DISTRICT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, FOUNDATION

San José - Evergreen Community College District; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 192,000 - 233,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Pension (CalPERS) contribution

Paid leave & holidays

Job summary

San Jose/Evergreen Community College District is seeking a District Executive Director of Foundation. This full-time, 12-month position reports to the Chancellor at the District Office and leads institutional advancement for the Foundation and affiliated foundations.

The role focuses on identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding gifts from alumni, corporations, and donors, with a strong emphasis on capital campaigns and donor relations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, communications, business administration, organizational development and management, or a related field.
• Seven years of increasing experience in fundraising and development of a foundation or non-profit, including two years at a supervisory or manager level.

Responsibilities

• Plans, directs, and evaluates the programs of a 501(c)(3) foundation incl. fundraising, grant development, financial management.
• Leads administrative support to Foundation activities; aligns objectives with District goals and mission.
• Develops short- and long-term fundraising strategies and marketing communications to donors.
• Oversees budget administration, procurement, and financial reporting for Foundation accounts.
• Leads district-wide grant applications, proposals, and follow-up reporting with outcomes analysis.
• Recruits Board members; coordinates orientation and training for Board and volunteers.

Skills

Donor cultivation

Fundraising strategy

Relationship building

Leadership

Budgeting

Board liaison

Education

Bachelor's degree in business/communications/management

Job description

DISTRICT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, FOUNDATION

San Jose/Evergreen Community College District

Close/First Review Date: 10/25/2026

Work Location: District Office

Position Summary

The District Executive Director of Foundation reports to the Chancellor at the District Office. This is a full time, 12 months per year, classified management position.

Position Purpose

Under general direction, the District Executive Director of Foundation plans, organizes, directs and integrates the activities of institutional advancement for the District and its affiliated foundations; plans, implements and monitors processes to identify, cultivate, solicit, and provide stewardship for annual, major, and planned gifts from alumni, friends, corporations and foundations; develops vision for, and oversees the implementation of, a comprehensive District-wide fundraising program designed to meet District development goals and to improve the visibility of the District and colleges in the community; ensures alignment of fundraising strategies with District mission and goals; oversees Foundation staff members and serves as a member of and advisor to the Foundation Board of Directors; maintains financial integrity of assigned budget; complies with relevant laws and regulations in the delivery of efficient processes and procedures in support of the Foundation; performs other duties as assigned.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Plans, directs, controls, integrates and evaluates the functions of a 501©3 Foundation including fundraising, grant development, financial management, investing, and public relations; plans and conducts capital campaigns seeking donations from alumni, employees, and individuals and groups in the community.
• Provides leadership and administrative support to all the Foundation's activities; directs, integrates and evaluates objectives and targets to meet District goals and mission; directs, plans, and serves on the Foundation Board of Directors ensuring compliance with District, federal and donor agreements; monitors and reviews program objectives and operations and recommends adjustments.
• Develops and implements short- and long-term strategies and plans for the Foundation.
• Develops and carries out marketing and communications to include the preparation of written materials to donors and donor prospects, gift recognition, acknowledgment material, appeal letters, and other communication to support Foundation activities; reports on overall fundraising results versus goals to internal and external constituencies
• Participates in the development and administration of the Foundation budget; monitors and records financial activities for assigned accounts and programs; oversees and administers budget allocations and procurements; analyzes, reviews and reports on budgetary and financial data.
• Leads and organizes District-wide grant applications, development and submission of proposals, and submits follow-up reports with student outcome analysis and evaluation in accordance with grant
• Recruits and identifies Foundation Board members; in consultation with the nominating committee, coordinates and provides orientation and training to members and other volunteers.
• Develops, implements, establishes, and maintains policies, processes, and procedures for the Foundation; monitors and evaluates service quality; recommends, develops, and implements quality-improvement assessment tools and methods.
• Directs and manages the work assignments and performance of department staff, student workers and volunteers; interviews and participates in selecting employees; trains, counsels, and disciplines staff according to established policies and procedures; assigns and monitors employees' work and performs employee performance evaluations.
• Makes presentations to the Board of Trustees and other board-level groups; researches, analyzes and interprets data; prepares, reviews, approves and presents documents and reports.
• Leads and serves on committees and represents the District at local, regional, state and national conferences, meetings, workshops and training seminars.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Employment Standards

Knowledge Of

• Operations, processes, and services of a 501©3 foundation.
• Financial administrative operations regarding auditing and investment risk management.
• Principles of institutional advancement, development and philanthropy.
• Techniques of donor cultivation and solicitation.
• Compliance with CASE Reporting Standards & Management Guidelines for non-profit organizations.
• Community leadership dynamics and volunteer development.
• Forms of fund development including annual, capital, and planned giving, and event fund raising.
• Budget preparation and control.
• Federal, state and other applicable laws and regulations and District policies and procedures governing Foundation activities including applicable sections of the California Education Code, Title 5.
• Theories and techniques of negotiation, mediation and conflict resolution.
• Principles and practices of effective management and supervision.
• Principles and practices of strategic planning.
• Principles and practices of organizational improvement and culture change.
• Board Policies, Administrative Regulations, Accrediting Commission for Community & Junior Colleges Standards, Human Resources procedures and collective bargaining agreements.

