Description
Organization Overview
The La Cañada Flintridge Educational Foundation (LCFEF) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) dedicated to raising essential funds that support educational excellence across the La Cañada Unified School District (LCUSD). Through annual giving, major gifts, special events, and community partnerships, LCFEF sustains programs that directly benefit students, educators, and the broader school community.
LCFEF works closely with LCUSD leadership, the Governing Board, parent organizations, and community stakeholders. Guided by an engaged Board of Directors, the Foundation is entering a period of continued growth, operational strengthening, and long-term sustainability.
The Opportunity
LCFEF seeks a mission driven Executive Director to serve as the organization’s senior staff leader and operational steward. The ideal candidate is deeply connected to the La Cañada Flintridge community and energized by relationship based fundraising, hands-on leadership, and close collaboration with parent and district partners.
This part time, onsite role requires consistent presence during the academic year and the ability to manage a broad portfolio of responsibilities in a lean, volunteer driven organization. The Executive Director works closely with the Board President to advance strategic priorities, strengthen operations, and ensure alignment between governance and day today management.
This position is well suited for a collaborative, adaptable leader who values meaningful community impact and thrives in a small team environment. The Executive Director plays a pivotal role in sustaining educational excellence across LCUSD. This is a unique opportunity for a community minded nonprofit leader who values relationship driven fundraising, operational stewardship, and meaningful local impact.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Board Partnership
Translate Board approved strategic priorities into actionable plans.
Partner with the Board President to identify and implement operational improvements.
Serve as primary staff liaison to the Board, ensuring effective governance and communication. Support Board committees in advancing fundraising, communications, and program goals.
Fundraising & Development
Lead all fundraising efforts, including annual giving, major donor cultivation, events, and stewardship.
Manage donor identification, engagement, recognition, and retention.
Align fundraising priorities with LCUSD needs in collaboration with district leadership.
Partner with the Director of Administration to analyze donor data and inform strategy.
Communications & Community Engagement
Serve as steward of LCFEF’s brand, messaging, and public presence.
Oversee development and execution of communications supporting fundraising and community engagement.
Act as a key liaison with donors, local businesses, civic leaders, and partner organizations.
Works closely with the LCUSD office, particularly the Superintendent, on district needs.
Organizational & Financial Management
Oversee daily operations, including supervision of up to five part time staff and consultants.
Develop and manage the annual budget; monitor expenditures and identify efficiencies.
Prepare monthly financial reports for the Board.
Supervise accounting vendors and manage the annual audit.
Ensure compliance with nonprofit governance, accounting, insurance, HR, and reporting requirements.
Systems, Infrastructure & Administration
Evaluate and improve organizational systems, technology, and processes.
Oversee donor management systems and administrative workflows to ensure efficiency and data integrity.
Requirements
Required Qualifications
5–10 years of professional experience or equivalent senior volunteer leadership.
Demonstrated ability to manage complex responsibilities independently in a small organization.
Experience working with volunteer boards, community leaders, donors, and parent stakeholders.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking.
Financial and operational competence, including budgeting and vendor oversight.
Strong organization, follow through, and discretion.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience cultivating and soliciting major donors.
Experience planning and promoting fundraising events.
Familiarity with donor databases and CRM systems.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
Experience with digital communications platforms (e.g., Constant Contact, WordPress).
Background in small nonprofit administration or business operations.
Ideal Qualifications
Familiarity with LCUSD culture and parent engagement norms, ideally as a well-networked member of the LCUSD school community.
Motivated by contributing to the educational experience of local students
