DISTRICT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, FOUNDATION

PeopleAdmin, Inc.; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 192,000 - 233,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Pension plan

Flexible Spending Account

Paid holidays

Job summary

San José‑Evergreen Community College District seeks an Executive Director of Foundation to lead fundraising, donor relations, and strategic campaigns. The role oversees Foundation staff, budgets, and board governance to advance district development goals and community engagement.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree with seven years in fundraising, including supervisory experience, and a strong background in donor cultivation and financial management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, communications, or related field and seven years of fundraising experience, including two years in a supervisory role.
• Ability to plan, organize and direct Foundation activities and manage budgets.

Responsibilities

• Plan, direct and evaluate Foundation fundraising activities and campaigns.
• Provide leadership to Foundation staff and volunteers; supervise work assignments and performance.
• Develop and implement fundraising strategies aligned with District goals and mission.
• Prepare reports and communicate results to the Foundation Board and stakeholders.
• Manage Foundation budget and financial data with attention to compliance and donor agreements.
• Lead grant applications, proposals, and reporting with student outcome analysis.

Skills

Fundraising

Donor cultivation

Public relations

Budget management

Strategic planning

Staff supervision

Education

Bachelor’s degree

7+ years fundraising

Supervisory experience

Tools

Office software

Job description

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

Benefits Summary

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.

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 requirements and contract terms and conditions.
• 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.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• 1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in business, communications, business administration, organizational development and management, or a related field.
• 2. 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.

District’s Diversity

• 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.

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.

Degree(s) must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Council on Post-Secondary Accreditation and/or the U.S. Department of Education.

All degrees and credits earned outside of the United States must have a U.S. evaluation (course by course) of the transcripts and must be submitted with the application.

Degrees earned outside of the U.S. without a U.S. credential evaluation, will not be considered.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Employees work under typical office conditions, subject to frequent interruption and intermittent exposure to individuals acting in a disagreeable fashion. The employee may be required to travel to locations other than the assigned work site, and occasional evenings, holiday and/or weekend work may be required.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this class, employees are primarily in a stationary position and are required to move about the office to access office machinery, files, etc.; perform constant operation of a computer and other communication and office equipment; observe details at close range; and move or lift up to 10 pounds.

Mental Demands

While performing the duties of this class, employees are regularly required to accurately communicate information and other ideas so that others will understand using written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; analyze and solve problems; observe and interpret situations; learn and apply new information or skills; perform highly detailed work; work on multiple, concurrent tasks; work with frequent interruptions; work independently and under intensive deadlines; and interact with District managers, staff, the public and others encountered in the course of work.

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 2025, with enrollment of approximately 15,661 students per semester, and an extremely diverse student population (Hispanic/Latino 48.9%, Black/African-American 3.4%, Asian/Pacific Islander 31.8%, American Indian/Native American 0.3%, White/Caucasian 9.1%, Multi‑race 3.6% and Unknown 3.0%) attaining educational goals reflecting 56% - 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 classified staff consisting of 43.4% Latinx, 27.2% Asian/Pacific Islander, 3.0% Black/African American, 0.3% American Indian/Native American, 19.5% White/Caucasian, 5.6% Unknown and as well as encouraging applications from all qualified, outstanding applicants.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT

San José‑Evergreen Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of ethnic group identification, race, color, language, accent, immigration status, ancestry, national origin, age, gender, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, transgender, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, and physical or mental disability consistent with applicable federal and state laws.

CONTACT

Employment Services, Human Resources, SJECCD
40 S. Market Street, San Jose, CA 95113
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Employment Website: https://sjeccd.peopleadmin.com
District Website: www.sjeccd.edu