EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & GRANT WRITER

ELIZABETHTOWN AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

ELIZABETHTOWN AREA EDUCATION FOUNDATION

POSITION TITLE: Executive Director & Grant Writer

STATUS: Full-time, 12-month (260 days)

DEPARTMENT: District Office

EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Exempt

CATEGORY: Support

REPORTS TO: EAEF President

EASD Chief Finance & Operations Officer

SUPERVISES: None

PAY RANGE: $70,000-$80,000

General Responsibilities/Job Summary:

The Executive Director/Grant Writer position is a full-time position shared by the Elizabethtown Educational Foundation and the Elizabethtown Area School District. There will be job responsibilities associated with each organization, and supervision and evaluation of this individual will be shared by the Elizabethtown Area Educational Foundation and the Elizabethtown Area School District.

The Elizabethtown Area Educational Foundation (EAEF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, supports the Elizabethtown Area School District (EASD) by fostering community engagement and raising funds to enhance educational experiences. The Executive Director is a pivotal leadership position responsible for managing operations, fundraising efforts, and fulfilling the Foundation's mission. This role offers the opportunity to expand EAEF’s impact on the community through collaboration with staff, board members, EASD alumni, and community partners.

In addition to the work completed for the Educational Foundation, the Executive Director will provide leadership in grant writing, research, and compliance for the Elizabethtown Area School District. The Executive Director will seek and apply for grant opportunities which support both the educational objectives, mission, vision, and goals of the school district and the Educational Foundation.

Essential Functions/Duties:

• Passionately advocate for and advance the EAEF mission.

• Collaborate with the Board and district leadership to set and implement strategic goals.

• Foster a collaborative, transparent, and supportive team environment.

• Assist with budget creation, bookkeeping, and year-end tax preparation for the Foundation.

• Work with board members, staff, district employees, and others to uphold clear, open communication.

• Provide administrative support for board activities, including managing membership and alumni network, terms of office, and creating necessary reports.

• Oversee branding efforts, including the launch of a new website.

• Support the development of policies and procedures related to Foundation governance.

• Organize and facilitate special events that raise awareness and funds for EAEF and the school district

• Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising initiatives, including but not limited to: Corporate and Community sponsored donations, Scholarship donations, possible special event fundraisers, etc.

• Expand corporate and community partnerships to ensure sustainable, diversified funding

• Work with EASD to secure grants that support strategic initiatives for the school district

• Implement standardized donor engagement and acknowledgment systems

• Manage and increase Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) contributions from businesses, and ensure compliance requirements to remain an approved EITC recipient.

• Develop and execute a strategic marketing and communication plan for the Educational Foundation and the Alumni Network

• Build the Foundation's public image and strengthen corporate/community relationships by attending relevant events and issuing press releases

• Maintain confidentiality of non-public Foundation and school district information

• Establish a robust social media presence for the Foundation and its Alumni Network Events

• Word process correspondence, reports, and administrative and operational materials

• Distribute word processed and printed materials internally and externally

• Duplicate, collate and file materials

• Operate standard office equipment

• Attend work regularly and on time, and complete assigned tasks

Additional Duties:

• Perform other related duties as requested by supervisor(s).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong organization, communication, technology, and social media skills

• Proven ability to leaf fundraising efforts and manage finances

• Knowledge of financial reports, budgeting, grant writing, and accounting

• Demonstrate a commitment to advancing educational opportunities for all students.

• Understand the impact of decisions on the Foundation’s and the school district’s community reputation.

• Experience with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools is a plus.

• Approach challenges with thoughtful consideration and sound decision-making.

• Detail oriented and able to manipulate a large volume of data with a high degree of accuracy

• Ability to learn and implement operating procedures in a changing environment

• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team

• Ability to develop and maintain relationships with a variety of people including employees, administrators, vendors and community members

• Considerable knowledge of office principles and practices in the educational environment

• Ability to use standard office equipment

• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both oral and written format

• Computer and Software skills including the use of Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe, FileMaker Pro and Google Mail in an Apple environment

• Ability to use online tools for research purposes, including internet searches and PA state data systems

• Ability to multi-task and complete time-sensitive projects in an environment with frequent interruptions

• Records retention and maintenance skills

• Typically sits for sustained periods of time at a desk and/or computer

• Typically requires close visual acuity involved with preparing and analyzing data, viewing a computer screen and extensive reading

• Occasional bending, crouching, stooping, twisting, reaching and grasping

• Some lifting, up to 50 pounds

• Manual dexterity and repetitive movement of fingers and hands for keyboarding

• Able to receive and deliver detailed information through written and oral communications

• Able to function at a high level in a fast paced work environment

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education and Training: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

• Experience: Minimum of 10 years in nonprofit leadership, grant writing, and/or relevant business roles preferred. Experience working with school districts or alumni organizations is recommended, but not required.

• Required Certification/Licenses: Must possess a valid driver’s license

• Travel Requirements: Limited travel within the District and in local area for meetings

Working Conditions:

• School setting, including offices, hallways and school grounds

• Availability to work some evenings and weekends as needed

• Remote work from home options may be available

Evaluation:

Performance will be evaluated annually in accordance with the provisions of the applicable policies of the Elizabethtown Area School District and the Elizabethtown Area Educational Foundation.

Individuals who are interested in this position should apply online through the district’s website no later than April 11, 2025.

The above job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job title. This is not a comprehensive or exhaustive list of all job duties and responsibilities. Employees may be expected to perform tasks that are not included in the job description. The Elizabethtown Area School District reserves the right to amend or change job responsibilities as needed to support the best interests of students, employees and communities within the District.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $70,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Nights as needed
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• nonprofit leadership: 10 years (Preferred)
• grant writing: 10 years (Preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Elizabethtown, PA 17022

Salary : $70,000 - $80,000