Executive Director – NACS Foundation
NACS, the leading global trade association dedicated to advancing convenience and fuel retailing, serves as a trusted advisor to over 1,500 retailer and 1,600 supplier members from more than 50 countries. A member-driven organization, NACS is led by a 29-member Board of Directors comprised of convenience retailers of all sizes from all over the globe.
The NACS Foundation, founded in 1994, was first established with a mission to support the education of future industry leaders through the NACS Scholarship Program, and has since awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships—providing convenience and fuel retailers a way to retain, reward, and develop the next generation of industry innovators within their companies. In 2018, the Foundation expanded this mission to include new program areas that align with NACS members’ philanthropic priorities: serving first responders, fighting hunger, supporting healthy kids, and keeping our communities clean. In 2023, more than 70 unique brands, representing 30,000+ store locations across the U.S., came together on July 24 (24/7 Day) to honor first responders, medical and emergency professionals, and Red Cross volunteers. The NACS Foundation Response Relief program’s signature event unifies the collective efforts of tens of thousands of convenience stores to celebrate the partnership between the convenience store industry and those on the front lines in our communities, 24/7, with items like a hot cup of coffee, cold beverage, or a breakfast sandwich.
The relaunch of the NACS Foundation signifies its dedication to serve as a catalyst for the industry, where it can convene partners, marshal resources, organize efforts, and spark initiatives that will increase the impact of the industry’s charitable efforts. As we embark on the next chapter of growth, we are seeking an Executive Director to lead the foundation, partnering closely with NACS leadership and the NACS Foundation Board of Trustees to increase its impact.
Reporting to the VP of Marketing, the Executive Director (ED) will have overall strategic and operational responsibility for the NACS Foundation staff, programs, development, and execution of its mission. S/he will initially develop deep knowledge of current programs, operations, business and marketing plans, and stakeholders. This multi-faceted leader will align the NACS Foundation with the NACS executive team and Board on priority industry issues for advocacy, research, and focus, and successfully develop foundation strategies that impact the issues and galvanize the community. The Executive Director will cultivate relationships with donors, sponsors and community partners, and spearhead effective fundraising, programs, and events to ensure that the foundation meets its short-term financial goals as well as sustaining funding models. Beyond operational responsibilities, the Executive Director will be a passionate leader who inspires others within NACS and across our industry to engage with our causes. They will work closely with the NACS Foundation Board of Trustees to ensure that the organization is fulfilling its mission and serving our constituents effectively.
Fundraising & Communications:
- Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies to support the foundation's financial objectives and ensure sustainable funding for programs and initiatives.
- Build strategic communications and marketing to support the Foundation’s five pillars and signature programs and establish a lasting brand. Partner with NACS Marketing and Communications and Events teams to promote the Foundation synergistically within NACS strategic priorities and channels.
- Identify, cultivate, and maintain strong relationships with donors, sponsors, and community partners to establish fundraising opportunities, expand the foundation's network and secure long-term financial health of the Foundation and its programs.
- Foster a culture of philanthropy within NACS and engage board members, staff, and volunteers in fundraising activities.
Planning & Development:
- Design the Foundation’s strategic roadmap for expansion (size, funding, scope and programming, etc.)
- Spearhead strategic planning, setting goals and identifying timelines and resources needed to realize the roadmap.
- Build partnerships and establish relationships with industry partners, non-profit partners and community leaders on the Foundation’s plans.
- Be an external local and national presence that publishes and communicates program results and engages the industry and community in the Foundation’s progress.
Leadership & Management:
- Ensure programmatic excellence, program evaluation, and consistent quality of the Foundation’s finances, administration, fundraising, communications, and systems.
- Actively engage and energize NACS team members, Foundation sub-committees, partnering organizations, and funders.
- Develop and maintain board relationships and build involvement for Foundation work; recommend evolution of board committees and advisors to serve the Foundation’s success into the future.
- Recruit, retain, lead, coach, develop high-performing team members as the foundation grows.
- Ensure effective systems to track progress, and regularly evaluate programs, to measure successes that can be effectively communicated to the board, funders, and other stakeholders.
- Proven successes leading Foundation strategies and programming.
- Excellent relationship-building and networking skills, with the ability to cultivate and maintain strong relationships with donors, sponsors, and community partners.
- Strong knowledge of fundraising principles, techniques, and best practices in the nonprofit sector.
- Experience in planning and executing successful fundraising campaigns and events.
- Proficiency in grant research, proposal writing, and managing grant application and reporting processes.
- Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively articulate the foundation's mission and impact to diverse audiences.
- Strong organizational and project management abilities, including the capability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Experience in utilizing fundraising software and CRM systems to track donor information, manage campaigns, and generate reports.
- Knowledge of marketing and communication strategies to promote fundraising efforts and engage donors through various channels.
- Familiarity with major gift fundraising, planned giving, and corporate sponsorship programs.
- Understanding of financial management principles and budgeting processes to effectively plan and monitor fundraising activities.
- Experience working collaboratively with program directors and staff to align fundraising efforts with programmatic goals and objectives.
- Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards related to fundraising in the nonprofit sector.
- Advanced degree in nonprofit management, fundraising, business administration, or a related field is preferred.
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (such as nonprofit management, business administration, or a related discipline); Masters or MBA preferred.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in fundraising, development, or related roles in the nonprofit sector.
- Demonstrated experience in leading fundraising initiatives, leading teams, and achieving fundraising goals.
- Proficiency in using fundraising software, CRM systems, and Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Experience working with a board of directors, volunteers, and diverse stakeholders in a nonprofit setting is highly desirable.
We hugely value, invest in and are devoted to the constructive culture that we’ve built and work on every day at NACS. Almost everything we do requires broad, multi-department collaboration to ideate and execute creative initiatives that deliver compelling value to our members and our industry. What that requires is a relatively flat organizational structure that empowers teammates at different levels from all departments to constructively engage and support each other. Titles really don’t matter in such an organization. What matters is a culture of constructive behaviors that relishes divergent perspectives to craft well thought-out initiatives and then come together to execute them. NACS Values:
- Do the right thing
- Focus long term
- In their terms
- Be fiscally responsible
- Strive for excellence
The NACS Culture is highly collaborative, and we are better when we are together. NACS is a culture that believes in working together from the office. In addition, we offer 10 ‘work from anywhere’ days per calendar quarter.
- Position comes with the opportunity for company-paid professional development through conferences and certifications
- Comprehensive Benefits Package
- Salary commensurate with experience
- Immediate opening
- In-Office Position w/ 10 Work from Anywhere (WFA) Days per Calendar Quarter and Flexible Personal Needs Policy
Interested Candidates should apply via email to:
Stephanie Sikorski
VP Marketing
ssikorski@convenience.org
Please include:
Cover Letter (indicate why you are interested in the position)
Resume
Salary Requirements
NACS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis. All applicants will be considered for all positions on the basis of qualifications and without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, and any other legally protected status.
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