Executive Director

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive and strategic leader of the William J. Simmons Foundation, stewarding its mission to expand educational opportunity, strengthen scholarship access, and honor the legacy of Dr. William J. Simmons through programs that uplift students, families, and communities. This role oversees fundraising, donor engagement, financial stewardship, program development, and daily operations. The Executive Director ensures the Foundation operates with excellence, transparency, and measurable impact while advancing the Foundations commitment to educational equity and Black leadership development.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND TASKS:

Mission-Driven Leadership & Strategic Vision

• Lead the development and execution of a strategic plan that advances the Foundations mission to support student success, civic leadership, and community empowerment.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on philanthropic strategy and donor engagement.
• Strengthen the Foundations visibility and influence across Kentucky and the broader HBCU ecosystem.
• Champion the legacy of Dr. William J. Simmons by aligning programs and partnerships with his values of scholarship, service, and social advancement.

Fundraising & Resource Development

• Design and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that includes annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, corporate partnerships, and grant development. Cultivate and steward relationships with donors, alumni, faith-based partners, civic leaders, and philanthropic organizations committed to educational equity. Oversee capital campaigns and special fundraising initiatives. Develop compelling cases for support that highlight the Foundations impact on students and communities. Collaborate alongside the Office of Advancement for the College

Board Engagement & Governance

• Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors, supporting strong governance and strategic decision making. Provide timely reports, data, and insights to inform board priorities and strengthen organizational accountability. Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and ethical standards governing the foundation.

Financial Management & Compliance

• Oversee the Foundations budget, financial reporting, and investment management in partnership with the Simmons College of KYs Finance Committee. Supervise and collaborate with investment advisors to manage endowment performance and growth. Supervise and mentor foundation advancement and staff, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration Promote transparent, ethical, and mission aligned financial practices. Oversee cost-accounting measures for budgetary procedures, grants management, and reporting timelines in collaboration with the college Chief Financial Officer.

Program Oversight & Community Impact

• Lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of scholarship programs, leadership initiatives, and community-based projects. Ensure programs reflect donor intent and advance the Foundations commitment to educational access and civic leadership. Build partnerships with schools, universities, community organizations, and public agencies to expand the Foundations reach.

Communications, Advocacy & Community Engagement

• Strengthen alumni relations programs to increase engagement and philanthropic participation. Represent the Foundation at institutional, community, and national events. Promote the HBCUs legacy, impact, and role in advancing educational equity and leadership.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree required; advanced degree preferred. Demonstrated progressive leadership experience in corporate or nonprofit management, fundraising, higher education, or community development. Documented success in major gift fundraising and donor stewardship. Strong financial management skills and experience with budgets and/or endowments. Excellent communication, relationship-building, and strategic planning abilities. Deep commitment to the mission, history, and cultural significance of HBCUs and Black educational advancement.

Preferred

• Missioncentered, valuesdriven, and communityfocused. Skilled at building trust and cultivating longterm relationships across diverse constituencies. Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to grow a small but highimpact organization. High integrity, emotional intelligence, and cultural competence. Experience working in higher education foundations.

Ability to balance strategic leadership with handson operational execution.

A combination of education, training, and experience may be substituted when competency in the role is demonstrated.

Reasonable accommodation may be provided for those who are able to perform the essential duties of the job. The incumbent must be able to maintain complete confidentiality of any information s/he encounters.

EOE/AA/M/F/Vet/Disability Employer

SPECIALIZED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:

• Strategic planning and organizational leadership
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Datadriven decisionmaking
• Vendor and contract negotiation

WORKING CONDITIONS:

This work is performed in a business office setting within a higher education institution.

William J. Simmons Foundation Board of Directors reserves the right to revise and alter this job description as needed.

recblid r4wpmi2bxl68mlhn30auvl0hf00mpv