Executive Director

The Central Penn College Education Foundation is seeking candidates to fill the role of Executive Director.

Position Summary

The Executive Director leads the Central Penn College Education Foundation in advancing its mission through comprehensive fundraising, donor engagement, and effective stewardship of resources. This role is responsible for growing philanthropic support, strengthening donor, alumni, and community relationships, and ensuring sound financial and operational management of the Foundation. The Executive Director works closely with the Foundation’s Board of Trustees and College leadership to align fundraising priorities with institutional needs.

Organization Role

This is an executive-level position reports directly to the Foundation Board of Trustees, with a strong collaborative relationship with the College President. The Executive Director has full responsibility for the Foundation’s operations, financial stewardship, and compliance, ensuring alignment with Board directives, donor intent, and applicable regulations. The Executive Director has supervisory responsibility over the Administrative Assistant. This position requires flexible scheduling, including some evenings and weekends, to attend community events.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Fundraising

• Develop and implement a multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with the Foundation’s goals to achieve sustainable growth in revenue and the Foundation’s endowment.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with donors, prospects, and partners, including individuals, corporations, foundations, and grant‑making organizations.
• Serve as the primary ambassador for the Foundation, strengthening visibility, engagement, and community relationships.

Operations and Financial Oversight

• Oversee financial operations, including budgeting, reporting, and investment performance, ensuring responsible stewardship of all assets.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, donor intent, and Board policies.
• Prepare and present financial reports, budgets, and forecasts to the Board of Trustees.
• Lead scholarship and educational support programs to ensure effective and equitable distribution of funds.
• Hire, train, and motivate Foundation staff.

Marketing, Communications, and Engagement

• Collaborate with the College’s Marketing and Communications department to develop and execute effective, consistent messaging and outreach strategies to promote awareness and understanding of the Foundation’s mission and impact.
• Develop and implement outreach strategies to strengthen the donor’s and prospective donor’s journey from first gift through long‑term partnership and legacy giving.

Board and External Relations

• Partner with the Board of Trustees to support effective governance, engagement, and communication. Attend all Board committee meetings.
• Establish, in conjunction with the Board of Trustees, measurable fundraising goals and objectives to provide regular tracking and progress reports.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the Foundation, the College, and external stakeholders.
• Recommend the establishment, modification, or discontinuation of funds and programs in alignment with strategic priorities and Board approval.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree; equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• 5-8 years of progressive leadership experience in fundraising, advancement, nonprofit management, or a related field, including supervisory responsibility.
• Demonstrated success developing and executing fundraising strategies, including major gifts, annual giving, and donor stewardship, with a track record of achieving endowment and revenue growth metrics.
• Experience working with or supporting a Board of Trustees or similar governing body.
• Financial literacy in the areas of budgeting, financial reporting, investing, and stewardship of restricted funds is preferred.
• Exceptional relationship‑building and communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence donors and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, manage competing priorities, and drive results.
• Proficiency with donor management systems (e.g., Salesforce, GiveButter, or similar CRM platforms) and standard business software (Microsoft Office Suite).

Working Conditions

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required for occasional local or regional travel.
• Must be able to occasionally lift and move items weighing up to 20 lbs.
• Position requires prolonged periods of sitting and working on a computer.
• Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, and occasional travel to support donor engagement and events.
• This role is based on campus and requires regular in‑person attendance. Occasional remote work may be permitted at the discretion of the Foundation Board Chair based on operational needs.

This job description describes the primary responsibilities of the position and is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties. Responsibilities may be modified at the discretion of the College. This document does not create a contract of employment.

Central Penn College is committed to providing an inclusive and equitable environment for all students, faculty, and staff. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. We value diverse experiences and perspectives and believe they enhance our College community.

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