Job Description

About Us:

Friends of GALA (FoGALA) is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization created to support the Girls Academic Leadership Academy: Dr. Michelle King School for STEM (GALA), the first and only all-girls public STEM school in California serving middle and high school students. Committed to fundraising, advocacy, and engagement on behalf of GALA, FoGALA champions the advancement and enrichment of GALA's richly diverse student body, aiming to create opportunities that help establish GALA as the nation's top all-girls, public, learning institution, graduating leaders for the 21st Century.

Overview:

The Executive Director (ED) position is a unique, first-of-its-kind position that will manage FoGALA’s major fundraising efforts, consider the creation of a Foundation to establish larger and longer-term investment in GALA, serve as an external spokesperson, and work in partnership with GALA’s principal, parents, and the broader school community.

The ED will be an entrepreneurial leader for FoGALA who knows how to take an idea and move it through successful execution. This role will be responsible for fostering relationships with stakeholders, advancing the school’s mission, and leading fundraising efforts to support the financial sustainability of the only all-girls public STEM school in California. 

Key Responsibilities:

Strategy Leadership: In collaboration with the FoGALA and school leadership, develop and implement long-term strategies that align with GALA’s vision for growth, sustainability, and impact.

Fundraising & Financial Sustainability: Lead, expand, and elevate FoGALA’s fundraising efforts with a bold, growth-oriented strategy. Drive major gift fundraising, grant writing, and resource development through dynamic fundraising campaigns, events, and initiatives. Significantly grow our revenue by cultivating and expanding partnerships with community, corporate, and philanthropic leaders and organizations. Develop forward-thinking strategies to ensure growth and impact. Work closely with FoGALA’s Board to provide financial oversight and stewardship.

Organizational Leadership: Lead the next-level development of FoGALA, which may include the creation and development of a Foundation, ensuring its alignment with GALA’s mission and goals. Provide governance guidance and support to the FoGALA Board. Work closely with the principal, GALA’s administrative team, and parents to understand school needs and ensure that the strategic objectives of FoGALA and school are aligned.

Operational Oversight: Oversee daily operations of FoGALA, ensuring effective resource allocation, compliance, and operational excellence, while fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture among staff, board members, parents, and stakeholders.

Community Relations: Assist with building and strengthening relationships and strategic partnerships with potential donors, local businesses, community leaders, educational organizations, alumni, and other stakeholders. 

Experience:

We encourage you to apply regardless of meeting all qualifications and/or requirements.

• 5-7 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, with a focus on fundraising and/or organizational development. 
• Proven track record of major gift fundraising, grant writing, and donor stewardship. 
• Demonstrated success in project management and execution skills.
• Experience in leading and inspiring diverse cross-functional teams, managing boards, and developing partnerships with diverse stakeholders.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking and the ability to craft compelling stories, and a sense of humor.
• Committed to supporting equity, diversity, and STEM in the public school system.
• Familiarity with education environments, specifically public school systems or educational nonprofits. Experience with the Los Angeles Unified School District, all-girls school models and/or STEM education is a plus.

Compensation:

• Salary range starts at $110,000 per year and is commensurate with experience. Health benefits and flexible time off. 

FoGALA is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse and inclusive workforce. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals across race, ethnicity, color, spirituality, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, ability, veteran status, health, socioeconomic status, healthcare access, and other personal identities.

Application Instructions:

Interested candidates should submit to Sarah Angel at development@fogala.org one PDF document with your resume and cover letter titled with your first and last name in an email subject line of “FoGALA ED - [your name].” Your cover letter should be no more than one page in 11 pt font & address: 

• What makes you an exceptional candidate for this role at FoGALA? 
• What about your experience, commitment, and/or interest in women/girls in STEM fields will help you excel as the ED at FoGALA 

Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Details:

• Location: Hybrid in Los Angeles, CA, with occasional in-person time on school campus, and/or community, school, donor events or meetings, etc. 
• Reports To: FoGALA Board of Directors
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Employment Type: Full-time, Leadership Position
• Starting Date: June 1, 2025, or earlier if possible

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