Executive Director
: Job Details :

CLIENT SUMMARY

Scholarships for Kids is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization established in 2013 that exists to expand educational opportunities for low-income students in Alabama. As a state-approved Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) under the Alabama Accountability Act of 2013, SFK creates school choice opportunities for students who otherwise could not afford them through fundraising for tax credit scholarships. The organization empowers schools to fundraise and works with individuals and corporations to redirect tax dollars. Scholarships for Kids has the unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on parents and students —serving over 2,700 students at 80 schools and awarding $111 million in scholarships since 2013. If you are passionate about education and helping lower income families, Scholarships for Kids is the doing just that!

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Scholarships for Kids is seeking its next Executive Director to lead the organization by driving impact, and thinking for its future growth. Supported by the Director of School Relations and the Alabama board, this individual will serve as the face of Scholarships for Kids throughout the state of Alabama. With an annual budget of $20–25 million dedicated to scholarships, there is ample opportunity to make a meaningful difference. The Executive Director will focus on donor relations—raising funds through tax-credit donations, cultivating relationships with corporate and individual donors, and assisting schools with their fundraising efforts. Additionally, they will maintain relationships with over 80 partner schools and be available to address questions from parents and students. As the strategic leader, the Executive Director will develop and implement the long-term vision for the organization, including exploring opportunities to expand into new geographic areas, innovate program models, and help think for new school options. This role also involves navigating relationships with school boards, state legislators, and other key stakeholders to advance the mission and ensure continued success.

POSITION KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the organization and be the face for Scholarships for Kids
• Work alongside the Director of School Relations on scholarship allocations/completions
• Maintain relationships with 80+ school partners
• Travel to school partners throughout the state as needed; travel to Montgomery for legislative meetings/ relationship building
• Support and empower schools in their fundraising efforts
• Raise funds from individuals and businesses/corporations through tax credit donations
• Strategically plan for the future of Scholarships for Kids
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the organization
• Build relationships with donors and schools, answering questions from schools and parents.
• Schedule, Attend, and take minutes for 4-5 Board meetings per year

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE NEEDED

• Bachelors Degree required
• 5+ years in leadership; ideally over a program or organization
• 5+ years fundraising experience
• Possesses drive and determination to accomplish tasks
• 5+ years in “sales” type seat - the ability to effectively explain the tax credit opportunity and get donors to commit
• Exudes an executive presence - the ability to command respect and credibility with corporate executives, state legislators, and other key stakeholders
• Familiarity with the education and/or nonprofit landscape in Alabama is a plus
• Self-motivated and able to work independently - the role involves a lot of autonomous work, with the board only meeting a few times per year.
• Visionary mindset - ability to think strategically about the organization's long-term growth and development.