Foundation Executive Director

Salary: $110,000 - $150,000, plus benefits and variable short-term incentive, based on performance

Location/Considerations: Full-time, in-person at the HPLF office located at the Julia Ideson Building in Downtown Houston. Frequent donor and other meetings at offsite locations.

Reports To: This position reports directly to the HPLF Board Chair.

Direct Reports: Directly supervises Foundation staff, Warehouse & Volunteer Coordinator, and consultants.

Other Key Relationships: Director of the Library; Houston Public Library Staff; Donors; Media; City Agencies; Vendors

Overall Position Purpose: This is an advanced fundraising position responsible for the strategic direction, tactical execution, oversight, and leadership of the Houston Public Library Foundation (HPLF). Work involves planning, managing, cultivating, and securing philanthropic support for the Foundation’s annual fund, endowment, and program support of the Houston Public Library. Oversight also involves maximization of revenue from book sale operations and growing the Friends of HPL membership base. This role is a member of the Director of the Library’s leadership team and will contribute to the Library’s brand and external profile through their activities in the community. They may represent and lead the library in major campaigns and planned giving programs.

Essential Functions: Examples of this class of work and each essential function are illustrative and non-exhaustive. They may vary and are subject to change.

A.     Fundraising and Development

• Assesses fundraising needs by working with the Director of the Library and Foundation Board members to establish goals and develop a strategy to meet needs.
• Maintains a personal portfolio of donors, consisting of individuals, foundations, and corporations
• Develops fundraising campaigns and builds donor relationships based on best practices
• Plans and implements fundraising strategies to move donors/prospects through the donor Cultivate and solicit to support and reach the established fundraising objectives.
• Provides leadership for stewardship of all gifts the Library and Foundation receives.

• Creates and executes strategies to raise sustainable funds that allow the Foundation to achieve its mission and growth objectives.
• Develops plans to support and implement major gifts campaigns for long-term needs as identified by the Library.
• Develops and implements a detailed approach to attract, build, and maintain effective and mutually beneficial relationships with individuals and corporations capable of contributing to the Library
• Cultivates potential and existing donors through intentional stewardship, ensuring all donors feel valued and inspired by the impact of their gift to the library.
• Assesses the effectiveness of the various fundraising programs and makes appropriate recommendations to enhance Library financial resources and development functions.
• Understands and supports Library system policies and procedures
• Actively supports the mission of the HPL.
• Develops and executes a plan for volunteer growth and outreach.
• Creates new and innovative fundraising strategies tied to specific programs and/or library branches.

B.    Board Relations

• Upholds the policies and procedures of the Foundation in compliance with federal, state, and local laws.
• Makes recommendations for new policies and procedures as needed.
• Provides leadership to the Foundation Board of Directors in developing and implementing strategic and annual operating plans to guide fundraising efforts.
• Attends all Foundation Board of Directors meetings and prepares/presents reports, findings, developments, and updates as needed.
• Actively develops and maintains Board member relationships.
• Supports Board committees and provides appropriate resources.
• Coordinates training and education programs to strengthen and expand Board members’ fundraising skills and contacts.

C.        Fiscal and Budget Oversight

• Works closely with the HPLF’s Director of Finance, the Chief Financial Officer of the Library, and the Foundation Board Treasurer to oversee fiscal and budgetary activities of the Foundation.
• Assists the Director of the Library and Foundation Board in determining fiscal requirements relative to development activities.
• Prepares budgetary recommendations and monitors budget.
• Ensures appropriate maintenance of donor records in coordination with staff.
• Assists the Director of Finance in preparing financial reports related to donation activity.
• Oversees record management and expenditure reports for Foundation and Friends of HPL.
• Analyzes financial statements for accuracy and evidence of emerging challenges.
• Oversees Friends of HPL and HPLF’s contact with vendors and contractors.
• Assists the Director of Finance in the preparation of all financial and strategic reports for the HPL Foundation Board of Directors.
• Coordinates and tracks grants and grant reporting for the Foundation and the Library.

