Springfield Education Foundation
Posted 2 days ago. Be among the first 25 applicants.
Springfield Education Foundation provided pay range This range is provided by Springfield Education Foundation. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range $60,000.00/yr - $75,000.00/yr
Position Summary The Executive Director is a highly‑skilled nonprofit professional who, in partnership with the SEF Board of Directors, will advance the mission of the SEF by generating and increasing financial support and enhancing community involvement. This position is responsible for identifying, soliciting, and cultivating relationships with new donors, retaining and building upon the existing donor base, and creating and implementing strategic development objectives. The Executive Director directs public‑facing communication for the SEF and cultivates visibility for the organization throughout the SPS District and the community. The position includes oversight of staff positions, regular collaboration with the SPS District, and direction of day‑to‑day operation of the organization. The Executive Director reports to the SEF Board of Directors.
Required Qualifications
Minimum of five years’ experience in a non‑profit or similar leadership capacity
Bachelor’s Degree or relevant work experience
Proven history of meeting or exceeding fundraising goals from various sources including but not limited to major donors, events and businesses
Demonstration of creating and developing collaborative relationships including but not limited to strategic stakeholders
Demonstrated effective interpersonal, oral (public speaking) and written communication
Strong organizational and technological skills
Ability to work independently with proactive focus and initiative
Experience overseeing financial management and budget planning for organizations
Commitment to diversity and inclusion
Preferred Qualifications
Public relations experience
Experience working for a Board of Directors, preference for experience with a volunteer Board of Directors
Grant writing experience and documented success in securing grant funding
Experience with an education‑focused organization or school district preferred
Primary Responsibilities Development
Strategic development, oversight and implementation of all development/fundraising efforts including annual fund giving, major gifts, planned giving and grants
Lead efforts to strengthen the long‑term sustainability of the Foundation by diversifying revenue streams and planning for future growth and financial stability
Solicitation and cultivation of relationships with major donors
Develop and implement strategies for fundraising for targeted segments, including individuals, major donors, businesses, alumni, and community groups
Coordinate and write grant and endowment requests
Ensure donor follow‑up and recognition with the ability to work in the donor database
Communication, Marketing, and Collaboration
Oversee and align all public communication and marketing with the SEF’s vision and brand
Serve as the primary spokesperson for the Foundation, representing SEF at community events and in media opportunities to elevate visibility and advance the mission
Increase public awareness of the organization
Cultivate and maintain a strong relationship with Springfield Public Schools to most effectively accomplish the SEF mission
Cultivate and maintain strategic relationships with businesses, foundations, civic leaders, and community partners to expand SEF’s reach and impact
Develop and organize speakers, site visits, reports, and storytelling that demonstrate the results of the organization’s efforts to the board, donors, and Springfield Public Schools
Monitor organizational effectiveness by tracking outcomes, evaluating impact, and using data to inform strategy and communicate results to the Board, donors, and community
Strategic Planning, Leadership, Board Engagement
Coordinate with the SEF Board of Directors to ensure strong communication and alignment across individuals, committees and work teams
Support effective board governance by providing leadership, guidance, and resources that strengthen board engagement, committee work, and strategic decision‑making
Work with all of the SEF Board‑led committees as needed to provide leadership, guidance and feedback that ensures effective communication about and execution of events, marketing, and programs
Coordinate volunteers supporting the SEF
Oversee, document, and report on strategic planning processes and results
Contribute to organizational resilience by supporting succession planning, staff development, and strategies that position SEF for thoughtful growth
Financial Oversight and Administration
Responsible for the financial management of the organization, including management of fiscal sponsorship agreements and restricted funds
Ensure organizational compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, contracts, and financial controls, proactively identifying and managing risk in partnership with the Board
Work with the Finance Committee and staff to manage the budget and daily financial administration
Provide clear direction, leadership, and oversight to the staff positions, cultivating effective execution of organizational functions and alignment with SEF’s core values
How to Apply Application Review: First review of applications will begin January 11, 2026
Please send a cover letter and resume to Hiring@SEFLane.org, as well as the answers to the following questions (500 words or less per answer):
1. Strategic Vision & Implementation:
Question: “The Springfield Education Foundation works to empower student success through community engagement. Our focus is to support innovative programs and initiatives in order to enhance educational opportunities, encourage innovation, and support student well‑being. How would you, as the Executive Director, prioritize and lead the execution of this plan while ensuring staff and board alignment and maximum community impact?”
Question: “The role requires implementing the Foundation’s fundraising goals across individual giving, events, corporate giving, and grants. Describe your most successful experience in developing a ‘well‑rounded revenue structure,’ and how you would apply those principles to grow the SEF’s funding base to expand its grantmaking.”
3. Stakeholder Relations & Communications:
Question: “The Executive Director serves as a key spokesperson, requiring them to ‘build constructive relationships with all SEF stakeholders (schools, donors, community)’ and work ‘cooperatively with the Springfield School District.’ How have you successfully navigated complex relationships with both an associated public institution (like a school district) and an independent Board of Directors, ensuring a coordinated and effective message?”
The cover letter should address why the applicant is interested in this position and describe experience relevant to the four primary job responsibilities. References may be requested after the initial application process.
