Director for Philanthropic Engagement and DMPS Foundation Executive Director

Des Moines Public Schools and the Des Moines Public Schools Foundation are jointly looking for and accepting applications from dynamic leaders equipped to lead our fundraising efforts as we Reimagine Education. This position is 70% Director for Philanthropic Engagement responsibilities and 30% Des Moines Public Schools Foundation Executive Director responsibilities.

The salary range shared below represents the minimum to the mid-point of the salary range. Candidates offered employment will be compensated based on skills, work experience, and education. This position will also qualify for a 14% Tax Sheltered Annuity (TSA) in addition to the base salary.

Des Moines Public Schools offers up to $6,000 towards relocation costs.

Job Title: Director for Philanthropic Engagement

Department: Office of the Superintendent

Reports to: Superintendent

Highest Level Supervised: Clerical

Job Summary:

The Director for Philanthropic Engagement is primarily responsible for coordinating and maintaining diversified development and engagement plans to strengthen the organization’s overall fundraising capacity and sustainability. The Director for Philanthropic Engagement is responsible for developing key external alliances to encourage individual and philanthropic support. This may occur through a variety of fundraising and development vehicles, including but not limited to special events, annual campaigns, direct mail appeals, monthly giving, planned giving, major gifts, corporate partnerships, social enterprises, grants, peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns, and capital campaigns. The essential functions as shown below represent only the key areas of responsibility; specific position requirements will vary depending on the needs of the district.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Develop short and long-range goals and objectives, aligned with the strategic plan, to create and execute a comprehensive, diversified, and sustainable fund-raising business plan.
• Participate in a variety of community organizations and serve as the district’s representative.
• Develop and execute strategies to engage with philanthropic organizations, donors, and foundations to secure funding and resources in support of the district educational initiatives.
• Lead and sustain a culture of philanthropy by setting strategic direction for the Foundation’s short- and long-term initiatives; drive growth in annual giving and program revenue; oversee major donor identification and cultivation; and ensure effective, strategic use of donor and prospect data systems.
• Work to ensure community engagement; oversee and implement all areas of fund development.
• Plan and implement strategies to develop long-term relationships with donors and community groups to maximize their engagement interest and giving potential.
• Organize and facilitate community partnership process, requests for information.
• Complete surveys with community partners to assess partnerships and give opportunity for feedback and give opportunity for feedback and improvement.
• Manage information and conflict by being available to meet with staff, parents, students, and community members on issues related to areas of responsibility.
• Maintain professional learning and growth through professional organizations, seminars, course work, and collaboration.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Master’s degree in communications, business, marketing, not profit management or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Work Experience: Five years of progressively responsible experience in fund raising, donor relations, stewardship, and communications
• Licensure or Certification: N/A

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Effective written and oral communication and presentation techniques.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and determine proactive approaches to problem-solving with strong decision-making capability.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to quality and accuracy.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve high performance goals and meet deadlines.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Attend work on a prompt and regular
• Maintain satisfactory and harmonious working relationships with the public, students, and other

Physical Requirements:

HR Signature: ________________________________________ Date: 05/11/2026

The Des Moines Independent Community School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. If you have questions, concerns or a complaint related to this policy, please contact Carol Wynn-Green, 2100 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50321; phone: 515-242-7709; email: carol.wynngreen@dmschools.org. Complaints can also be directed to the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, 400 E. 14th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-1004, (515) 281-4121, or Region VII Office for Civil Rights, Citigroup Center 500 W. Madison Street, Suite 1475 Chicago, IL 60661-4544.

POSITION: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

REPORTS TO: DMPS Foundation Board of Trustees

PRIMARY FUNCTION:

The Executive Director provides overall leadership, direction, and fundraising execution to support the Foundation mission and goals. This position is responsible for developing and executing diverse fundraising and community engagement strategies. As an ambassador for the DMPS Foundation, the Executive Director will ensure sustainable fundraising growth, meeting or exceeding goals set by the Foundation. This person must be committed to Des Moines Public Schools, lead with integrity, and ensure prudent, ethical financial and programmatic management of the organization.

NOTE: This position is 30% of a joint appointment combined with the DMPS Director of Philanthropy.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Leadership and Management
• Ensure programmatic excellence; regular data driven program evaluation; sound financial management; strong communications and community visibility; timelines and resources to achieve DMPS Foundation’s strategic goals
• Actively engage and energize DMPS volunteers, board members, funders and staff.
• Develop, maintain and support a strong board of directors; serve in ex-officio role on
• board committees.
• Maintain strong relationships with external collaborating partners, board, and staff.

FUNDRAISING & COMMUNITY RELATIONS:

• Guide revenue generating and fundraising activities to support existing priorities

and ensure financial sustainability.

• Annually develop and implement a comprehensive development plan with

targeted goals, strategies, outcomes and timeframe to achieve budgeted

fundraising goals.

• Secure general operating and capacity building grants.
• Increase foundation individual and corporate donors through tailored cultivation

plans and regular appeals

• Oversee execution of all fundraising activities and events
• Oversee and guide external relations; internal and external communications; and create a strong brand.
• Serve as a visible ambassador to the Foundation, meeting and/or communicating

regularly with key stakeholder groups including, but not limited to district

foundations, parent groups, booster clubs and district families.

• Develop and implement stakeholder communications plan

PLANNING & OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide leadership to implement strategic planning priorities.
• Oversee planning for annual budget; program sustainability and growth; and

operational

• Remain informed of best practices with regard to administration, programs,

organization culture, and capacity building.

• Remain informed of requirements imposed by grantors and other funding sources.
• Regular attendance and accountability, with regard to work meetings, projects,

and commitments.

• Perform other tasks as assigned by the Board of Directors.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree required with at least 5 years experience in nonprofit leadership.
• Past success working with board of directors with the ability to cultivate existing board member relationships.
• Strong fundraising and public relations experience with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders.
• A persuasive and passionate communicator with the ability to develop strong relationships and strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellence in oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Self-motivated, results driven, detail oriented, and adaptable.
• Integrity, positive attitude, mission-driven and self-directed.