Executive Director

Job Description

Are you a visionary leader passionate about inclusive Catholic education and a drive to make a lasting impact?

FIRE Denver is seeking an executive director to propel our mission forward, amplify our reach, and ignite transformational change in Catholic schools across the Archdiocese of Denver.

This is more than a leadership role-it's a calling to shape the future of education and ensure that every child, regardless of ability, has access to a faith-filled Catholic learning experience. If you are ready to inspire, fundraise, and advocate for a world where all students belong, we want to hear from you.

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Our Mission:
FIRE Foundation of Denver's mission is to champion the inclusion of students with disabilities in Catholic schools by providing educational resources, fundraising, and promoting a culture of belonging.

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Key Responsibilities:
Lead with Purpose: Serve as the driving force behind FIRE Denver's mission, vision, and strategic growth, working in partnership with a dedicated Board of Directors.

Fundraising Powerhouse: Spearhead a dynamic, multi-channel fundraising strategy that blends major gifts, corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, and high-energy events to fuel our mission. Cultivate and steward major donors, ensuring long-term financial sustainability.

Marketing and Awareness Builder: Amplify our message by developing compelling campaigns, digital storytelling initiatives, and community engagement strategies to grow awareness and support. Guide the Marketing Committee in crafting a powerful and mission-driven brand presence.

Event Mastermind: Oversee and execute FIRE Denver's signature events, bringing together donors, families, and community leaders to celebrate and fund our impact. From galas to grassroots initiatives, you'll ensure every event is an unforgettable success.

Advocate and Ambassador: Be the voice of FIRE Denver, passionately representing our mission at key events, conferences, and community gatherings. Build strong relationships with school leaders, donors, and disability advocates to expand our influence.

Board and Community Champion: Engage and empower the Board of Directors, providing strategic leadership and ensuring alignment with our vision. Cultivate relationships with archdiocesan leaders, parishes, educators, and advocacy groups to strengthen our collaborative efforts.

Financial Stewardship and Growth: Maintain the financial health of the organization through budget planning, responsible expense management, and strategic allocation of funds. Work closely with the Finance Committee and Board Treasurer to ensure transparency and accountability.

Inclusive Education Advocate: Oversee FIRE Denver's annual school grant cycle, ensuring funds are distributed effectively and equitably to support inclusive education initiatives. Provide resources and guidance to schools integrating students with disabilities into their communities.

Operational Excellence: Establish best practices for nonprofit management, human resources, and compliance, ensuring smooth and efficient day-to-day operations.

Supervision and Team Leadership: The Executive Director will provide direct supervision, support, and leadership to staff members, fostering a collaborative and mission-driven work environment.

They will ensure that all team members have the tools, training, and guidance necessary to excel in their roles.

The Executive Director will set clear goals and expectations, conduct regular performance evaluations, and ensure accountability across all levels of the organization.

They will actively promote a culture of innovation and excellence in day-to-day operations.

They will also oversee staff involved in event planning, fundraising, and marketing initiatives, ensuring seamless execution of FIRE Denver's programs and activities.

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What You Bring to the Table:
Passion for Inclusion and Faith: A practicing Catholic with a deep commitment to the dignity of every person and a strong belief in inclusive Catholic education. Personal experience or connections with individuals with disabilities is a plus.

Commitment to Catholic Values: The Executive Director will have a supportive attitude towards the Catholic Church, its teachings, and its mission and will refrain from public promotion or approval of any conduct or lifestyle that would discredit, disgrace, or cause scandal in relation to the Catholic Church in Northern Colorado.

Nonprofit Leadership and Fundraising Expertise: Proven experience in nonprofit management, ministry, social services, or disability advocacy. A track record of successful fundraising, donor relations, and major gift cultivation is highly valued.

Strategic Leadership and Relationship Building: Strong ability to engage and inspire volunteers, donors, and stakeholders while driving the foundation's strategic vision forward.

Exceptional Communication and Marketing Skills: A storyteller, motivator, and brand ambassador who knows how to connect with diverse audiences through written, digital, and in-person engagement.

Organized, Resourceful, and Entrepreneurial: A self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced, startup-like environment. Adaptable, solutions-oriented, and excited to grow a mission-driven organization.

Tech-Savvy and Detail-Oriented: Familiarity with nonprofit software such as Bloomerang, QuickBooks, Canva, Monday.com, and Google Suite is a bonus.

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Why You'll Love This Role:
Mission-Driven Work: Be part of a movement that is transforming Catholic education and creating lifelong opportunities for students with disabilities.

Community Impact: Work alongside passionate educators, families, and advocates dedicated to fostering a culture of belonging in Catholic schools.

Dynamic and Engaging Environment: Lead exciting events, collaborate with visionary leaders, and build something truly meaningful.
Faith-Filled and Purposeful Leadership: This is more than a job-it's a calling to serve, inspire, and leave a lasting legacy.

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Join Us:
This is your opportunity to make a profound impact on the future of Catholic education. If you are ready to lead with passion, fundraise with purpose, and advocate for inclusion, we invite you to apply.

About the Employer

FIRE Foundation of Denver's mission is to champion the inclusion of students with disabilities in Catholic schools by providing educational resources, fundraising, and promoting a culture of belonging.