Great Falls Public Schools Foundation
Executive Director
Great Falls Public Schools Foundation, Great Falls, Montana, United States, 59404
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
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.
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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
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr