Executive Director - Durham Public Schools Foundation

Organizational Overview: Durham Public Schools Foundation

Durham Public Schools Foundation (DPS Foundation) is a mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to strengthening Durham’s public schools by investing in student-centered, equity-driven ideas and deepening community partnerships. Founded in 2018, DPS Foundation collaborates with students, families, educators, school staff, and local leaders to amplify their voices and support the district through strategic investments, innovative programming, and responsive community engagement.

As an independent foundation from the District, DPS Foundation supports both immediate needs and long-term priorities, including school-based grants, student and family support, educator leadership, and initiatives that expand opportunity for all students. The organization is positioned to serve as a trusted connector between the district and the broader community, building relationships and resources that help Durham Public Schools meet the needs of students in a complex and changing educational environment.

DPS Foundation is now in a moment of transformation and growth. With a strong foundation of community support and program impact, the organization is poised for a new phase of strategic expansion, with the opportunity to strengthen its brand, clarify its identity, and enhance its impact across Durham. The next Executive Director will lead the foundation in sharpening its strategic focus, building long-term sustainability, and elevating DPS Foundation’s role as a respected and innovative force for public education.

For more information, visit: bullcityschools.org

Position Summary: Executive Director

The Executive Director (ED) is the chief senior executive responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, and long-term sustainability of DPS Foundation. Reporting to the Board of Directors and working closely with staff, community partners, and district leadership, the ED will strengthen organizational capacity, drive fundraising growth, and advance DPS Foundation’s reputation as a trusted, innovative force for high-quality public education in Durham.

The ED will lead both internal operations and external engagement, ensuring that the foundation maintains strong financial health, sets clear strategic priorities, and establishes effective systems that support program delivery and community impact. This leader will be responsible for building trust across diverse stakeholder groups, including donors, educators, community organizers, and district leaders, and for communicating a clear and compelling story about DPS Foundation’s mission and values.

The ideal candidate will be a thoughtful, relationship-driven leader with strong fundraising experience, strategic planning expertise, and the ability to navigate a complex political landscape with confidence. They will bring a blend of heart and rigor, balancing a community-centered approach with organizational accountability and long-term sustainability.

This position is based in Durham, North Carolina and will require regular local travel and community engagement.

Key responsibilities for the position include, but are not limited to:

Leadership & Strategy

• Providing visionary leadership and overseeing the implementation of a strategic plan that strengthens DPS Foundation’s identity, impact, and sustainability.
• Leading organizational transformation by strengthening internal systems and ensuring alignment across programs, development, and operations.
• Serving as the primary spokesperson for the foundation, articulating a clear value proposition and building community trust.
• Maintaining strong relationships with Durham Public Schools leadership and key district stakeholders while ensuring DPS Foundation remains an independent voice for the community.

Board & Team Development

• Managing a team of twelve full-time staff, building staff capacity, and supporting professional development, succession planning, and talent retention.
• Fostering a supportive and empowering organizational culture grounded in transparency, trust, and accountability.
• Partnering with the Board of Directors to strengthen governance and build a more active, strategic, and engaged board.
• Supporting board recruitment, onboarding, and development, including identifying opportunities for board members to leverage networks and resources.

Fundraising & Financial Sustainability

• Developing and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy that expands individual giving, major gifts, corporate partnerships, grants, and recurring donations.
• Building a strong donor pipeline, cultivating relationships, and stewarding major donors with a focus on long-term, unrestricted support.
• Ensuring strong financial management and oversight in partnership with the board and finance team, including budgeting, forecasting, and transparent reporting.

Program & Community Impact

• Overseeing program strategy and ensuring that DPS Foundation’s investments align with the priorities of the district's students, families, educators, and school staff.
• Supporting the development and scaling of school-based initiatives, student and family supports, and educator-centered programs.
• Leading efforts to improve community awareness and understanding of DPS Foundation’s role and impact in Durham.

Leadership Competencies & Personal Characteristics

Strategic Vision & Organizational Leadership

The ED will bring strong strategic leadership and the ability to guide DPS Foundation through its next phase of growth. The ideal candidate will demonstrate high emotional and cross-cultural intelligence, balancing long-term planning with a commitment to racial equity and justice. Further, the ED will use data, community input, and organizational insight to ensure DPS Foundation’s investments and strategies foster transformative, equitable change within the region.

Fundraising Expertise & Donor Stewardship

The ideal candidate will demonstrate success in cultivating and soliciting major gifts, managing annual giving programs, and leading relationship-based fundraising efforts. They will build and sustain a diverse donor pipeline through meaningful engagement and communicate impact through clear, compelling storytelling and thoughtful stewardship practices.

Community Leadership & Political Savvy

The position will be responsible for navigating complex political and community dynamics with confidence, clarity, and integrity, and building trust across diverse stakeholders. The ED will represent DPS Foundation in challenging conversations, and bring an understanding of Durham's unique history and community landscape. They will possess a nuanced understanding of educational policy and the ability to bridge grassroots community leadership and institutional systems and demonstrate a high level of respect for the lived experiences of community members and leaders in decision-making processes.

Results Orientation & Accountability

Key to this position is the ability to balance measurable short-term impact and long-term sustainability through clear goal-setting, transparent reporting, and strong execution. The ED must be able to manage multiple priorities, maintain trust with staff and the community, and focus on strategic outcomes that continue to build upon the previous successes of DPS Foundation. The best candidate will be comfortable leading through periods of growth and will possess previous experience in stewarding transformative organizational change.

About Durham, NC

Durham is defined by a unique blend of historic charm and forward-thinking energy. Known as the "Bull City," Durham has transformed its industrial roots into a thriving hub for education, the arts, and entrepreneurship. Residents enjoy a high-quality and vibrant cultural landscape, with a diverse range of experiences that cater to a multitude of lifestyles and those with a deep appreciation for community history.

Working in Durham means joining a collaborative and progressive professional environment. The city is a magnet for talent in education, biotechnology, and social impact, supported by prestigious institutions like Duke University, North Carolina Central University, and Durham Technical Community College. Beyond its economic strengths, Durham is distinguished by its deep commitment to civic engagement and social justice. It is a community that values inclusive growth, making it an ideal place for mission-driven leaders who want to live in a culturally rich, diverse city where their work can have a tangible and lasting local impact.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a hybrid role based in Durham, North Carolina. The salary for this position is $100,000 - $125,000 with a generous benefits package.

How to Express Interest

To express your interest in this opportunity, please submit your resume and cover letter on Maneva Group's website.

All inquiries and discussions will be handled with the utmost confidentiality. This position is available immediately, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the role is filled.

We look forward to receiving your interest.

About Maneva Group

Maneva Group is a leading woman- and minority-owned executive search firm dedicated to connecting exceptional talent with organizations committed to making a meaningful impact. Through a consultative and client-focused approach, Maneva Group partners with mission-driven organizations to build transformative leadership teams.

Our name, Maneva, comes from the combination of two Sanskrit words: “Mānav” meaning mankind & “Sevā” meaning service. We are driven by the ideal of our name - service to humanity.