Job Description

The Nashville Public Education Foundation (NPEF) is an independent 501c3 dedicated to strengthening and improving the city’s public schools. The organization was founded in 2002 and has been rallying the community behind our public schools since, working to ensure every student thrives in our schools every day.

NPEF’s mission focuses on increasing positive student outcomes in Nashville’s public schools by identifying challenges and advancing evidence-based solutions.

To advance the mission, the Foundation raises and invests funds around two primary goals: 1) increasing understanding of critical topics and support for research-based solutions; and 2) increasing research-based strategies for supporting student success in our schools. To increase understanding of critical topics in public education, NPEF shares accessible and clear information about pressing topics and convenes stakeholders to discuss issues and identify solutions. To increase research-based strategies that support student success, NPEF develops and delivers critical programs to support teachers, families, and students and collaborates with the district as a strategic thought partner.

Position Overview:

The President& CEO manages and successfully executes the mission of the Foundation and reports to the Board of Directors.

ESSENTIAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• Commitment to the mission of the NPEF and ability to communicate effectively the story, mission and vision of NPEF.
• An understanding of the nexus between policy, political, and business worlds and the role NPEF plays in bridging those worlds.
• Exceptional leadership skills, in particular, strong vision-casting capacity - the ability to chart a course that is ambitious and inspiring, yet achievable and effective at moving the needle for children and youth, especially for those who have been historically marginalized.
• Exceptional relational skills, in particular, a demonstrated ability to relate to people in education, business, politics, and the community at large. Must be a partnership creator and strong relationship developer.
• Experience and willingness to think outside the box and envision non-traditional solutions when the circumstances call for it.
• Ability to work well with diverse stakeholders, partners and interest groups.

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREA: Organizational Vision, Mission & Direction

• Work with the Board to develop and implement a vision and strategies to achieve the organization’s vision and mission.
• Follow and report on policy, political, and community developments that could impact the organization’s vision, mission, programming, fundraising or community relationships – including recommendations to the Board about important pivots or changes in the mission or direction of the organization.
• Manage and oversee strategic planning processes and efforts.

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREA: Fiscal Management & Operations

• Serve as the accountable partner for the administrative responsibilities of the Foundation, including general operations, fiscal management, contracts and compliance, audits, budgeting, and human resources functions.
• Provide leadership, direction, support, inspiration, and guidance to staff.
• Oversee the recruiting, screening, hiring, training, evaluation, and potential termination of the Foundation’s staff.
• Develop and manage annual budget.
• Ensure timely, accurate and comprehensive financial reporting to the Board and compliance with non- profit accountancy standards, policies, and best practices.
• Review and authorize expenditures per the accounting policies of the Foundation.

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREA: Fundraising & Development

• Set annual fundraising goals and targets, managing staff and resources to successfully execute against them.
• Manage activities of development staff, ensuring there is an effective fundraising plan in place with clear targets and an effective team to deliver against them.
• Develop local and national sources of funding for Foundation programs.
• Help steward and serve as primary relationship manager for significant individual, corporate, and foundation donor relationships.
• Help to identify and cultivate possible funding and grant sources.
• Ensure all Foundation fundraising events and campaigns are successful and are executed at the highest quality.
• Maintain high levels of satisfaction from donors.

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREA: Programming

• Determine the programmatic direction of the Foundation.
• Research and provide oversight of programming opportunities and funded initiatives.
• Manage activities of the programming staff, ensuring there are effective programmatic goals, targets and means of evaluation and progress monitoring.
• Ensure that Foundation grants and investments are achieving intended purposes and are aligned with the Foundation’s mission, goals, and outcomes.

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREA: Public Visibility & Community Relations

• Serve as primary spokesperson for NPEF to the media, community, and civic leaders, elected officials, Metro Nashville Public Schools officials, donors and others.
• Maintain, develop, and grow relationships with top government leadership of the city, including the Mayor, Metro Council, state lawmakers, School Board members, and others.
• Guide the overall messaging and positioning of NPEF including how NPEF is represented online, in social media, through printed materials, paid and earned media, etc.
• Manage activities of the staff and outside PR agency as it relates to community outreach, public relations and organizational positioning.

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREA: Board Communications

• Communicate regularly with the Board and more frequently with the Board’sExecutive Committee and officers.
• Keep the Board fully informed of the Foundation’s financial, programmatic, and public position.
• Work with Board leadership to recruit and onboard new Board members.
• Ensure the organization maintains a strong, effective Board of Directors and adheres to best practices for nonprofit Board leadership and management.

Qualifications:

• Strong oral communications, written communications and presentation skills.
• Proven track record in raising $1M+ in annual funding for an organization or initiative.
• Strong manager of people.
• Excellent work and business ethics.
• A Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Business, Communications, Development, Public Relations, or relevant field.

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