The Springfield Education Foundation recognizes and embraces the diversity and worth of all individuals and groups and their roles in society. SEF does not and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities, programs, or employment. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Springfield Education Foundation provided pay range This range is provided by Springfield Education Foundation. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range $60,000.00/yr - $75,000.00/yr
Position Summary The Executive Director is a highly‑skilled nonprofit professional who, in partnership with the SEF Board of Directors, will advance the mission of the SEF by generating and increasing financial support and enhancing community involvement. This position is responsible for identifying, soliciting, and cultivating relationships with new donors, retaining and building upon the existing donor base, and creating and implementing strategic development objectives. The Executive Director directs public‑facing communication for the SEF and cultivates visibility for the organization throughout the SPS District and the community. The position includes oversight of staff positions, regular collaboration with the SPS District, and direction of day‑to‑day operation of the organization. The Executive Director reports to the SEF Board of Directors.
Required Qualifications
Minimum of five years’ experience in a non‑profit or similar leadership capacity
Bachelor’s Degree or relevant work experience
Proven history of meeting or exceeding fundraising goals from various sources including but not limited to major donors, events and businesses
Demonstration of creating and developing collaborative relationships including but not limited to strategic stakeholders
Demonstrated effective interpersonal, oral (public speaking) and written communication
Strong organizational and technological skills
Ability to work independently with proactive focus and initiative
Experience overseeing financial management and budget planning for organizations
Commitment to diversity and inclusion
Preferred Qualifications
Public relations experience
Experience working for a Board of Directors, preference for experience with a volunteer Board of Directors
Grant writing experience and documented success in securing grant funding
Experience with an education‑focused organization or school district preferred
Primary Responsibilities Development
Strategic development, oversight and implementation of all development/fundraising efforts including annual fund giving, major gifts, planned giving and grants
Lead efforts to strengthen the long‑term sustainability of the Foundation by diversifying revenue streams and planning for future growth and financial stability
Solicitation and cultivation of relationships with major donors
Develop and implement strategies for fundraising for targeted segments, including individuals, major donors, businesses, alumni, and community groups
Coordinate and write grant and endowment requests
Ensure donor follow‑up and recognition with the ability to work in the donor database
Communication, Marketing, and Collaboration
Oversee and align all public communication and marketing with the SEF’s vision and brand
Serve as the primary spokesperson for the Foundation, representing SEF at community events and in media opportunities to elevate visibility and advance the mission
Increase public awareness of the organization
Cultivate and maintain a strong relationship with Springfield Public Schools to most effectively accomplish the SEF mission
Cultivate and maintain strategic relationships with businesses, foundations, civic leaders, and community partners to expand SEF’s reach and impact
Develop and organize speakers, site visits, reports, and storytelling that demonstrate the results of the organization’s efforts to the board, donors, and Springfield Public Schools
Monitor organizational effectiveness by tracking outcomes, evaluating impact, and using data to inform strategy and communicate results to the Board, donors, and community
Strategic Planning, Leadership, Board Engagement
Coordinate with the SEF Board of Directors to ensure strong communication and alignment across individuals, committees and work teams
Support effective board governance by providing leadership, guidance, and resources that strengthen board engagement, committee work, and strategic decision‑making
Work with all of the SEF Board‑led committees as needed to provide leadership, guidance and feedback that ensures effective communication about and execution of events, marketing, and programs
Coordinate volunteers supporting the SEF
Oversee, document, and report on strategic planning processes and results
Contribute to organizational resilience by supporting succession planning, staff development, and strategies that position SEF for thoughtful growth
Financial Oversight and Administration
Responsible for the financial management of the organization, including management of fiscal sponsorship agreements and restricted funds
Ensure organizational compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, contracts, and financial controls, proactively identifying and managing risk in partnership with the Board
Work with the Finance Committee and staff to manage the budget and daily financial administration
Provide clear direction, leadership, and oversight to the staff positions, cultivating effective execution of organizational functions and alignment with SEF’s core values
How to Apply Application Review: First review of applications will begin January 11, 2026
Please send a cover letter and resume to Hiring@SEFLane.org, as well as the answers to the following questions (500 words or less per answer):
1. Strategic Vision & Implementation:
Question: “The Springfield Education Foundation works to empower student success through community engagement. Our focus is to support innovative programs and initiatives in order to enhance educational opportunities, encourage innovation, and support student well‑being. How would you, as the Executive Director, prioritize and lead the execution of this plan while ensuring staff and board alignment and maximum community impact?”
Question: “The role requires implementing the Foundation’s fundraising goals across individual giving, events, corporate giving, and grants. Describe your most successful experience in developing a ‘well‑rounded revenue structure,’ and how you would apply those principles to grow the SEF’s funding base to expand its grantmaking.”
3. Stakeholder Relations & Communications:
Question: “The Executive Director serves as a key spokesperson, requiring them to ‘build constructive relationships with all SEF stakeholders (schools, donors, community)’ and work ‘cooperatively with the Springfield School District.’ How have you successfully navigated complex relationships with both an associated public institution (like a school district) and an independent Board of Directors, ensuring a coordinated and effective message?”
The cover letter should address why the applicant is interested in this position and describe experience relevant to the four primary job responsibilities. References may be requested after the initial application process.
The Springfield Education Foundation recognizes and embraces the diversity and worth of all individuals and groups and their roles in society. SEF does not and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities, programs, or employment. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.
#J-18808-Ljbffr