Description

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

The mission of the Great Falls Public Schools Foundation is to enhance high-quality teaching and life-long learning for students in Great Falls Public Schools by funding innovative educational programs and scholarships. 

The Great Falls Public Schools Foundation exists to build 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 student and teacher recognition opportunities. 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.

Letter of interest and resume must be received in the Frontline Application System. Find application platform HERE or at www.gfps.k12.mt.us under the Employment tab 

Requirements

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: 

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 in the community

      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 as well as corporate and private foundation partnerships

      Pursue and steward multi-year pledge commitments from individuals and businesses

      Develop and implement 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 to guide the organization’s future development and further its positive impact on GFPS and the Great Falls community

      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 

      In collaboration with the Chief Operating Officer, provide leadership and work direction to staff with the purpose of developing a team operating at peak performance

 Budgeting and Finances:

      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 a knowledgeable, engaged and 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

 Performs other duties as assigned

Practice and adheres to Foundation mission, values, and policies

EDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE:  

Bachelor’s Degree at a minimum, and Master’s Degree preferred with a preference for business administration, school administration, marketing, non-profit management, or other related fields

 Professional experience preferred in non-profit management, fundraising, and/or communications or public relations

 LICENSES, TRAINING, CERTIFICATIONS:   Certificate in Education Foundation Leadership (“CEFL”), or ability to obtain within 24 months of hire 

 KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, BEHAVIORS:  

•       Must have a passion for the Foundation’s mission and values
•       Knowledge of non-profit organizations and the principles and practices of public information and outreach
•       Demonstrated skills in fundraising, marketing/branding, communications, board development, and fiscal management
•       Ability to communicate and work effectively with internal and external stakeholders
•       Ability to manage a budget
•       Experience in meeting or exceeding fundraising goals in non-profit and philanthropic sector
•       Proven ability to be creative, goal-oriented, and a strategic thinker with a collaborative, proactive attitude
•       Easily adapts to changing priorities and demands, prioritizes effectively, and works effectively with a team
•       Effectively and collaboratively communicates with staff, community partners, and other key stakeholders
•       Demonstrated ability to build relationships with others to include the facilitation of large or small group processes
•       Demonstrated ability to work with and gain the trust of businesses, community members, and public entities
•       Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
•       Demonstrated ability to provide effective oral and written correspondence, proposals, marketing materials, grants and solicitations
•       Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to function independently
•       Knowledge of volunteer management techniques
•       Proficiency in CRM systems, QuickBooks, data platforms and other software/programs standard to position
•       Ability to keep information confidential and understand the difference between private and public information
•       Understanding of public schools
•       Connection with the Great Falls community
•       Ability to promote and follow policy and procedure

 EMPLOYMENT:                    Full-time, Exempt 

 LOCATION:                           Great Falls Public Schools District Office Building (not a Great Falls Public Schools Employee)

 REPORTS TO:                       Great Falls Public Schools Foundation Board of Directors

 BENEFITS:                             Comprehensive benefit package

 CLOSING DATE:                   The position is open until filled. The first review of applications will occur within 14 days of the posting, beginning on Thursday, December 18, 2025 and the Foundation will continue accepting applications until it acquires a qualified applicant pool.