Berkeley Public Education Foundation Executive Director Position Description Search Objective Berkeley Public Education Foundation (BPEF) is seeking an experienced and successful fundraiser who is energetic, has strong communication skills and can work collaboratively with the Board of Directors and other staff members. The goal of BPEF is to raise community awareness and to support investment in Berkeley’s vibrant and innovative public school system and education programs. Supported by a very well respected program, talented staff and a committed and accomplished board, the next Executive Director will oversee the sustained growth of fundraising activities, the donor base, grant requests, funding the foundation’s programs and collaborations, and awareness of BPEF’s existence and its importance to Berkeley public school teachers. Given the organization’s growth and evolving culture, the following priorities have been identified for the fiscal year beginning July 2007.
Position Summary: The Executive Director is the chief executive officer of the (BPEF) and is responsible for the overall management and performance of the organization in accord with the policies and authorizations defined by the Board of Directors. The operating budget for the current fiscal year is $523,080 with a strong balance sheet. There is a staff of three including a Finance Manager, Program Assistant and Director of Berkeley School Volunteers (BSV). The Executive Director has primary responsibility for the following major activities: fundraising, grant writing, event management, Board administration & support, personnel administration, oversight of BSV, community outreach, program development and management, budgeting and financial management, policy development, strategic planning and publications. This individual is the primary public face of the organization and is responsible for maintaining strong and productive relationships with the Berkeley Unified School District, other agencies providing support to teachers and administrators, donors, parents, other partners, and the community. The position reports to a 16-member Board of Directors consisting of professionals and volunteers strongly committed to BPEF’s vision: To ensure that teachers and students in the Berkeley public schools have access to the tools and resources they need to succeed. Essential skills/ Experience
Preferred skills/ experience
Key Responsibilities Fundraising: Ensure adequate, sustainable, and stable funding to meet annual goals with the active involvement of the Finance and Fundraising Committee and Board of Directors. Work closely with the Fundraising Committee and staff on the implementation of annual development plans. Develop a plan in coordination with the Board to increase awareness of the organization and expand the donor base. Help steward major donors, work with Board and staff to find appropriate funders, and initiate grant proposals for foundations and corporations based on detailed knowledge of the full scope of the organization’s projects. Ensure integrity of the donor database and contact lists. Raise the consciousness of the Board of Directors about how it can assist in financial support of the organization and community outreach. Program Development: Provide leadership, advice, and support to the Board of Directors in evaluating organizational goals and needs in the short and long term and in reshaping or developing programs responsive to organization priorities. Program Management: Ensure effective and efficient management of BPEF's staff, committees and major projects consistent with goals as defined by the Board of Directors. Financial Management: Oversee financial management of the organization working with the Finance Manager, Treasurer and Finance Committee. Assume primary responsibility for budget development and day-to-day financial management. Ensure that the organization is run in an efficient and effective manner. Board Administration & Management: Provide support to the Board and its operating committees (Executive, Finance, Fundraising, Grants, and Governance) promoting valuable volunteer participation and decision-making that furthers organizational goals. Assist the Board in developing and implementing clear roles and responsibilities; assist in the development of a succession plan for Board members and systems for new Board member recruitment. Keep the Board informed about on-going activities of the organization, major issues, and concerns. Policy Development: Provide leadership and support to the Board of Directors to ensure that organizational policies clearly and completely express and further BPEF's vision and goals. Personnel Management: Assure that the staff is managed and that adequate records are kept in accord with the personnel policies. Conduct regular staff meetings to aid in information sharing, project coordination, and project management. Foster collaboration between staff to ensure that roles and responsibilities are clearly understood and that staff members are mutually supportive. Supervise staff and encourage professional growth opportunities; develop individual performance plans and conduct performance evaluations annually. Identify and resolve personnel issues, with support, where appropriate, provided by the Executive Committee. Outreach & Involvement: Assume primary responsibility for outreach to local schools, the community, and potential donors to inform and build support of and commitment to BPEF's vision, including production for annual report, newsletters, and other outreach materials. Provide leadership to volunteers & staff promoting the importance of community involvement, collaboration and teamwork to achieve goals. Lead the organization’s efforts to implement the most efficient and effective media to raise awareness of the organization including use of the website and electronic communications. Special Projects: Provide leadership, develop and implement plans, for strategic projects or new initiatives. Annual & Strategic Planning: Develop BPEF's strategic, long-range, and annual plans promoting broad participation by staff and volunteers Board members consistent with directions established by the Board of Directors. Confidential Application Process: E-mail (Word document) cover letter summarizing interest, qualifications/experience and salary requirements, along with a current resume to: Margaret@nonprofitmentor.org. Put BPEF Search in the subject line. Questions: Contact Margaret Donohoe of Leadership In Transition at 408-979-0572. Resumes without a cover letter will not be accepted. Deadline for applications: June 11, 2007 Start Date: August/September, 2007 Compensation: Based on experience. While this is a full-time exempt position, there is some flexibility to negotiate a part-time schedule. For more information: Please visit the Berkeley Public Education Foundation website at |