Executive Director

The Carolinas Freedom Foundation was created by (Ret.) USAF Col. J. Quincy Collins, Jr in honor of those who serve this country. Long involved in civic activities, Carolinas Freedom Foundation Events and Programs work to bring patriotism to the next generation through example and showcase opportunities to bring those who serve, to the community and activities. In 1995, the Carolinas Freedom Foundation became a 501c (3) organization based in Charlotte, North Carolina, but with relationships regionally and nationally. We are the founder of the American Airlines Freedom Breakfast, hosted each year for Veterans Day for those who serve our country and their supporters. Along with the breakfast, we host the Annual Charlotte Salute to Veterans Parade for the city on Veterans Day. We continue to support our veterans through our programs and events as we host and support educational opportunities in the community through our nine programs and events. Some include: JrROTC in High Schools, Patriotism Art Contest, Rising Stars Award, Patriotism Bowl with local High School Football Programs, Flags in the Classroom and so much more. Visit our website to learn more.

Overview:
The Executive Director (ED) will provide oversight, management and coordination of the organization’s operations in fulfillment of the mission. Working closely with the Board, key stakeholders and partners, the ED will be visible in the local and regional community, collaborating with other organizations, donors and partners to further the mission and impact of events and programs. Given the 501c (3) status, the organization is in a growth mode and benefits from strong community support, endorsement and contacts. Individuals interested in either full or part-time are encouraged to apply.

Key responsibilities:
• Relationship-building and stakeholder engagement. At the forefront, the ED will professionally represent the organization with key corporate, government and community leaders. Given the positive reception of the foundation’s mission, programs and sponsor-partnered events, the continual nurturing of key relationships is paramount and in strong coordination with the Board and founders to represent a unified and coordinated organization.
• Fundraising and development. Leveraging the current relationships (sponsors), donor base and general supporters, the ED will be responsible for designing and implementing an overarching fundraising and development strategy, including establishing goals, measuring and evaluating activities against results, donor recognition/engagement strategies and grant-writing.
• Financial stewardship and operations. Working with the Board chair and Board of Directors, the ED will manage the operations and compliance requirements, serve as the custodian of documents and financials in accordance with the by-laws to ensure a healthy, sustainable operation.
• Board engagement and coordination. The ED will plan and coordinate all Board meetings, with the Board Chair. Duties include agenda preparation and record keeping. Outside of formal meetings, the ED will ensure strong and effective communication including regular updates and information pertinent to the Board and the Foundation’s visibility and relevance in the community.
• Volunteer oversight. Given the strong committee structure and Board engagement, the ED will develop a volunteer engagement plan, including how to recruit volunteers and leverage outside resources to best serve the mission. Volunteers remain an untapped potential with the appropriate structure and oversight.
• Communications and Marketing. Central to the mission of the foundation is the potential to showcase our values and our beliefs in all we do. The ED will develop and implement a communications and marketing plan, including maintenance of the website, social media, media relations, collateral, sponsor requests, speaker series and materials. Working with external partners/vendors and volunteers, the ED will leverage resources to execute a coordinated and integrated communications effort. Annually, the ED will measure effectiveness of the foundation’s grants and other programs producing an “impact report” (e.g., annual report) to share with the Board and key funders, supporters.

Qualifications and essential skills:
• 4-year undergraduate degree but will consider equivalent experience in workplace efforts.
Successful candidates will demonstrate their experience and skill in the following areas
• Fundraising and development: strategy development, proven implementation and execution, examples of measurable results, examples of innovative/creative tactics, grant-writing skills.
• Relationship and stakeholder engagement: proven approach, results and collaborative style.
• Strong and proven written and verbal skills, experience in public speaking and effective facilitation of meetings.
• Ability to manage with limited resources, engage multiple and varied audience levels (corporate to grass-roots), experience as a self-starter, ability to manage external vendors/partners, demonstrated ability to work with Board of Directors.

Compensation:
Salary and compensation package negotiable based on experience level and credentials.

The Carolinas Freedom Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.