnership Plan website: partnershipplan.org.
Position Overview
The Partnership Plan is at an exciting moment of growth and opportunity poised to grow its reach, deepen its impact, and take its mission to the next level. We are seeking a visionary, relationship-driven Executive Director to lead this next chapter in collaboration with our engaged Board of Directors, staff, and community partners.
The ideal candidate will bring energy, creativity and motivation to drive meaningful change through both strategic insight and hands-on drive. We seek someone who is motivated by the opportunity to help Stillwater schools and students thrive, advancing equity, leveling opportunities across the district and ensuring every learner has the tools and inspiration to succeed.
Position Summary
The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible for the overall operations of The Partnership Plan, ensuring the organization’s consistent achievement of its mission and financial objectives. The Executive Director provides strategic and operational leadership, directs the timely and successful execution of program initiatives, and assists the Board of Directors, committees, and task forces in fulfilling their responsibilities while fostering a culture of collaboration, transparency, and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Vision
- Serve as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for the organization, promoting its mission with clarity, passion, and purpose.
- Partner with the Board of Directors to develop, implement, and evaluate strategic priorities, including setting measurable goals, tracking profess, and reporting outcomes annually.
- Identify and pursue opportunities to expand impact, innovation, and educational equity across Stillwater Area Public Schools.
- Strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, including district leadership, community partners, and funders to support long-term sustainability and mission growth.
Fundraising, Development, and Community Engagement
- Design and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that includes annual giving, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, grants, and planned giving.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with district leaders, donors, sponsors, and the broader community; engage directly with educators, parents, students, sponsors, and partners to foster lasting connections.
- Drive innovative approaches to donor engagement, partnership building, and program expansion.
- Professional represent The Partnership Plan at school and community events to enhance visibility, trust, and philanthropic support.
- Manage the initiatives that full the mission and the Legacy Giving program goals and objectives.
- Oversee marketing, communications, and public relations to ensure consistent and compelling storytelling aligned with mission and brad identity.
Program Oversight and Impact
- Partner with district leadership and educators to identify emerging opportunities where The Partnership Plan can make the greatest impact.
- Guide the development, delivery, and evaluation of programs and grant-making that align with district priorities and community needs.
- Ensure programs reflect a commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and measurable student outcomes.
Financial Management and Operational Leadership
- Oversee all aspects of financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and compliance.
- Ensure sound financial stewardship and accountability in collaboration with the Treasurer and Finance Committee.
- Manage daily operations and organizational systems that promote efficiency, transparency, and alignment with nonprofit best practices.
- Lead and support a small (1-3 person), high-performing staff team, fostering an environment of collaboration, creativity, and respect in a positive and healthy work environment.
- Identify opportunities to grow the staff according to the emerging needs of the organization. Recruit, manage, engage, and retain a high-performing staff.
Board Partnership and Governance
- Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors, providing timely and strategic information, preparing materials for meetings, and supporting governance and policy development.
- Collaborate with Board committees to advance governance and strategic priorities.
- Ensure organizational compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, as well as adherence to nonprofit best practices and IRS 501(c)(3) requirements.
- Support recruitment, orientation, and engagement of Board members.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Executive Director will champion diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in all aspects of The Partnership Plan’s work. This includes ensuring that grantmaking, partnerships, and community engagement efforts reflect the diversity of the Stillwater Area Public Schools and that all students have equitable access to educational opportunities.
Experience
- Minimum of three to five years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, or related fields.
- Proven success in developing and executing fundraising strategies, cultivating donor and community relationships, forming high-impact corporate relationships, partnership building and securing major gifts.
- Working knowledge of nonprofit and fundraising operations, and grant writing.
- Experience leading a small team or organization, with demonstrated ability to manage operations and finances responsibly.
Skills and Attributes
- Visionary and strategic thinker with strong execution skills.
- Exceptional relationship-builder, communicator, and storyteller.
- Entrepreneurial, self-motivated, and adaptable in a dynamic environment.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Skilled in managing multiple priorities with integrity and accountability.
- Passion for public education.
- Experience with Google Docs, QuickBooks, Auctria, and Bloomerang platforms is desirable.