Executive Director - Foundation

Job Description Summary

This position is shared between FVTC and the FVTC Foundation, Inc. 65% of time is allocated to Foundation work, 35% to FVTC.

This position leads and directs the activities of the Fox Valley Technical College Foundation, Inc. and provides strategic direction to the organization in executing its mission to cultivate community relationships and philanthropic support that enhances the mission and vision of Fox Valley Technical College. The Executive Director will lead the development of the Foundation's strategic plan and the objectives that enable the execution of its strategic vision of a community where lifelong learning is accessible to all. This position will plan, design, and execute Foundation fundraising initiatives, including annual and special campaigns, working closely with the Foundation Board and staff, and other groups in support of the College and the students. Cultivate, solicit, and manage an array of major gift and partnership prospects on behalf of the College.

As a leader of Community Relationships for the College, this position will contribute to the development of strategies, initiatives and events that secure the College's position in the community and strengthen its reputation as a forward-thinking, collaborative, positive and contributing educational leader.

Job Description

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

The following duties are primarily performed and are essential for this position. Employees are expected to be able to perform each of these job duties satisfactorily to be qualified for the position. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Foundation Strategy and Operations

• Develop a strategic plan for the Foundation along with annual objectives that enable execution of the vision and mission of the College and Foundation.
• Conduct and oversee all business operations of the Foundation.

Fundraising and Resource Development

• Plan, direct, and conduct fundraising activities of the Foundation in support of Fox Valley Technical College and in accordance with the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Code of Ethical Principals and Standards. Activities include, but are not limited to, annual giving, capital and special campaigns, a planned giving program, and targeted donation solicitation.

Foundation Board Governance, Financial Management, and Compliance

• Prepare agendas, annual goals and objectives, operating plans, budgets, and all reports for the Foundation Board or Foundation Executive Committee review. Ensure that Foundation policies, procedures, and recordkeeping are conducted in compliance with federal, state and FASB rules and regulations.
• Work closely with the Foundation Accounting Manager and external Fund Management Firm, as appropriate, regarding Foundation investments, Foundation properties and the finances associated with them, other financial matters related to Foundation operations, and reporting requirements.
• Cultivate and strengthen the membership of the Foundation Board.

Scholarship Program Oversight

• Provide oversight and direction to the Foundation's student scholarship program.

Community Relationships, Partnerships, and Communication

• Develop strategies that strengthen the College's position and reputation as a leading, proactive, collaborative, and positive, contributing force in the community.
• Develop and execute a plan for engaging civic, business, and cultural entities through personal contacts, speaking engagements, awareness building, and leadership in community initiatives.
• Identify, develop, and strengthen relationships with key College constituents.
• Identify and develop community collaborations, business partnerships, events, and community board involvement that support our established "brand" and enhanced reputation.
• Engage others in effective communication about the mission, vision, and value of the College.

Foundation Events and College Representation

• Lead the planning and execution of major Foundation events held at the College, ensuring that all communications and logistics are managed.
• Ensure appropriate representation of College and/or Foundation leaders and staff at community events. Represent the College President at community events when necessary.

Staff Supervision

• Supervise assigned staff/personnel to include:
  • Interview, hire or effectively recommend new hires and staffing levels.
  • Assign, direct, check, and evaluate work of employees and conduct performance reviews.
  • Receive employee complaints; effectively recommend adjustments of grievances or disciplinary reprimands for employees.

Non-Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Oversee preparation of the Foundation annual report and other materials and publications in conjunction with the College's Marketing Department or outside vendors.
• Provide semi-annual reports to the College Board of Trustees, periodic reports or updates to the College Executive Team, and other special reports as requested.
• Collaborate with the Institutional Effectiveness Department on the submission of grant-funded activities to private and public foundations.
• Serve as the FVTC representative to the WTCS Foundation Directors' Committee.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and/or Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in an appropriate area such as business, management, or communications. Graduate degree work or other training/experience in resource development, advancement, or marketing is preferred.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible leadership experience with successful soliciting individuals, corporations, and/or foundations with demonstrated success in closing donations or major gifts. People, process, and community leadership experiences, with a focus on developing and communicating a vision, building relationships, and achieving results.

