Chief Executive Officer

BACKGROUND

Executive Bridge has been retained to recruit the next Chief Executive Officer of the Innovative Technology Education Fund (“ITEF”).   The current CEO, Charmaine Smith, is retiring July 1, 2025 on high note, as the organization has enjoyed much success during her tenure.   ITEF (www.innovteched.com) is a 501 (c) (3) foundation supported through the FCC license ITEF holds for four Educational Broadband channels in St. Louis.  ITEF makes grants to entities covering 144 zip codes in the St. Louis area.  ITEF empowers K-12 educators – especially in underserved schools and communities – to accelerate learning by introducing students “to the spectrum of available technology”.  With the intent to create opportunities for exploration, problem-solving and inspired uses of imagination, there are three grant offerings –  the Innovative Technology, the Professional Development and the Catapult grants.  In 2023, approximately $300K of grants were made and the organization currently has approximately $10MM in assets.  There are several areas for future growth which the board would like the successful candidate to explore once a full grant cycle has been successfully managed.

RESPONSIBILITIES

IFEF has two employees and an active, working board of approximately ten people, all of whom are involved in the grant evaluation and selection process.  In addition to safe-guarding the FCC license, the administration of the grant-making process and ongoing monitoring of impact, the CEO is engaged in community outreach to foster connections with educators. schools, district administrators and local organizations that support K to12 educators.  With a particular focus on the underserved, they are also a champion for creating access points to the foundation by holding workshops, roundtables, reading groups and specific grant writing workshops.  In addition to all of the expected administrative and financial responsibilities of an organizational head, the CEO must stay current on best management practices for foundations, provide thorough onboarding for board members, offer opportunities for board members to connect and to hold retreats.

REQUIREMENTS

We seek a self-starter who is a highly organized leader with experience building strong board relationships, solid general management and communication skills.  With a social justice lens, the candidate possesses a passion for K-12 education and the innovation technology can serve.   In addition to administrative, legal, financial and regulatory experience, the successful candidate will need the following qualifications for this hands-on, on-site position:

•          Exemplary track record in education – preferably working with educators and their support systems to achieve meaningful impact with K-12 students.

•          Grant experience – especially from a foundation perspective.

•          Known for strong relationships with a board.  Skilled at recruiting, developing and engaging board members who understand the importance of the hands-on work this board involvement requires.

•          Known as a strong communicator in written and oral formats; able to synthesize complex ideas and comfortable as the “face’ of the organization. Strengths in meeting and event planning,

•          Gracious leadership style which inspires others.  Flexible, empathetic, open-minded and approachable.

•          Detail-oriented organization and administrative skills including follow through and documented work history of creative problem solving.  Must have ability to create an inclusive culture and navigate/resolve complex situations/challenges.

•          Experience with a broad spectrum of technology is a plus.

•          Established success in nonprofit management – which includes active work with a board.

•          Able to hold themselves and others accountable – especially the grantees, their support teams and administrators.

•          10 years of work experience in this or a related field.  Bachelor’s degree required;

•          Defining characteristics: a charismatic and persuasive manner; passion for making a positive difference in the lives of the underserved.

Compensation:

Competitive compensation and benefit package available.

Respond: In confidence, all candidates should submit a resume and supporting documentation to: ckohlbry@executivebridge.com.

ITEF is committed to recruiting, considering, and hiring, qualified professionals whose work history demonstrates excellence, integrity, and the values of equity, inclusion and diversity in their previous positions.