HOW YOU'LL ADVANCE OUR MISSION | POSITION OVERVIEW The
Executive Director provides visionary leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for the Greater Steps Scholars Scholarship Fund, an initiative dedicated to expanding educational access and advancing economic mobility. The role serves as the program's lead development officer and chief ambassador, cultivating strong relationships with donors, corporate partners, educational institutions, alumni, volunteers, and community leaders. It also ensures exceptional stewardship of scholarship resources and delivers outstanding, mission-aligned experiences for all scholars.
YOUR UNIQUE IMPACT | ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES Strategic Leadership- Develop and execute a strategic plan that advances the Greater Steps Scholar's mission and vision
- Identify opportunities for program growth and innovation
- Monitor trends in higher education, workforce development, and scholarship administration
Fundraising & Resource Development (Primary Responsibility)- Develop and execute an annual fundraising strategy
- Cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors
- Secure corporate sponsorships and foundation grants
- Identify new revenue opportunities
- Lead fundraising events and donor engagement initiatives
- Meet or exceed annual fundraising goals established by the Board
- Maintain timely and accurate client and prospect records in RM software
- Develop, write and disseminate donor correspondence
- Oversee the design, production and distribution of marketing materials
Advisory Board and Selection Committee Relations- Partner closely with the Greater Steps Scholars Advisory Board
- Prepare board agendas, reports, and strategic recommendations
- Support Greater Steps Scholars Selection Committee
- Recruit and engage volunteers
- Maintain strong governance practices
Scholarship Program Leadership- Ensure an equitable, transparent scholarship selection processes
- Oversee scholar recruitment and engagement in partnership with Inlivian
- Strengthen alumni engagement
- Develop scholar leadership opportunities
- Ensure compliance with all scholarship policies and donor intent
Community & External Relations - Serve as the public face of Greater Steps Scholars
- Represent Greater Steps and Foundation for the Carolinas at community events
- Build partnerships with schools, colleges, nonprofits, corporations, and civic organizations
- Promote Greater Steps Scholars impact through speaking engagements and media opportunities
Financial & Operational Management - Develop and manage the annual operating budget
- Ensure sound fiscal stewardship Impact Measurement
- Track fundraising, scholarship outcomes, scholars' success, and donor engagement
- Produce annual impact report • Present organizational performance to the Advisory Board and stakeholders
Impact Measurement - Track fundraising, scholarship outcomes, scholars' success, and donor engagement
- Produce annual impact report
- Present organizational performance to the Advisory Board and stakeholders
Requirements
WHAT YOU'LL NEED FOR SUCCESS: QUALIFICATIONS Required- Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred
- Minimum 7-10 years of progressive nonprofit leadership experience
- Demonstrated success raising significant philanthropic revenue
- Knowledge of charitable giving and donor stewardship
- Experience managing fundraising events
- Experience working with advisory boards
- Ability to work effectively with donors, Inlivian families, educational partners, Inlivian and FFTC staff, and volunteer boards and committees
- Strong public speaking and communication skills
- Ability to work with confidential and sensitive data
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within group settings
- Proven ability to lead teams and manage organizational change
- Excellent computer skills including working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
Preferred- Experience in scholarship administration, higher education, or community foundations
- Familiarity with scholarship management systems and CRM platforms
Salary Description
$80,000+/year depending on experience
