Executive Director

About Renton Schools Foundation

Renton Schools Foundation is dedicated to enriching educational opportunities for all students in the Renton School District. Through strategic partnerships with local businesses, community organizations, and individual donors, we fund innovative programs, classroom grants, and initiatives that enhance student learning and support educators. As a volunteer-led organization poised for growth, we are now seeking our first Executive Director to amplify our impact and build sustainable funding streams.

Position

The Executive Director will serve as the public face of Renton Schools Foundation and the driving force behind our fundraising, community engagement, and operational growth. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED will implement our mission and strategic plan, cultivate meaningful relationships across the Renton community, and lead the effort to raise and oversee an annual budget while building systems and infrastructure for long-term sustainability.

This is a hands-on, entrepreneurial role. As RSF's first staff hire, the ideal candidate will be a scrappy, versatile builder who thrives in an ambiguous environment, wears multiple hats, and isn't afraid to roll up their sleeves. This position requires someone who can balance strategic thinking with tactical execution, from stewarding major donors to managing day-to-day operations, while honoring the incredible volunteer work that has brought the foundation this far. The board intends to continue to act as a working board and is looking for an amplifier of our work to take RSF to the next level.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising & Development

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy to sustain and grow RSF's revenue, with an emphasis on individual donor cultivation, corporate partnerships, and grant opportunities
• Build and maintain relationships with current and prospective donors, including individuals, local businesses (Boeing, Subaru, Toyota), and community partners (Rotary, Renton Regional Community Foundation, Lakeridge)
• Lead annual giving campaigns, special fundraising events, and planned giving initiatives
• Research and pursue grant opportunities aligned with RSF's mission and priorities
• Oversee donor database management (Compass360) and ensure excellent stewardship practices, including timely acknowledgment and reporting
• Work closely with the Board to develop a culture of philanthropy and activate board members as fundraising ambassadors

District & Community Partnerships

• Serve as the primary liaison between RSF and the Renton School District, building strong relationships with the Superintendent, district leadership, principals, and teachers
• Proactively engage with district staff to understand funding needs and advocate for RSF as a trusted partner in supporting Renton schools
• Represent RSF at community events, district meetings, PTO/PTSA gatherings, and local government forums
• Cultivate relationships throughout the Renton community to expand awareness of RSF's mission and programs
• Coordinate the teacher grant program, including outreach, selection, recognition, and celebration of funded grants

Strategic Leadership & Operations

• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to develop and implement strategic plans and annual operational goals
• Attend and present at monthly board meetings, providing updates on fundraising progress, program impact, and organizational health
• Oversee all day-to-day operations, including communications, marketing, event planning, financial management, and compliance
• Manage RSF's social media presence, website content, newsletters, and donor communications
• Partner with the Board to ensure proper maintenance of official records and compliance with federal, state, and local nonprofit regulations (including 501(c)(3) requirements and 990 tax filings)
• Partner with the Board Treasurer to develop annual budgets, track income and expenses, and provide financial reporting
• Build organizational infrastructure and systems that support RSF's growth while preserving institutional knowledge

Volunteer & Board Support

• Work collaboratively with existing Board volunteers who manage key operational functions, providing leadership and coordination while respecting their contributions
• Identify opportunities to plug operational gaps and build capacity where volunteers may need support
• Motivate, inspire, and equip the Board to advance RSF's mission and fundraising goals

Qualifications

• 5-8 years of experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, or philanthropy, with a proven track record of securing gifts from individual donors, corporate sponsors, and foundations
• Scrappy, entrepreneurial mindset: A hands-on self-starter who thrives in building systems from the ground up, pivots easily as circumstances change, and brings energy and fresh ideas while honoring the foundation's volunteer-built legacy
• Demonstrated success in building and maintaining donor relationships, including major gifts and corporate partnerships
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to connect authentically with diverse stakeholders, from students and teachers to business leaders and elected officials
• Experience working in or with small, entrepreneurial nonprofit organizations where adaptability and hands-on execution are essential
• Passion for public education and a commitment to equity and opportunity for all students
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and donor database management systems (experience with Compass360 or similar CRM platforms preferred)
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing budgets
• Comfortable working independently with minimal supervision while also collaborating closely with volunteers and board members

Preferred Qualifications

• Ties to the Renton community or deep familiarity with the region
• Experience growing a small nonprofit or foundation, particularly in an education-focused setting
• Grant writing experience and knowledge of local, state, and national education funding opportunities
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience
• Experience supervising interns

Application Instructions

To apply, please send your resume/CV and an optional cover letter to sarah.hagan@rentonschoolsfoundation.org. First applicant review date is February 13, 2026.

• Full-time, exempt
• Salary Range: $85,000 - $105,000 annually commensurate with experience
• Health Insurance: Monthly health care stipend
• Paid Time Off: Generous PTO policy (3 weeks)
• Flexible Work Arrangement: Hybrid work environment with flexibility for remote work; some evening and weekend hours required for events and community meetings