Hybrid Executive Director of the Foundation bei University Preparatory Charter School for Young Men
University Preparatory Charter School for Young Men · Rochester, Vereinigte Staaten Von Amerika · Hybrid
- Professional
- Optionales Büro in Rochester
The UPREP Foundation is seeking an entrepreneurial, mission-driven leader to launch and grow a newly established foundation dedicated to supporting the students, staff, and community of the University Preparatory Charter School for Young Men (UPREP) in Rochester, NY. This is a flexible, project-based role with the potential to evolve into a part-time or full-time salaried position depending on the success of the fundraising strategy and dollars raised.
We’re looking for someone who sees this not just as a job, but as a rare opportunity to build something impactful from the ground up. The ideal candidate is a well-connected fundraiser, nonprofit builder, or local operator with deep Rochester roots and a proven track record in generating philanthropic support. If you’ve ever built a nonprofit, launched a development office, or mobilized a strong network for a mission you care about—this role was made for you.
About the UPREP Foundation
As public schools—including charters—face growing financial constraints, the UPREP Foundation was created to ensure students at UPREP have access to the same level of resources and opportunities as their peers in more affluent communities. Our mission is to level the financial playing field by generating private support that enhances academic programming, Career and Technical Education (CTE), athletics, leadership, and college/career readiness opportunities.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Fund Development
Who You Are
You’re not looking for a plug-and-play nonprofit job. You’re energized by building things from scratch and thrive in environments where you can make your own blueprint. Specifically, you are:
Key Performance Indicators
The number one measure of success in this role is fundraising traction. Initial milestones will be co-developed with the UPREP CEO, but will include:
Compensation & Terms
We’re looking for someone who sees this not just as a job, but as a rare opportunity to build something impactful from the ground up. The ideal candidate is a well-connected fundraiser, nonprofit builder, or local operator with deep Rochester roots and a proven track record in generating philanthropic support. If you’ve ever built a nonprofit, launched a development office, or mobilized a strong network for a mission you care about—this role was made for you.
As public schools—including charters—face growing financial constraints, the UPREP Foundation was created to ensure students at UPREP have access to the same level of resources and opportunities as their peers in more affluent communities. Our mission is to level the financial playing field by generating private support that enhances academic programming, Career and Technical Education (CTE), athletics, leadership, and college/career readiness opportunities.
Strategic Fund Development
- Lead all fundraising efforts—from vision to execution—including annual giving, grants, sponsorships, and major donor outreach.
- Personally identify, cultivate, and solicit a portfolio of local and national donors, corporate partners, and philanthropic institutions.
- Write or manage the writing of high-impact grant proposals and stewardship reports.
- Design and lead a flagship fundraising event to serve as the Foundation’s public anchor.
- Develop a clear annual strategy and fundraising plan, including quarterly milestones and KPIs.
- Collaborate with UPREP’s CEO, Leadership Team, and School Chiefs to assess school-wide needs and align fundraising goals.
- Build out the Foundation’s internal structure, including the recruitment of board and/or advisory committee members.
- Establish systems for donor stewardship, recognition, and tracking.
- Build strategic partnerships with local and national businesses, organizations, and institutions to create:
- Student internships, externships, and shadowing opportunities.
- Scholarship pipelines and career-readiness programs.
- Marketing and recruitment partnerships that elevate UPREP’s visibility and impact.
- Collaborate with the school's IT, tech, and marketing teams to strengthen the Foundation’s branding, storytelling, and outreach efforts.
- Help position UPREP as a high-performing charter school worthy of investment and community partnership.
You’re not looking for a plug-and-play nonprofit job. You’re energized by building things from scratch and thrive in environments where you can make your own blueprint. Specifically, you are:
- A proven fundraiser or nonprofit entrepreneur who has personally raised five to six figures through individual giving, sponsorships, or grants.
- Deeply connected in Rochester or confident in your ability to quickly build meaningful relationships in the region.
- Comfortable writing grants, making cold asks, and closing deals.
- Passionate about education equity, and eager to use your network and skills to expand access and opportunities for young men of color.
- A clear communicator, confident in leading meetings, making pitches, and keeping stakeholders aligned.
The number one measure of success in this role is fundraising traction. Initial milestones will be co-developed with the UPREP CEO, but will include:
- Dollars raised through grants, sponsorships, and events.
- Number of new donor relationships cultivated.
- Launch of at least one high-visibility fundraising campaign or event.
- Foundation structure and board/advisory model in place.
- Contract Type: Part-time, flexible (1099 contractor or structured hourly arrangement)
- Compensation: Competitive, based on experience and negotiated scope
- Potential for Growth: The role may evolve into a part-time or full-time salaried position contingent upon funding generated by the Executive Director.
