Executive Director, North Carolina

ABOUT PER SCHOLAS:

For 30 years, Per Scholas has been on a mission to drive mobility and opportunity in the ever-advancing technology landscape by unlocking the untapped potential of individuals, uplifting communities, and meeting the needs of employers through rigorous tech training. By teaming up with dynamic employer partners, ranging from Fortune 500 companies to innovative startups, we're forging inclusive tech talent pipelines, fulfilling an ever-increasing need for skilled talent. With national remote training and campuses in 20+ cities and counting, Per Scholas offers no-cost training programs in the most sought-after tech skills, spanning Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, IT Support, Software Engineering, and more. To date, 30,000+ individuals have been trained through Per Scholas, propelling their professional trajectories into high-growth tech careers with salaries three times higher than their pre-training earnings. Learn more by visiting PerScholas.org and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Per Scholas preferred hires reside within the following states: AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, MD, MA, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TX, WA POSITION TITLE: Executive Director, North Carolina What Success Looks Like $3–5M raised annually through a diversified portfolio of workforce and education foundations, public funding, corporate partners, and major donors, with a strong multi-year pipeline. Per Scholas is recognized as a leading workforce partner in North Carolina, with the Executive Director serving as a visible, trusted voice among funders, employers, and public leaders. A clear regional strategy is created and executed, strengthening employer partnerships, advancing equity, and driving strong job attainment outcomes. Managing Directors are aligned, empowered, and accountable, resulting in consistent campus performance and a high-quality learner experience. Regional goals for enrollment, completion, job placement, funder satisfaction, and financial sustainability are met or exceeded through disciplined execution and data-driven leadership. LOCATION: Charlotte; Raleigh (in 2027) REPORTS TO: Senior Vice President, Eastern Region Position Overview The Executive Director (ED), North Carolina is a regional leader responsible for advancing Per Scholas’ mission, growth, and sustainability across one of its most strategic markets, serving 1,000+ adult learners annually by 2030 in North Carolina (Charlotte, Raleigh, and rural Western/Eastern NC). With a campus presently based in the Charlotte metro area, and an active footprint throughout Western North Carolina, this role is externally focused and fundraising-led, with accountability for securing $3–5 million annually from a diversified portfolio of workforce foundations, public funding, corporate partners, and major donors. As the senior executive and public face of Per Scholas in the region, the ED will cultivate high-level relationships across the workforce development ecosystem, including funders, employers, government agencies, and community partners, to drive long-term impact and job attainment outcomes. Internally, the ED provides executive oversight of regional operations, ensuring strong alignment across campuses while partnering with Managing Directors, National Teams, and the Regional Senior Vice President to deliver excellence in training, performance, and learner success. This role requires an executive leader with the stature, confidence, and strategic influence to lead in a complex, high-visibility market, supported by deep regional workforce and funder expertise and a proven track record of leading complex teams and securing significant, sustainable funding. Key Responsibilities Fundraising, External Relations & Strategic Growth (70%) Fundraising Leadership Lead regional fundraising efforts with direct accountability for securing $3–5 million annually, including workforce and education foundations, major individual gifts, corporate partnerships, public funding, and competitive grants. Serve as the senior regional fundraising leader, partnering closely with the National Development team on prospect strategy, proposal development, stewardship, and impact reporting. Develop and execute a multi-year regional growth and revenue strategy that expands Per Scholas’ impact throughout North Carolina through diversified, sustainable funding streams. External Engagement & Representation Serve as the senior external representative for Per Scholas in North Carolina elevating the organization’s visibility and influence through public speaking, media engagement, thought leadership, and participation in key civic and industry forums. Build, steward, and expand high-value relationships with philanthropic leaders, employers, policymakers, and community partners across the region. Regional Strategy & Policy Alignment Lead the development and execution of a North Carolina regional strategy, ensuring alignment with Per Scholas’ mission, growth priorities, and evolving workforce policy landscape. Establish and deepen partnerships with workforce boards, government agencies, and industry leaders to drive innovation, equity, and employer-aligned outcomes. Ensure regional compliance with applicable regulations, accreditation standards, and workforce development best practices. Internal Leadership & Campus Oversight (30%) Team Leadership & Collaboration Provide executive oversight and leadership to two Managing Directors, ensuring strong campus performance, operational excellence, and learner success. Build and lead a high-performing regional leadership team that models accountability, inclusion, and continuous improvement. Partner closely with National Teams (e.g., Development, Talent Solutions, Training, Operations) to ensure regional strategies are aligned with enterprise goals and standards. Performance & Accountability Define and monitor regional KPIs, including