PHILLIPS UNIVERSITY LEGACY FOUNDATION
Job Title: Executive Director
Primary Function:
The Executive Director for Phillips University Legacy Foundation (PULF) will lead and inspire all aspects of
the delivery of the mission which includes community engagement and donor relationships, program
delivery and outcomes measurements, and oversight of the vision and direction for the future of the
organization.
The position has oversight of a full-time development director and several full and part-time
administrative positions.
Essential Functions:
PLANNING AND STRATEGIC DIRECTION
• Work with the board to develop a shared vision for the future of the organization and build
understanding for the mission throughout the organization and its stakeholders that will
execute appropriate goals and strategies that will advance PULF’s mission.
• Oversee all strategic direction including implementation of strategic plans. Work with the board
to establish both short and long-term plans to ensure for effective planning.
• Work within all planning deadlines for the organization and provide counsel to the board of
directors about the advancement of the strategic visions/plan along with updates on its
successful milestones or challenges.
• Be in front of the vision and direction of the organization. Inspire staff to adopt the strategic
directions established by the Executive Director and the Board of Directors and motivate staff to
create additional aspirational hopes for the organization that will support the organization’s
long-term sustainability.
• Remain current about trends, policies, legal requirements, strategies and best-practices so that
the organization remains in good standing and compliance as a nonprofit organization
throughout its planning processes.
BOARD RELATIONS
• The Executive Director works closely with the Board of Directors as the leadership team of PULF.
The Executive Director is responsible establishing a strong working relationship with the board
and designing a system for sharing information that allows the board to effectively carry out its
governance role.
• Maintain collaboration with the board and meet frequently with board committees and board of
directors to ensure that goals and objectives are met or exceeded both annually and long-term.
• Provide timely and accurate communication with the board of directors and its committees that
includes reporting on work, recommending items and opportunities for consideration, reviewing
governing material and updating key documents, and reminding board of directors of choices
for service and to exercise their role and responsibilities.
• Meet regularly with the board leadership to discuss projects, strategic initiatives, finances,
programs and other pertinent information.
COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC RELATIONSHIPS
• Serve as a primary spokesperson and public face for the organization.
• Effectively promote the organization, advocating for the mission and work of the organization,
and building relationships with constituent or stakeholder groups critical to PULF’s success.
• Represent to all constituents the maturity, professionalism, and culture of inquiry established by
Phillips University in the four pillars of personal development: spiritual development, intellectual
development, social interaction and growth, and physical development.
• Effectively work with all audiences that relate to the organization: alumni/ae, companion
organizations (alumni association), churches, parents and scholars, donors, and community
partners.
• Maintain all communication channels and media including annual reports, newsletters, websites
and social media.
• Serve as a community leader by constituents and networks with constituents and identify and
cultivate new donor and community partnerships.
FUNDRAISING
• The Executive Director, in partnership with the board and development staff, is responsible for
designing and implementing the fundraising systems and strategies that enable PULF to meet its
development goals and carry out its programs and operations.
• Maintain a leadership role in fundraising for the organization including stewarding major donor
relationships, working with development committee, developing and implementing plans and
cultivation efforts with development staff, and stewarding existing and potential donors.
• Implement proven management strategies to move prospects to donors.
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
• Ensure that resources are managed wisely and that sound financial management that includes
solid budgeting and accounting systems are in place and that appropriate financial controls and
risk-management strategies protect the organization’s assets.
• Able to navigate organizational assets including the management of endowments and long-term
objectives in investing.
• Establish budget goals annually for both contributed and investment incomes as well as ensure
that staff and performance can annually meet or exceed those goals. Report regularly on the
budgeted goals to the board of directors.
ADMINISTRATION:
• The Executive Director has overall responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the
organization and works with staff and key volunteers to develop and maintain systems and
resources that facilitate the effective operation of the organization toward the objectives of
PULF’s strategies and plans.
• Manage a staffing team who oversee various aspects of programs, finances, operations,
fundraising, and community engagement to ensure goals and objectives are met. Provide staff
development and team building and supervision for each position.
• Ensure the ongoing robustness of the programs which includes the design and structure of the
annual Leadership Conference, and the distribution of the funds for the undergraduate and
graduate scholarship program.
• In cooperation with the board of directors and committees, manage, maintain, follow and
update policies and procedures pertaining to the operational and governing needs of PULF.
Oversee the retention of all corporate documents.
• Engage in professional development activities such as training, conferences, research, and
coaching.
Education and Expertise
• A minimum of a bachelors degree from an accredited college or university with a preference for
alumni from Phillips University or other Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) higher education
institutions.
• Knowledge of technology and software related to office and fundraising management (donor
database, Microsoft Office, website administration, etc.)
• Exceptional communication skills (verbal, written, presentation)
REPORTS TO:
• Board of Directors
POSITION:
• The position is an exempt position and can be located remotely.
• Benefits include a health reimbursement account, paid leave, and other benefits provided
employees.
To apply, submit resume and references to Ryan DeArman,
[email protected]