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements:

• Demonstrated initiative, innovation and creativity in fundraising or community development projects.
• Excellent writing, speaking and presentation skills.
• Excellent public relations skills, with the ability to represent the College with a high degree of personal credibility.
• A commitment to the mission, vision, purposes, and values of the College.
• A community oriented self-starter who is effective at making appropriate contacts, building relationships, and developing prospective donors.
• Understands the value of the technical college in the community and the ability to clearly and powerfully articulate its impact.
• Exercise sound judgment and demonstrate the highest level of professionalism.
• Highly motivated individual able to operate with discretion and minimal supervision.
• Sound business acumen for leading a 501(c)3 organization.
• Superior organizational skills, including time management, planning and follow through skills.
• Ability to work well with diverse Foundation and College leaders and staff, developing and strengthening relationships that support the shared mission of the College and the Foundation.
• Ability to organize data and information in order to produce reports that can be understood by multiple audiences.
• Ability to produce competitive proposals.
• Ability to manage projects and processes, leading others to achieve results and share in successes.
• Ability to work independently and professionally in a fast-paced environment.
• Requires a valid driver's license and acceptable Motor Vehicle Record check.

In evaluating candidates for this position, Fox Valley Technical College may consider a combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position.

Work Environment

• Work must be completed in person.

Work environment may change based upon college needs.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting while performing tasks and using a computer system.
• Occasional mobility for meetings, office visits, events, and travel.
• Occasional lifting and carrying of light to moderate items.
• Fine motor skills and repetitive motions associated with typing and office equipment use.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for in-person and electronic interactions.
• Some travel may be required; a valid driver's license and the ability to operate a vehicle are required.

EOE/ADA Statement

Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), FVTC will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Additional Information

Starting Range: $121,000 - $142,300 per year.
Pay is based on a multitude of factors, including experience, qualifications, education, relevant certifications, internal equity, and market data.
Note: Internal applicants' wage will be based upon the applicable compensation guidelines.

At Fox Valley Technical College, we recognize employees as key contributors to our mission and are committed to fostering a culture of fairness, transparency, and excellence. Our total rewards philosophy ensures equitable compensation and benefits, supporting a highly engaged workforce. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with retirement contributions to the Wisconsin Retirement System and 403(b)/457 plan options. Employees enjoy paid time off, sick leave, holidays, bereavement leave, and recess periods. We offer life and disability insurance, with options for additional coverage. Work-life balance is supported through flexible schedules or remote work options (for some positions) and wellbeing programs. Professional development opportunities include training, certifications, and tuition reimbursement. Additional perks at the Appleton Main Campus include an onsite health and wellbeing clinic, dental clinic, fitness center, Parent/Child Center (onsite child care), library, café, printing services, Trilogy Salon & Spa, and more.

Fox Valley Technical College is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution, providing equal opportunity to all persons, including members of underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds, females, veterans and individuals of all abilities.
For questions regarding the College's nondiscrimination policy, contact: Rayon Brown - rayon.brown6751@fvtc.edu (Affirmative Action), TitleIX@fvtc.edu (sex-based discrimination or harassment), or Dan Squires - daniel.squires3328@fvtc.edu (Disability related discrimination).

To apply, please visit: https://fvtc.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/FVTC/job/Appleton-WI/Executive-Director---Foundation_JR2026-1768

Organization

FVTC offers more than 200 associate degree, technical diploma and certificate programs, and instruction related to 15 apprenticeship trades, in addition to providing services to business and industry. The college serves about 50,000 people annually, more than any other technical college in Wisconsin. To learn more, visit www.fvtc.edu.