Executive Director - Cooper Foundation

The Cooper Foundation is currently seeking an Executive Director (ED) to provide visionary leadership, strategic direction and operational oversight. The ED will work closely with the Board of Directors to fulfill the organization's mission and maximize community impact in the Raleigh / NC service area and oversee the Foundation’s expansion to Atlanta. The ED is responsible for working with the organization’s partners to fulfill housing stability grant requests, identifying strategic partners, fundraising, coordinating with Cooper Tacia’s finance and marketing teams, and engaging with the community.

Background

Founded in 2023, the Cooper Charitable Foundation was created with the mission to improve people’s lives by helping them secure stable housing. John Cooper, our founder, and his family come from quite humble beginnings. Each of them understands the power of stability and safety in changing the trajectory of one's life. The Cooper Foundation was created to honor his own family and to express gratitude for his journey. 

John learned about transitional housing grants while involved with Haven in Lee County, a non-profit providing assistance to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The Cooper Charitable Foundation adapted this concept and created Housing Stability Grants to address the critical issue of housing accessibility in our communities.

Our grants provide financial assistance in two ways – helping working people access housing or preventing people from being evicted due to life circumstances.

The majority of our grants help people pay move-in fees such as security deposits, utility deposits and first and last month’s rent. What we discovered is that many unsheltered people are working; they can pay their rent, but they can’t save enough money for the upfront fees required by most landlords. This is the biggest barrier to safe and accessible housing.

We also assist those who are working but cannot keep up with their monthly expenses due to life circumstances. Issues such as illness, mental health, a car accident, job loss, divorce or domestic violence can all impact people’s lives in different ways. We help people pay their rent and utilities or pay for car repairs or other expenses. 

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement the organization's strategic plan in collaboration with the Board of Directors and Advisory Board. 
• Host at least two Board meetings in person to help with strategy development and familiarize members with foundation partners, building trust and leadership among the team.
• Host four Advisory Board meetings annually to help with fundraising, events and strategy.
• Foster innovation and continuous improvement across all organizational functions. 
• Establish repeatable processes that allow for the organization and the Board to enable its mission.

Board Relations

• Work with the Board of Directors on grant funding requests received from partner organizations with the goal of timely voting turnarounds (48 hours).
• Work with the Board on fundraising, asking for introductions to their contacts and potential donors.
• Support the Board in governance responsibilities and strategic decision-making. 
• Provide annual updates on the foundation’s achievements and impact. 
• Help with board recruitment, orientation and development.
• Lead fundraising and volunteer efforts with the Advisory Board, working with them to ensure their involvement and advocacy for the Foundation and its mission.

Fundraising and Resource Development

• Lead all fundraising efforts, including special events, corporate sponsorships and grant submittals.
• Build and maintain relationships with donors, potential foundation partners, community partners and, when appropriate, government agencies. 
• Develop strategies to grow revenue through other means (i.e. monthly donations). 

Community and External Relations

• Serve as a visible ambassador for the organization by attending partner events, housing conferences, and community / business organization events where donors and potential donors may be present. 
• Represent the organization with government officials, funders, media and community stakeholders. 
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships that strengthen organizational impact. 
• Advocate for issues consistent with the organization's mission. 

Financial Management

• Work with Cooper Tacia’s finance team to ensure sound financial practices, compliance with all applicable laws and monitor grant requests.
• Review monthly budget updates to ensure compliance with grant request requirements.

Marketing and Communications

• Work with Cooper Tacia’s marketing team to continue to build awareness of the Foundation with an emphasis on social media, quarterly newsletters and an annual impact report. The ED will be responsible for writing stories that can be shared.
• Assist with the development of invitations and marketing materials.

Operations and Compliance

• Ensure effective management of organizational administrative functions. 
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local regulations governing nonprofit organizations especially as they relate to 501(c)3 organizations.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressively responsible non-profit leadership experience. 
• Demonstrated success in non-profit management and fundraising. 
• Experience working with and/or reporting to a Board of Directors. 
• Excellent communication, relationship-building and public speaking skills. 
• Proven ability to work with partners, donors and the community. 
• Experience with strategic planning and organizational growth.
• Knowledge of grant writing and grant management. 
• Experience working with diverse communities and stakeholders. 

Employment Type: Full-time
Benefits 

• 100% Employer Paid Health, Vision & Dental Insurance for employee
• PTO
• Paid Holidays
• 401K W/ 4% Match
• Company vehicle with fuel card (add only when needed)

We are an equal opportunity and drug-free workplace. Pre-employment drug screening required.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required. Personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.