FOUNDATION Executive Director

Executive Director – Great Falls Public Schools Foundation

Mission The mission of the Great Falls Public Schools Foundation is to enhance high-quality teaching and lifelong learning for students in Great Falls Public Schools by funding innovative educational programs and scholarships. The Foundation builds upon the taxpayers’ commitment to public education through private funding that enhances education in unique and impactful ways. Through the generosity of donors, the Foundation provides educator grants, student scholarships, building enhancements, and recognition opportunities for both students and teachers.

The Foundation partners with families, businesses and the community to positively impact the learning experience for students and teachers in the Great Falls education system.

The Executive Director of the Great Falls Public Schools Foundation serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the organization and oversees donor relations, fundraising, and ensures the Foundation’s work meets its mission of enhancing high-quality teaching and lifelong learning for students in Great Falls Public Schools.

Community and Public Relations

• Serves as the official spokesperson for the Foundation
• Participate in activities that increase the visibility of the Foundation
• Give presentations and updates to various community organizations about the Foundation and its impact
• Build relationships, manage partnerships, and encourage community engagement to ensure support for the Foundation
• Ensure the Foundation’s brand is properly managed

Fundraising

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy and serve as chief fundraiser for the organization
• Maintain a strong stewardship program for existing donor relations and corporate support
• Help identify, cultivate, and solicit new donors and corporate/private foundation partnerships
• Pursue and steward multi‑year pledge commitments from individuals and businesses
• Develop and implement a plan for planned giving

Liaison to Great Falls Public Schools

• Attend GFPS Board meetings and present on Foundation projects
• Serve as a Cabinet member in GFPS, attend and participate in Cabinet meetings
• Consult and coordinate with other Cabinet members in carrying out the Foundation’s mission

Building Enhancements

• Oversee donor relations for current building enhancement projects
• Partner with the Foundation Board and District administration on projects as outlined in agreed‑upon process documents
• Work to develop future potential building enhancement projects
• Present to the GFPS School Board Trustees regarding donor‑funded building projects as appropriate

Operations and Management

• In collaboration with the Foundation Board, develop and implement the Foundation’s strategic plan, including short‑term and long‑term goals
• Oversee employee management to include hiring, firing, and delivery of staff evaluations
• Maintain a strong, positive, and professional working environment that attracts and retains qualified staff and volunteers
• Provide leadership and work direction to staff with the purpose of developing a team operating at peak performance
• Ensure financial accountability and transparency for all gifts, budgets and Foundation funding policies
• Work in collaboration with the Chief Executive Officer, Treasurer, and Finance Committee to create the annual operating budget
• Facilitate requisite tax payments, annual tax return, 990 and audit with external accounting firm in collaboration with Chief Operating Officer and Administrative Assistant
• Manage overall revenues and expenses to meet budget targets
• Monitor and report to the Board on the financial condition of the Foundation
• Assure compliance with all fiscal controls and regulations

Board Governance

• Work with Board to forward the mission and policies of the Foundation
• Work collaboratively with the Board Chair and Executive Committee to develop, support, and maintain an engaged, effective Board
• Plan with the Board for future growth and direction of the Foundation
• Regularly report progress toward meeting Board goals
• Actively participate in recruiting, retaining, and developing Board members in collaboration with the Executive Committee
• Perf…