Executive Director of the Glen Oaks Community College Foundation

Job Description

Job Description

General Summary

The Executive Director of the Glen Oaks Community College Foundation serves as the chief development and external relations officer for the Foundation. Under the direct supervision of the College President, the Executive Director leads strategic efforts to build enduring relationships with donors, alumni, businesses, and community partners. The position is responsible for strengthening donor engagement, growing the Foundation’s endowment, and ensuring the Foundation’s efforts align with the mission and priorities of Glen Oaks Community College. This role requires a dynamic leader with a passion for philanthropy, a commitment to student success, and the ability to cultivate meaningful connections that advance the College's long-term goals.

Duties and Responsibilities

Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out below, although considered incidental in the performance of this position.

1. Establish and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with donors, alumni, business leaders, and community stakeholders to further the Foundation’s mission and expand philanthropic support.
2. Design and implement comprehensive donor engagement strategies, including cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities, in coordination with the College President and Foundation Board.
3. Develop relationships with potential donors to garner significant donations, including estate and planned giving opportunities.
4. Conduct annual campaigns with all ongoing donors, college employees, and alumni with a focus on donor retention and expanding the donor base.
5. Plan and carry out all special fundraising events that foster connection, visibility, and institutional pride as well as raise funds for the foundation.
6. Manage a Capital Campaign if undertaken, in consultation with the consultant, Foundation Board, and College President.
7. Collaborate with the Foundation President and Foundation Board to develop and implement a strategic plan for Foundation growth and donor engagement, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities.
8. Strengthen the visibility and reputation of the Foundation by serving as an ambassador of the College in the broader community.
9. Provide strategic leadership in the identification, onboarding, and ongoing development of Foundation Board members, ensuring a diverse, informed, and engaged Board that reflects the mission and values of Glen Oaks Community College. Serve as a primary liaison between the Board and the College, fostering a strong sense of purpose, collaboration, and stewardship.
10. Plan, organize, and facilitate all Foundation Board and committee meetings, including the preparation and dissemination of agendas in consultation with the President and/or committee chairs, reports, and meeting minutes. Support the Board in fulfilling its fiduciary and governance responsibilities by ensuring timely communication, clear documentation, and active follow-through on Board directives.
11. Continue building the Glen Oaks Community College Alumni Association, plan regular events, and partner with GOCC Executive Director of Communications & Marketing to promote the Association.
12. Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations governing nonprofit organizations, including gift acknowledgment and financial reporting standards.
13. Manage all Foundation correspondence, documentation, and records, while upholding the confidentiality of donor information and maintaining a professional and collaborative working relationship with the College Business Office.
14. Maintain a close and collaborative relationship with the GOCC Business Office and the Vice President of Finance and Administration to ensure accurate financial management of Foundation funds, including coordination of all financial transactions, oversight of fund allocations, and adherence to best practices in nonprofit accounting.
15. In collaboration with the college’s finance team, prepare timely and accurate financial reports for presentation to the Foundation Board of Directors ensuring transparency and fiduciary integrity.
16. Coordinate the annual audit process for the Foundation, working closely with external auditors, the College Business Office, and Foundation leadership to ensure compliance and accountability.
17. Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution in education, business, management, community relations, communication, nonprofit administration, or a related field that is supportive of the work of the Foundation.
• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in higher education advancement, non-profit fundraising, or related philanthropic leadership roles, with demonstrated success in donor cultivation, relationship management, and campaign execution.
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with a proven ability to engage, inspire, and maintain long-term partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including donors, alumni, board members, college employees, and community members.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to effectively present to groups, develop compelling donor communications, and foster collaboration across institutional departments.
• Strong proficiency with fundraising and donor database software, word processing, spreadsheets, financial statements, investment reports and electronic file management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three (3) years of work experience in the leadership of successful fundraising in higher education or for a non-profit organization.
• Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) credential.

How to Apply

To be considered, interested candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, unofficial copies of transcripts, and contact information for three (3) professional references to: [email protected].

Applications will be reviewed beginning on or after July 14, 2025. Applications received after this date may receive limited consideration. Position will remain posted until filled.

Glen Oaks is an accredited, two-year degree granting institution located in Centreville, Michigan.

Company Description

Glen Oaks is an accredited, two-year degree granting institution located in Centreville, Michigan.