Skills And Abilities To

• Plan, organize, direct and evaluate the programs and activities of fiscal and business operations of a 501©3 foundation.
• Oversee and manage major events, fund-raising campaigns, public relations programs, and investments.
• Develop and implement tested methods of fundraising and attracting donors.
• Identify and implement appropriate technology and resources in the Foundation.
• Reconcile competing interests and build support from competing constituencies.
• Present solutions to executive management and the Foundation's Board with confidence and effectiveness.
• Direct, schedule, coordinate and evaluate the work of assigned staff.
• Build and foster knowledgeable, cohesive and effective work teams.
• Prepare and review reports, correspondence, and other documents using multiple business formats.
• Analyze data, compile narrative and statistical reports, prepare and deliver presentations.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Operate a computer, assigned office equipment and standard business applications.

Required Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in business, communications, business administration, organizational development and management, or a related field.
• Seven years of increasing experience in fundraising and development of a foundation or non-profit corporation including two years at a supervisory or manager level.

Desired Qualifications

A valid California driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the District's vehicle insurance program or the ability to travel to other District campuses and locations.

District's Diversity Requirements

• Demonstrated sensitivity, knowledge and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, gender identity, sexual orientation, cultural, disability, and ethnic background of groups historically underrepresented, and groups who may have experienced discrimination.
• Success integrating diversity as appropriate into the major duties outlined in the job description and in the duties listed in the District's hiring policy; or demonstrated equivalent transferable skills to do so.

Salary Range

$191,798 - $233,132 Annual Salary (Range M30: Management 2026-2027 Salary Schedule). Starting salary placement is generally at Step 1.

Benefits

• In addition to the salary, this position qualifies for the choice of one of the District's excellent Health Benefits and Welfare plans, which the premium cost is 100% paid by the District for the employee and their eligible dependents, and one health plan costing an estimated $60,000 for the District for fiscal year 2025-2026. We offer two medical plans (Anthem Blue Cross [PPO] and Kaiser Permanente (HMO]); dental (Delta Dental PPO); vision (VSP Choice); life insurance for the employee (The Lincoln); life insurance for eligible dependents (The Lincoln); a long-term disability/income protection plan (The Lincoln); and an employee assistance plan (Anthem EAP). In addition, the District contributes an additional 26.81% of the employee's salary towards an eligible employee's pension (CalPERS). Employees may also elect to participate in optional plans including purchasing additional life insurance for themselves and their eligible dependent(s); enroll in a medical, transportation, and/or dependent care Flexible Spending Account(s) (with the $4 monthly administrative fee paid by the District); and set pre-taxed dollars aside to supplement their pension in a 403b (tax shelter annuity) and/or a 457 (deferred compensation) plan(s). Managers, Supervisor and Confidential employees earn 22 days per year of vacation, up to 12 sick leave days and 6 administrative leave days. There are currently 20 paid holidays.

About San Jose/Evergreen Community College District

The District is represented by dedicated and talented employees who are passionate about providing our student population with the best educational experience possible. The District recognizes that cultural diversity in the academic environment promotes academic excellence; fosters cultural, racial and human understanding; provides positive roles models for all students, and creates an inclusive and supportive educational and work environment for its employees, students, and the community it serves.

As of fall 2017, with enrollment of approximately 18,500 per semester, and an extremely diverse student population (Hispanic/Latino 44%, Black/African-American 4%, Asian/Pacific Islander 32%, American Indian/Native American 0.5%, White/Caucasian 11%) attaining educational goals reflecting 45% – AA Degree and Transfer to a 4-Year College/ University, the District's emphasis on student success makes it a recognized educational leader in the State.

The District encourages a diverse pool of applicants to serve as colleagues to an existing diverse group of managers, supervisors and confidential staff consisting of 29 % Hispanic/Latino, 13% Asian/Pacific Islander, 7% Black/African American, 23% White/Caucasian, and as well as encouraging applications from all qualified, outstanding applicants.