enrollment, completion, job attainment, employer engagement, funder satisfaction, and financial performance. Use data, outcomes, and stakeholder feedback to inform strategic decisions and continuous improvement. Ensure long-term financial sustainability through disciplined budget management aligned to revenue growth and fundraising performance. Qualifications 10+ years of senior executive experience in fundraising, external affairs, market leadership, or strategy, preferably within workforce development, education, economic mobility, or mission-driven organizations. Demonstrated success personally leading and closing $3–5M+ annually through a diversified portfolio that includes workforce and education foundations, public funding, major individual donors, and corporate partners. Proven ability to operate as the senior regional leader, building influence and credibility across philanthropic, public, and private-sector stakeholders. Proven ability to operate as the senior regional leader, building influence and credibility across philanthropic, public, and private-sector stakeholders. Deep, established knowledge of the North Carolina urban and rural workforce, philanthropic, and economic development ecosystems, including funder priorities and public-sector funding structures. Exceptional communicator and relationship-builder with the presence, judgment, and influence to represent the organization at the highest levels. Demonstrated commitment to advancing economic mobility, workforce equity, and racial equity outcomes. Core Competencies Executive-Level Fundraising & Revenue Strategy Foundation, Public, and Institutional Funding Expertise Regional Market Leadership & External Partnerships Senior Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration Performance Management & Outcomes Accountability Financial Stewardship & Revenue-Aligned Budgeting Executive Communication, Public Speaking & Thought Leadership Equity-Centered Leadership & Workforce Inclusion What Success Looks Like $3–5M raised annually through a diversified portfolio of workforce and education foundations, public funding, corporate partners, and major donors, with a strong multi-year pipeline. Per Scholas is recognized as a leading workforce partner in North Carolina, with the Executive Director serving as a visible, trusted voice among funders, employers, and public leaders. A clear regional strategy is created and executed, strengthening employer partnerships, advancing equity, and driving strong job attainment outcomes. Managing Directors are aligned, empowered, and accountable, resulting in consistent campus performance and a high-quality learner experience. Regional goals for enrollment, completion, job placement, funder satisfaction, and financial sustainability are met or exceeded through disciplined execution and data-driven leadership. LI# Onsite The anticipated base salary range for this role is $150-160k plus eligibility for an annual bonus Final salary offers are determined by a variety of factors, including the candidate’s geographic location, specialized experience, and alignment with the role’s senior-level requirements. Benefits & Perks Per Scholas offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and overall quality of life! Holidays & PTO: Full-Time Per Scholas team members enjoy over 40 days of paid time off each year through a mix of holidays, vacation, and sick/personal time! All employees are eligible for Holiday pay upon hire (a total of 22 holidays annually, including a week off for Independence day and a week before the New Year). Full-Time Benefits Eligible employees also receive 80 Wellness Hours to use for Sick, Safe, or Personal reasons and accrue Vacation at a rate of 8 hours at the beginning of every month, supporting rest, recharge, and work-life balance. Vacation accruals increase with tenure. Part-time employees are afforded time off on a prorated basis and in accordance with local requirements. Comprehensive Medical Coverage: Benefit eligible employees can choose from multiple medical plans through Cigna or Kaiser Permanente (where available), with options to fit your needs. Eligible employees also have access to a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) that reimburses eligible out-of-pocket expenses, up to $4,000 for individuals and $8,000 for families. Dental and Vision Insurance: Eligible employees can select from two dental plan options and a vision plan. Employees who waive medical coverage receive employer paid dental and vision premiums. Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with a current 100% employer match on contributions up to 6%, eligible employees are offered entry and full vesting after 90 days with the company. Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Free, confidential, 24/7 access to counseling, legal support, and financial resources for employees and their household members Parental Leave: Eligible employees are offered up to 6 weeks of 100% paid parental leave to support employees as they welcome a new child and bond with their family. Additional Benefits & Perks: Eligible employees have access to employer-paid life and AD&D Insurance, as well as employer-paid short-term disability coverage, with the option to elect additional life coverage and long-term disability insurance. Flexible Spending accounts are available for healthcare, dependent care, and commuting expenses. Per Scholas also offers a range of voluntary benefits, including: Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Legal Services, and Pet Insurance. Additional resources include healthcare concierge support, financial wellness tools, and employee discount programs.

QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions about this role, please feel free to email our Talent team at View email address on click.appcast.io. We look forward to viewing your application! Equal Employment Opportunity We're proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. PII Policies Non-Discrimination Policy