Sparta Education Foundation

SEF is searching for its next Executive Director! If you, or someone you know, have experience, skills, and interest in non-profits and enhancing education for Sparta Area Schools students, we encourage you to keep reading and apply. Send your resume and cover letter to the email address listed below. Thank you so much for your consideration.

Job Title: Executive Director

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Employment Status: Part-Time (25-30 hours per week)

Reports To: Sparta Education Foundation Board of Directors

Job Summary

The Executive Director is responsible for the overall administration and management of the Sparta Education Foundation in support of its mission. Working in close collaboration with the Board of Directors and Executive Committee, the Executive Director helps guide the strategic direction of the Foundation while overseeing daily operations, fundraising efforts, financial oversight, and community engagement.

This role serves as the primary representative of the Sparta Education Foundation to donors, partners, and the broader community. The Executive Director supports the Board in fulfilling its governance responsibilities and ensures that the Foundation operates effectively, ethically, and in compliance with all applicable regulations.

This is a part-time position requiring approximately 25-30 hours per week, with a flexible schedule. Occasional evening and weekend work is required to support events, meetings, and community engagement activities.

Primary Responsibilities

• Promote and advance the mission, vision, and values of the Sparta Education Foundation.
• Provide administrative guidance and support strategic planning efforts in collaboration with the Board of Directors.
• Track progress on multi-year strategic goals and annual objectives, providing regular updates to the Board.
• Inspire and support Board members in achieving established goals and timelines.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the Board of Directors and the Sparta Education Foundation operations.
• Support the Board President and committee chairpersons to ensure effective committee structure and operations.
• Support all Board committees as needed, including preparation of materials, follow-up, and coordination.
• Provide the Board with an annual work plan and regular progress updates related to Executive Director objectives.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Sparta Education Foundation.
• Support technology integration across Foundation activities and operations.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure administrative processes are efficient and well-documented.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with donors, sponsors, and community partners.
• Plan and oversee fundraising campaigns and initiatives to meet annual revenue goals approved by the Board.
• Facilitate Sparta Education Foundation events, including planning, coordination, and execution.
• Oversee donor database management, reporting, and data analysis to support fundraising strategies.
• Develop and implement a communications plan in collaboration with the Public Relations Coordinator.
• Serve as a representative of the Education Foundation within the community by attending meetings and events.
• Build relationships with community organizations, businesses, and stakeholders to promote the Foundation’s programs and goals.
• Oversee financial procedures and policies, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Oversee the annual budget in collaboration with the Board and Treasurer.
• Ensure compliance with 501(c)(3) requirements, including legal filings, Form 990 reporting, and adherence to the Sparta Education Foundation’s bylaws.
• Uphold fiduciary responsibility for donations and the proper distribution of Foundation assets.
• Maintain a working knowledge of trends and best practices in philanthropy, nonprofit management, and education foundations.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-motivated, organized, and results oriented.
• Effective leadership with the ability to see both the big picture and operational details.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to delegate and collaborate effectively with volunteers, Board members, and partners.
• Willingness to learn and adapt in a dynamic nonprofit environment.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of three (3) years of nonprofit management experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in fund development, donor relations, or fundraising initiatives.
• Experience with strategic planning, organizational management, and data analysis.
• Familiarity with nonprofit software systems preferred.
• Experience in marketing, public relations, or communications is a plus.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• May be required to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• May occasionally need to bend, stoop, squat, or kneel.
• May occasionally be required to reach overhead.

Note:

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to perform any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

Employee Acknowledgement:

I have read this Job Description carefully and agree to accept all above contents and requirements.

Signature:

_____________________________________________

Print Name:

___________________________________________

Date:

_________________________________________________

Email: sef@spartaschools.org

The Sparta Education Foundation (SEF) was founded in 1991 based on the belief that Sparta Students should not be limited to minimum standards due to a lack of state funding for education.  Since that time, many student have benefited from SEF-funded grants that provide the "extras for education", but still the need continues.

The SEF's mission is to help provide creative, progressive and innovative educational opportunities for our students and staff which are beyond the normal operating budget of the school district.

Please consider making a contribution and give our students important enrichment opportunities that would be available otherwise.  Go to the CONTRIBUTIONS page for details.

The SEF is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and operated independently from the Sparta Board of Education under an established set of bylaws.

If you have any questions regard SEF, please reach out to us!  sef@spartaschools.org

SEF BOARD OF DIRECTORS  2025-2026:

• LeAnn Kitson, President
• Jim Kerby, Vice President
• Sue Blackall, Secretary
• Patti VanderWall, Treasurer
• Joel Stoner, Ex Officio

Board Members: Michelle Alster, Julie Anderson, Kristi Armock, Jennifer Baldini, Erin Bormes, Roxanne Claxton, Chris Hoover, Sue Lampen, Bob Schirado, Stacy Helsel, Sarah Richmond

Associate Members: Heather Holland, Connie Howes, Sue Knauf, Bob Liscome, Liz Morse, Deb Warwick, Laurie Zurek, Kathy Reed, Don Behrenwald, Martha Markham

The SEF board of directors is composed of fifteen volunteers from the Sparta community who are dedicated to supporting the mission of the Sparta Education Foundation to provide creative, progressive,and innovative educational opportunities for Sparta Area School students K through 12th grade which are beyond the normal operating budget of the school district. Board of directors serve a three year term. Elections take place in June and terms begin in July. All board members must abide by the code of ethics written in the handbook. The board meets the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 7:45am in the Sparta Area Schools Administrative Board Room, 465 S Union St, Sparta, MI 49345. 

Duties and expectations include:

• Attend monthly general board meetings
• Adhere to the policies written in the SEF handbook and bylaws
• Participate in, support and promote SEF programs including fundraising
• Participate and support the activities of at least one committee of your choosing, including attending scheduled meetings
• Promote and advocate for the mission of the Sparta Education Foundation
• Protect the privacy and confidentiality of SEF, its donors,  and donations
• Maintain positive, professional, and supportive communication with school staff and other SEF board members.
• Board Members must first serve as an Associate Member

Volunteers who do not wish to become an Associate or Board member are welcome to assist with tasks or at events periodically throughout the year as needed and as desired.

To express interest in becoming a member of the Sparta Education board of directors, please email us at sef@spartaschools.org and write "SEF Board" on the subject line. A member of the board will get back to you concerning your next steps.

Board of Director Volunteer

SEF is currently seeking volunteers who are passionate about Sparta, education and children! 
If interested in volunteering, please fill out this APPLICATION and email to sef@spartaschools.org