EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Rocket Center; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

USSRCEF, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center Education Foundation, seeks an Executive Director to lead fundraising, strategy, and operations. You will oversee finances, governance, and donor relations while representing USSRCEF in the global community and guiding the Foundation's strategic plan.

You will manage staff, work closely with USSRC leadership, and drive growth through major gifts and programs that advance STEM education and space initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; CFRE designation desired.
• 5+ years senior non-profit management experience.
• Proven fundraising track record and donor stewardship.
• Solid budget management with planning, analysis and reporting.
• Strong written and oral communication; board relations.
• Ability to lead, develop staff and engage volunteers.

Responsibilities

• Lead USSRCEF in alignment with the USSRC mission.
• Oversee finances, administration, programs and fundraising.
• Cultivate, solicit and steward donors; develop major gifts.
• Represent and market the Foundation in the global community.
• Set strategic plan and monitor internal controls and compliance.
• Supervise staff and conduct performance evaluations.

Skills

Leadership

Fundraising

Non-profit management

Budget management

Strategic planning

Board governance

Donor relations

Public speaking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

CFRE designation (desired)

Job description

Overview

The Executive Director leads the U.S. Space & Rocket Center Education Foundation (USSRCEF). Responsibilities include overseeing the finances, administration, programs, fundraising, and strategic planning for the organization. Key duties include representing and marketing the Foundation in the global community, monitoring internal controls to ensure compliance with the Internal Revenue Service, and cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors. The position reports directly to the USSRCEF Board of Directors and works closely with the U.S. Space & Rocket Center's (USSRC) governing commission and the USSRC CEO.

Responsibilities

Board Governance and Engagement: Works with board to fulfill the mission of the organization.

1. 1. Responsible for leading the USSRCEF in a manner that supports and guides the USSRCEF mission in alignment with the USSRC's mission, as defined by the Board of Directors.
2. 2. Responsible for communicating effectively with the USSREF Board and USSRC CEO and providing, in a timely and accurate manner, all information necessary for the USSRCEF Board to function properly and to make informed decisions.
3. 3. Works with USSRCEF Board officers to cultivate maximum member engagement.

Financial Performance and Viability: Develops resources to ensure the financial health of the organization and support USSRC-lead projects and initiatives.

1. 1. Responsible for the fiscal integrity of the USSRCEF to include submitting to the USSRCEF Board a proposed annual budget and quarterly financial statements, which accurately reflect the financial condition of the organization.
2. 2. Responsible for fiscal management that anticipates operating within the approved budget, ensures maximum resource utilization, and maintains the organization in a positive financial position. Reports in a timely manner any and all conditions which may indicate or lead to poor financial conditions.

Organization’s Mission and Strategy: Works with the USSRC's CEO and senior management team, the USSRCEF Foundation Board, Space Camp Alumni Association, and USSRCEF staff to ensure that the mission is fulfilled through fundraising programs, strategic planning, and outreach.

1. 1. Design, implement, and guide a comprehensive development plan to increase, enhance, and sustain philanthropic giving in the following areas: current donors, new donors, major gifts, planned giving, corporate support, and alumni financial support
2. 2. Set and execute the vision and long-range strategic plan for the Foundation to align with, and provide maximum support to, the USSRC
3. 3. Responsible for the enhancement of USSRCEF's image by being active and visible within the Foundation’s giving community

Organization’s Operations and Management: Direct the overall operation of the Foundation and its staff.

1. 1. Responsible for effective administration of USSRCEF operations
2. 2. Responsible for the hiring and retention of competent, qualified staff with concurrence of USSRCEF
3. 3. Responsible for signing all notes, agreements, and other instruments made and entered into, on behalf of the organization

The above duties reflect the general responsibilities necessary to describe the principal work functions of the job and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all work requirements that may be in the position.

Employee is responsible for working in a safe manner and keeping his/her workplace safe.

Employee is responsible for working in a safe manner and keeping his/her workplace safe.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Yes.

1. 1. Adheres to organizational policies and applicable laws
2. 2. Instructs, coaches and encourages staff to support by action and example the mission and vision of the Center
3. 3. Demonstrates good judgment within supervision of staff
4. 4. Effectively monitors staff performance and offers appropriate coaching, counseling or supervision as required
5. 5. Completes staff evaluations, documentation, etc., on time and effectively
6. 6. Serves as an effective role model to staff by demonstrating exemplary work ethic

Travel Required: Yes

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

Education: A bachelor's degree, with advanced degree preferred; CFRE (Certified Fund-Raising Executive) designation desired

Experience

• 5+ years senior non-profit management or comparable management experience.
• Proven track record of large-scale fundraising success.
• Solid, hands-on, budget management skills, including budget preparation, analysis, decision-making, and reporting.
• Strong organizational abilities including planning, delegating, program development, and task facilitation.
• Ability to convey the vision of USSRCEF's strategic future to staff, board, volunteers, and donors
• Knowledge of fundraising strategies and donor relations unique to nonprofit sector.
• Skills to collaborate with and motivate board members and other volunteers. Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to interface and engage diverse volunteer and donor groups
• Demonstrate ability to oversee and collaborate with staff. Strong public speaking ability

Other Requirements

• Walking and climbing stairs to access other departments.
• Sitting for long periods of time for meetings and for reviewing records & documents.
• Carrying and, lifting equipment up to 25 lbs. waist high.
• Sight, reading, wrist movements, and operation of computer terminal and other equipment to write fundraising proposals and gift acceptance documents and to review reports and documents.
• Talking, hearing to communicate with guests/clients and employees.

Physical Requirements of the Position

• Walking and climbing stairs to access other departments.
• Sitting for long periods of time for meetings and for reviewing records & documents.
• Carrying and, lifting equipment up to 25 lbs. waist high.
• Sight, reading, wrist movements, and operation of computer terminal and other equipment to write fundraising proposals and gift acceptance documents and to review reports and documents.
• Talking, hearing to communicate with guests/clients and employees.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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