President & CEO - Byerschool Foundation

BYERSCHOOL FOUNDATION

PRESIDENT & CEO

RUSSELL BYERS CHARTER SCHOOL (RBCS) FOUNDING STORY: Philadelphia Daily News

columnist Russell Byers wrote frequently and passionately about how to improve the city of

Philadelphia and was most passionate when writing about public education. He thrived on the

excitement of city life and believed that a solid education has the power to change the life of a

child... thereby changing the world. Russell died on December 4, 1999, when he was murdered

during an attempted robbery. As a tribute to his life, the columnist's family—Laurada Byers, his

widow; his daughter, Alison Byers; and his son Russell Byers, Jr. founded a charter school that

honors Russell's lifelong commitment to civic responsibility, community service and academic

excellence. With tremendous community support, the Russell Byers Charter School opened its

doors in the diverse Spring Garden neighborhood of Philadelphia on September 11, 2001 to 120

students in grades 4K-2nd. In 2024 RBCS will be entering its 24th year with over 725 students in

grades 4K through 8th and in its beautiful, safe and well-equipped facility at 1911 Arch Street.

THE BYERSCHOOL FOUNDATION (FOUNDATION): The Byerschool Foundation is a registered

501(c)(3) nonprofit created in 2001 to help carry out the mission of RBCS. The Foundation

raises and manages funds for RBCS students which supports the school’s innovative learning

model. Through the generous gifts of donors, the Foundation supports RBCS’ in-school needs

like music and art classes and up-to-date technology; after-school and summer enrichment

programs. The Foundation support also extends to RBCS graduates, providing them with

opportunities such as high school scholarships, high school and college prep classes, alumni

networking events, college visits, and other activities. Additionally, the Foundation dispenses

scholarships to qualifying 8th graders to attend the high schools of their choice with support

sustained throughout their high school careers.

THE PRESIDENT AND CEO (CEO) POSITION: The full-time CEO oversees all operations of the

Byerschool Foundation and is the prime fundraiser for the Foundation. This position has as its

critical role developing and implementing strategies for the Foundation institutional giving

goals for individual, foundation, corporate, and government support of RBCS. The position

allows for remote working.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

Fundraising

• Identify, research, and develop new corporate, foundation, and government

(Institutional) funders while nurturing current Institutional funders of RBCS.

• Steward current individual donors with the goal of increasing giving and develop a plan

to increase individual donor base.

• Working collaboratively with Foundation and RBCS staffs develop restricted

programmatic and project proposals as well as unrestricted revenue proposals for

institutional and individual funders.

• Insure the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) eligibility status of the

Foundation/RBCS and portfolio, and nurture/grow EITC support.

• Chair a Development Committee comprised of individuals from the RBCS staff, RBCS

Board, and the Foundation Board. The Committee creates and supports the annual

fundraising plan.

Operations

• Oversee and collaborate with two part time staff members (Director of Operations and

Special Projects Director who among other tasks: 1) Create Foundation communications

including to funders, 2) Handle data processing and Foundation payments, and 3) Ensure

complete and accurate RE records of institutional funders, including contacts,

recognition requirements, grant guidelines, proposals, and reports.

• Create Foundation budgets and auxiliary materials for review and approval by the

Foundation Board.

• Serve as the primary contact for RBCS staff for analyzing funder requirements and

deadlines, as well as coordinating school events that support Foundations efforts.

• Organizes quarterly board meetings, preparing all financial documents including

fundraising and operating budget reports to be reviewed. This position reports to the

Chair of the Foundation Board.

• Attend RBCS Board meetings.

QUALIFICATIONS: The ideal candidate will be a creative fundraiser, specifically focused on

increasing support from individuals, corporate donors and foundations. The candidate should

be an experienced grant writer, display exceptional project management and

relationshipbuilding skills, think strategically, and have a keen eye for details.

• 5 years’ experience in a major fundraising role and familiarity with nonprofit

organizations and their practices.

• Experience working in an educational environment, e.g. teaching, fundraising,

managing, is a plus.

• Excellent and persuasive skills with the ability to articulate clear and concise concepts in

writings and verbal communications with diverse audiences.

• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills including with Foundation staff

which report to the position.

• Ability to work independently, setting priorities and ensuring deadlines are met.

• Ability to work collaboratively with 1) board members/staff of the Foundation and RBCS.

• Exceptional research and project management skills, and ability to balance multiple,

complex projects in a highly deadline-driven environment.

• Understanding of Delaware Valley fundraising landscape and development cycle.3

• Flexible and adaptive to effectively manage changing priorities and new opportunities.

Job Status: Full-time. However, based upon an individual’s experience and qualifications, the

Foundation will consider a part-time role.

Work Location: While a Philadelphia Center City office and facilities for meeting with

Foundation staff and Board will be provided to the Foundation CEO, the CEO may elect to a

remote work location. However, The CEO will be expected to spend notable time at the RBCS

interacting with the RBCS CEO, staff, and students.

Compensation: An annual salary range of $130,000 to $170,000 has been established for the

position. The salary offered will be based upon an individual’s experience, qualifications, and

achievements. The Foundation will also offer a competitive benefits package.