Rutherford County Schools
Job Description
Position Title:
Strategic Growth & Development Coordinator
Reports To:
Executive Director of the RCS Education Foundation / Superintendent's Designee
FLSA Status:
Exempt
Terms of Employment:
12 Months
Purpose
The Strategic Growth & Development Coordinator supports the expansion of opportunities for students, staff, and schools by identifying, securing, and managing grants, developing community partnerships, supporting fundraising efforts, coordinating strategic initiatives, and promoting the mission and accomplishments of Rutherford County Schools. This grant funded position serves as a key connector between the school district, the RCS Education Foundation, businesses, community organizations, donors, and other stakeholders to build organizational capacity and increase resources available to students.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Grants Management and Development
- Research, identify, and pursue local, state, federal, and private grant opportunities aligned with district priorities.
- Write, coordinate, and submit competitive grant applications.
- Develop grant budgets in collaboration with district departments and school administrators.
- Monitor grant compliance requirements and reporting deadlines.
- Manage grant implementation timelines and ensure all required deliverables are completed.
- Prepare grant reports, evaluations, and impact summaries for funding agencies.
- Maintain a comprehensive database of grant opportunities, submissions, awards, and outcomes.
Strategic Partnerships
- Cultivate and maintain partnerships with businesses, community organizations, higher education institutions, nonprofits, and governmental agencies.
- Identify opportunities to expand resources and services available to students and staff.
- Coordinate partnership agreements and collaborative initiatives.
- Serve as a liaison between Rutherford County Schools and community stakeholders.
Fundraising and Development
- Assist the RCS Education Foundation in fundraising efforts and donor engagement.
- Support sponsorship development and stewardship activities.
- Coordinate fundraising campaigns and special projects.
- Assist in identifying potential donors, sponsors, and philanthropic partners.
- Develop materials and presentations to support fundraising initiatives.
Strategic Initiatives
- Support district initiatives designed to increase opportunities for students and staff.
- Coordinate special projects that align with district strategic goals.
- Assist with implementation and evaluation of innovative programs and pilot initiatives.
- Monitor project outcomes and provide recommendations for sustainability and growth.
Communications and Marketing Support
- Assist in promoting district accomplishments, programs, and initiatives.
- Develop content for newsletters, publications, websites, and social media platforms.
- Support community engagement and public relations efforts.
- Coordinate recognition programs and community outreach activities.
- Assist with district branding and communication initiatives.
Budget and Administrative Support
- Assist with grant budgeting, financial tracking, and expenditure monitoring.
- Work collaboratively with district finance staff to ensure fiscal accountability.
- Prepare reports, presentations, and data summaries for district leadership and the Board of Education.
- Maintain accurate records related to grants, partnerships, fundraising activities, and strategic initiatives.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong grant writing and project management skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
- Ability to develop and maintain productive relationships with diverse stakeholders.
- Knowledge of fundraising, donor relations, and community engagement strategies.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
- Experience with budgeting and financial reporting.
- Proficiency in social media, marketing, and communications platforms.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with district leadership.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in communications, public administration, nonprofit management, business administration, education, marketing, or a related field.
- Experience in grant writing, fundraising, project management, communications, or community development.
- Demonstrated success securing grants or external funding preferred.
- Experience working with schools, nonprofits, governmental agencies, or community organizations preferred.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in a related field.
- Experience managing complex grant-funded projects.
- Experience with nonprofit development and donor relations.
- Experience in public education or educational foundations.
Evaluation
Performance will be evaluated in accordance with Rutherford County Schools policies and procedures and based upon measurable outcomes related to grant acquisition, partnership development, fundraising support, project implementation, and organizational growth.
Disclaimer
The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position.