Executive Director

Reports To:

FISD Education Foundation (FISDEF) Board of Directors

The Executive Director is responsible for leading and executing all fundraising and development efforts for the Fredericksburg ISD Education Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports the students, educators, and programs of the Fredericksburg Independent School District. This role provides strategic leadership in donor cultivation, major gifts, corporate and foundation partnerships, annual giving, events, and grant development to ensure sustainable financial growth aligned with the Foundation’s mission.

The ideal candidate is a relationship-driven, strategic fundraiser with strong communication skills, a passion for public education, and the ability to collaborate with district leadership, board members, donors, and community stakeholders.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive, multi-year fundraising strategy to meet annual and long-term revenue goals.
• Oversee all fundraising initiatives, including annual giving, major gifts, corporate sponsor ships, grants, planned giving, and special campaigns.
• Analyze fundraising data and trends to inform strategy and improve outcomes.

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors, with a focus on major and leadership-level gifts.
• Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with donors, alumni, parents, community leaders, and other stakeholders.
• Create and implement donor stewardship plans to ensure meaningful engagement and retention.
• Develop and manage partnerships with corporations, foundations, and community organizations.
• Research, write, and oversee grant proposals and reports in collaboration with foundation and district leadership.
• Ensure compliance with grant requirements and reporting deadlines.

• Plan and execute fundraising events, campaigns, and donor engagement activities.
• Collaborate with district staff, volunteers, and vendors to ensure successful execution and strong donor experiences.
• Evaluate event performance and return on investment.
• Partner with the FISD Superintendent and staff, School Board, and Education Foundation Board of Directors to support fundraising goals.
• Engage board members in fundraising, donor cultivation, and ambassador roles.
• Support development committees and volunteer fundraising initiatives.

• Work closely with FISD communications staff and FISDEF vendors to develop compelling fundraising materials, appeals, and messaging.
• Ensure consistent branding and storytelling that highlights the impact of the Foundation’s work.
• Support donor communications including newsletters, reports, and acknowledgments.

• Manage development budgets, timelines, and reporting.
• Maintain accurate donor records and data in the Foundation’s CRM or donor database.
• Ensure adherence to ethical fundraising standards and nonprofit best practices.

• Bachelor’s degree required; degree in nonprofit management, communications, business, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of progressively responsible fundraising or development experience, preferably in a nonprofit or education-related organization.
• Demonstrated success in major gift fundraising, donor cultivation, and revenue growth.
• Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into action.
• Highly organized with strong project management skills.
• Comfortable working with diverse stakeholders, including educators, administrators, donors, and volunteers.
• Proficiency with donor databases, CRM systems, and Microsoft Office or Google Workspace.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a small-team environment.

• Experience working with education foundations or school districts.
• Grant writing experience with a strong record of success.
• Knowledge of nonprofit fundraising regulations and best practices.
• Experience supporting or working with a board of directors.

• Occasional evening and weekend work required for events and meetings.
• Local travel within the school district and community required.
• Commitment to the mission and values of public education and educational equity.
• Commitment to continuous learning to improve impact and craft.