Executive Director of Columbia-Greene Community College Foundation
Description:
The Opportunity
The Executive Director of the Columbia-Greene Community College Foundation is the chief administrator responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing a comprehensive and integrated fundraising program compatible with the College’s Strategic Plan. In conjunction with the President, the Executive Leadership Team, and the Foundation Board, the Executive Director constructs the strategy for and leads the execution of fundraising campaigns, events, and stewardship activities that create meaningful connections and build donor relationships to secure, retain, and grow philanthropic support.
Duties and Responsibilities
Leadership and Management
- Ability to clearly articulate the Foundation’s vision and mission to all stakeholders
- Cultivates an effective working relationship with the Executive Leadership Team of the College to ensure their engagement in philanthropic strategy, operations, and support.
- Recruits and supervises activities and evaluates performance of Foundation staff.
- Works with the College President to enhance strategic alignment between the two entities. Partners with the College President in managing a portfolio of top donors and community relations.
Strategic Planning and Program Oversight
- Prepares and implements an annual and multi-year operating plan for the Foundation including goals and other metrics in accordance with the College’s strategic plan.
- Explore various forms of revenue generation and fundraising including applying to other foundations and for grants which support the mission of the College.
Financial Management
- Prepares and manages the Foundation’s operating budget, cashflow and safeguards assets under the guidance of the Foundation Board.
- Works with the Finance & Investment Committee of the Foundation Board to ensure oversight of the Foundation’s Investment Portfolio and adherence with the Investment Policy.
- Works closely with the College’s finance office to manage financial processes, establish internal controls, including oversight of the annual audit.
- Provides monthly and quarterly financial reports on Foundation activities including oversight of preparations of the Foundations’ financial statements.
- Provides reports on fundraising progress and prospect management planning. Measures fundraising progress against benchmarks and makes program adjustments regularly.
- Builds and manages the Foundation’s budget for annual giving and events to maximize return on investment
Liaison with College and Office of Financial Aid
- Coordinates with the Office of Financial Aid to ensure accurate and timely awarding of scholarships. Ensures appropriate stewardship materials are developed.
- Ensures Scholarship funding needs are integrated into the Foundation’s budget and cashflow forecasts.
Fundraising,
- Develops, manages, and implements strategies for the Foundation’s annual giving campaign.
- Cultivates, solicits, and stewards a portfolio of high-potential annual giving prospects and forges strong relationships to influence and maximize contributions.
- Develops and leads stewardship plan for donor recognition, including timely outreach, mailings, calls, and events related to acknowledgement beyond the expected tax letter. Engages Foundation staff, College leadership, and volunteers as appropriate.
- Manages all aspects of alumni and community giving, including cultivating and soliciting alumni as appropriate and identifying and coordinating engagement opportunities with the College.
Programs and Activities
- Plans Foundation special events, including goals, budget, sponsorship levels, acquisition, and promotion. Hires appropriate personnel to oversee logistics and day-to-day details.
- Collaborates with the President and campus administrators to assess and prepare a list of needs and opportunities for fundraising support.
Community Relations and Communications
- Responsible for building and maintaining relationships in the Columbia and Greene Communities; including with other non-profit entities, local businesses and community organizations
- Collaborates with the Director of Marketing and Communication to develop materials for fundraising and engagement across a variety of platforms including print, digital, and social media channels.
Board Relations and Board Development
- Coordinates administration of the Foundation Board in consultation with Board and College leadership, including supporting the work of the Foundation Committees.
- Assists in recruiting key volunteers and Foundation Board members.
Operations and Technology
- Ensures appropriate operating policies and procedures and IT systems are in place to assist in day to day operations and donor management.
Compliance and Best Practices
- Ensure the Foundation is operating in compliance with all regulations and reporting requirements of SUNY, NY State or any other regulatory body or organization.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned to support the Foundation and the College President.
Membership of College Committees and participation in the shared governance structure of the institution, as assigned.
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in business, communications, marketing, philanthropy, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
5-7 years of progressive responsibility in philanthropy.
Experience working with boards, non-profit boards preferred.
Experience in higher education philanthropy is desired.
Salary & Benefits Information
Salary will be $100,000 and will be determined by a variety of factors including experience, education, and training/skills and certification. The College offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical and dental insurance, short-and long-term disability, generous vacation, and sick leave, paid holidays, pre-tax flexible spending accounts, retirement plans, tax-deferred compensation, as well as employee and dependent tuition waivers. PSLF waivers offered.
Application Instructions
For full consideration, submit a cover letter, CV/Resume, and contact information of at least three references as ONE PDF to [email protected]. For full consideration please apply before January 15, 2026.