D.        Communication & Marketing

• Works closely with Marketing, Public Relations, and the Foundation Board to generate consistent, effective communications promoting development efforts.
• Publicizes important gifts, programs, accomplishments and/or events.
• Responds to media inquiries and represents the Library in all fund development matters.
• Alerts the Director of the Library to relevant trends, legislation, etc., and recommends appropriate action.

E.    Supervision

• Oversees Fundraising and office operations.
• Manages Foundation staff, Warehouse staff, and any consultants.

F.         Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Willingly and cooperatively performs tasks and duties that may not be specifically listed in the position description, but which are within the general occupational category and responsibility level typically associated with the role.

NOTE: Certain conditions, e.g., economic constraints, staffing patterns, changes in system/branch goals and objectives, etc., may necessitate changes to the duties described in this job description.

Accountabilities: (Include, but are not limited to the following)

1. Complies with established policies and objectives of the Library and the Library Foundation.
2. Performs work in compliance with the principles and standards of professional fundraising and sound fiscal and business practices as reviewed and assessed by outside auditors.
3. Meets work plan and personal development objectives as established by the Library Foundation Board.
4. Maintains good working relations with the HPLF Board of Directors, Director of library, Library staff, City agencies, etc.
5. Prioritizes professional development by participating in training and other learning opportunities.
6. Learns new technology as necessary to retain proficiency in managing the development operations of the HPLF.
7. Contributes ideas that improve the HPLF’s fundraising efforts, increase efficiency, and otherwise advance the development of the Library system.
8. Increase book and membership revenue in collaboration with the staff.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Demonstrated effectiveness in corporate, foundation, and/or high net worth individuals prospect identification and solicitation.
2. Track record of developing and sustaining strong benefactor relationships with organizations and individuals.
3. Demonstrated knowledge of non-profit fundraising techniques.
4. Exceptional attention to detail and the ability to articulate a compelling case for philanthropic support programs.
5. Knowledge of acceptable principles of financial management as they relate to non-profit foundations.
6. Demonstrated knowledge of database management and financial software utilized in fundraising, e.g., Raiser’s Edge; QuickBooks; MS Office.
7. Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to represent HPLF and make public presentations to large and small groups.
8. Superior interpersonal skills with an emphasis on teamwork and collaboration.
9. Familiarity with board governance and skill in cultivating board engagement.
10. Possesses the skills necessary to supervise, guide, evaluate, train, and communicate with HPLF staff and volunteers.
11. Demonstrated experience working with business/community leaders, volunteers, and internal leadership and partners.
12. Ability to empower, engage, and work collaboratively with diverse audiences and a clear understanding of the complexity of the varied constituencies of the City of Houston.
13. Creative, high level of professionalism, resourcefulness, flexibility, a learning and optimistic attitude, and trustworthiness.
14. Organized, efficient, collaborative, entrepreneurial, conscientious, and results-oriented approach and leadership style.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree in business management, marketing, public relations, or related field.
2. Eight to ten years of relevant experience, with increasing levels of responsibility in leadership and an emphasis on fundraising and development.
3. Demonstrated success with major fundraising campaigns.
4. Three years of supervisory experience.

Working Conditions:

1. Physical Demands: Requires sitting and use of computer monitor and keyboard for extended periods. Work requires occasional physical effort, for example, setup of equipment for meetings or events, Work involves travel to meetings with individuals and organizations, professional and community meetings, Libraries, City offices, etc. Some evening and weekend hours are required.
2. Social Environment: This position is housed at the HPL’s Historic Julia Ideson Building, where over 30 staff and volunteers work in various administrative and support positions in support of public service operations throughout the City of Houston. It requires frequent meetings with individuals and groups outside the library system.

HPLF employees work in a diverse environment and are expected to demonstrate respect for and relate to co-workers and customers from many different backgrounds and cultures. The Houston Public Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Library’s policy is to treat all applicants and employees equally without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability.

To apply, please email your cover letter and resume to egomez@houstonlibraryfoundation.org