Executive Director - Greater Steps Scholars Scholarship Fund

Executive DirectorRemarkable impact is the heart of Foundation For The Carolinas' mission, and the driving force behind our mission is the collective impact of thousands of nonprofits, families, companies, and organizations who partner with us to amplify the power of giving. The Foundation For The Carolinas and Greater Steps Scholars are committed to strengthening communities and expanding opportunities for student success. Together they are committed to expanding educational opportunity and advancing economic mobility for students across the Charlotte region. Through scholarships, mentorship, leadership development, and access to critical resources, we help students overcome barriers, achieve their academic and career aspirations, and build brighter futures for themselves and their communities.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.Strategic LeadershipDevelop and execute a strategic plan that advances the Greater Steps Scholar's mission and visionIdentify opportunities for program growth and innovationMonitor trends in higher education, workforce development, and scholarship administrationFundraising & Resource Development (Primary Responsibility)Develop and execute an annual fundraising strategyCultivate, solicit, and steward major donorsSecure corporate sponsorships and foundation grantsIdentify new revenue opportunitiesLead fundraising events and donor engagement initiativesMeet or exceed annual fundraising goals established by the BoardMaintain timely and accurate client and prospect records in RM softwareDevelop, write and disseminate donor correspondenceOversee the design, production and distribution of marketing materialsAdvisory Board and Selection Committee RelationsPartner closely with the Greater Steps Scholars Advisory BoardPrepare board agendas, reports, and strategic recommendationsSupport Greater Steps Scholars Selection CommitteeRecruit and engage volunteersMaintain strong governance practicesScholarship Program LeadershipEnsure an equitable, transparent scholarship selection processesOversee scholar recruitment and engagement in partnership with InlivianStrengthen alumni engagementDevelop scholar leadership opportunitiesEnsure compliance with all scholarship policies and donor intentCommunity & External RelationsServe as the public face of Greater Steps ScholarsRepresent Greater Steps and Foundation for the Carolinas at community eventsBuild partnerships with schools, colleges, nonprofits, corporations, and civic organizationsPromote Greater Steps Scholars impact through speaking engagements and media opportunitiesFinancial & Operational ManagementDevelop and manage the annual operating budgetEnsure sound fiscal stewardship Impact MeasurementTrack fundraising, scholarship outcomes, scholars' success, and donor engagementProduce annual impact report · Present organizational performance to the Advisory Board and stakeholdersImpact MeasurementTrack fundraising, scholarship outcomes, scholars' success, and donor engagementProduce annual impact reportPresent organizational performance to the Advisory Board and stakeholdersRequirementsWhat You'll Need for Success: QualificationsRequiredBachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferredMinimum 7–10 years of progressive nonprofit leadership experienceDemonstrated success raising significant philanthropic revenueKnowledge of charitable giving and donor stewardshipExperience managing fundraising eventsExperience working with advisory boardsAbility to work effectively with donors, Inlivian families, educational partners, Inlivian and FFTC staff, and volunteer boards and committeesStrong public speaking and communication skillsAbility to work with confidential and sensitive dataAbility to work both independently and collaboratively within group settingsProven ability to lead teams and manage organizational changeExcellent computer skills including working knowledge of Microsoft Office applicationsPreferredExperience in scholarship administration, higher education, or community foundationsFamiliarity with scholarship management systems and CRM platforms