Executive Director, North Carolina

Key Responsibilities

• 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.

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.
• 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