Executive Director – Greater Steps Scholars Scholarship Fund

Remarkable 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.

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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
• Develop and execute an annual fundraising strategy (Primary Responsibility)
• 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
• 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
• Ensure an equitable, transparent scholarship selection process
• 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
• 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
• Develop and manage the annual operating budget
• Ensure sound fiscal stewardship
• Track fundraising, scholarship outcomes, scholars’ success, and donor engagement
• Produce annual impact report
• Present organizational performance to the Advisory Board and stakeholders

Requirements

• 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 Qualifications

• Experience in scholarship administration, higher education, or community foundations
• Familiarity with scholarship management systems and CRM platforms

Pay

$80,000+/year depending on experience