CEO MATC Foundation and Executive Director, Advancement

Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) is a comprehensive, community-focused institution serving more than 31,000 students annually across five campuses and a 24/7 virtual environment. With over 170 degree, diploma and certificate programs, MATC provides flexible pathways-online, in-person and hybrid-designed to meet students where they are and move them toward where they want to be. Whether launching directly into a high-demand career or transferring to complete a bachelor's degree through one of more than 40 university partners (including guaranteed admission agreements with leading Wisconsin institutions), MATC delivers accessible, affordable, and career-aligned education grounded in real-world experience.

Driven by a mission of education that transforms lives, industry and community, MATC is committed to empowerment, inclusion, innovation, integrity and respect. Ninety percent of associate degree graduates are employed within six months, and MATC degree holders realize significant lifetime earnings gains-demonstrating the College's measurable impact on economic mobility and regional workforce development. As a dynamic and responsive institution, MATC remains focused on expanding opportunity, strengthening industry partnerships and ensuring every learner has the support to succeed.

Reporting directly to the President and working in close partnership with the MATC Foundation Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer has a distinctive opportunity to shape the future of one of the region's most impactful educational institution. This leader will set the strategic vision for the Foundation, strengthening its governance, ensuring financial stewardship, and advancing a bold, sustainable fundraising strategy that fuels student success and regional workforce growth. As a key member of the President's Cabinet, the CEO will align philanthropic priorities with institutional strategy while stewarding the Foundation's independent 501(c)(3) status with integrity and transparency.

This role offers the chance to elevate a growing philanthropic enterprise, scaling major gift development, expanding institutional and government grants, and deepening alumni engagement to unlock transformational investment. The CEO will lead and inspire a dedicated development and grants team, mobilize volunteer leadership, and serve as the primary liaison between Foundation trustees and College leadership. By cultivating relationships with individuals, corporations, foundations and public-sector partners, the CEO will play a central role in removing barriers to education, accelerating careers, and strengthening Milwaukee's talent pipeline for generations to come.

The desired candidate profile for this role - is a great fundraiser; someone who can positively build relationships in the community, with funders and donors; who can connect to MATC's mission, has strategic vision, makes impact and can move long-term goals to fruition with their staff.

We want you to lead our MATC Foundation team!

Foundation Executive Leadership and Governance

• Serve as Chief Executive Officer of the MATC Foundation, providing overall strategic direction and executive oversight of all Foundation operations.

• Partner with and advise the Foundation Board of Directors on governance, policy development, and long-term strategic planning.

• Serve as the primary liaison between the Foundation Board, College President, District Board Foundation Liaison, and senior college leadership to ensure strong alignment and communication.

• Plan and facilitate Foundation Board meetings, including agenda development, preparation of materials, and documentation of proceedings.

• Ensure timely follow-through on Board actions and strategic priorities.

• Lead Board recruitment, onboarding, engagement, and ongoing development to strengthen governance capacity.

• Maintain governance policies, bylaws, and official records in accordance with nonprofit best practices and IRS compliance requirements.

Financial Strategy and Fiduciary Oversight

• Serve as the executive leader for the Foundation's financial strategy, planning, and reporting, ensuring alignment with nonprofit and public institution best practices.

• Oversee Foundation budget development and ongoing financial management to support strategic priorities and long-term sustainability.

• Coordinate the annual independent audit process and ensure timely, accurate financial reporting.

• Partner with the Finance and Investment Committee to monitor investment portfolio performance and steward endowed and restricted funds responsibly.

• Ensure transparent, compliant financial practices that uphold fiduciary standards and reinforce donor trust.

• Serve as authorized signatory for major financial transactions, contracts, and official Foundation documents.

Major Gifts and Strategic Philanthropy Leadership

• Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors with giving capacity of $100,000 and above, cultivating and stewarding long-term philanthropic relationships.

• Lead the planning and execution of multi-million-dollar capital campaigns in support of transformational institutional initiatives.

• Develop and implement planned giving strategies, including legacy gift cultivation and donor education.

• Partner with the President and senior leadership to identify, cultivate, and solicit transformational gifts.

• Create and execute comprehensive philanthropic strategies aligned with institutional priorities, workforce needs, and broader community impact.

• Provide strategic oversight and leadership for the College's institutional grants portfolio, ensuring strong alignment with Foundation and College priorities.

• Direct grant acquisition strategy, identifying and pursuing funding opportunities that advance institutional goals and student success.

• Develop and steward a diverse portfolio of grant-making foundations and external funding sources, including corporate and government partners.

• Oversee compliance with federal, state, and foundation grant requirements, ensuring accurate reporting and adherence to all regulatory standards.

• Review and approve grant applications exceeding $50,000, ensuring quality, strategic alignment, and rigorous compliance with grant-specific regulations.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive alumni engagement strategy that fosters lifelong connections, expands alumni participation, and strengthens philanthropic support.

• Oversee alumni database development and management systems to ensure accurate records, meaningful engagement, and strategic outreach.

• Create and lead alumni giving programs, recognition initiatives, and opportunities that celebrate alumni impact and deepen institutional affinity.

• Partner with academic divisions to build alumni mentorship and networking programs that support student success, career pathways, and institutional advancement.

• Serve as a visible ambassador for the Foundation and College, elevating MATC's profile as a vital economic and educational anchor in the region.

• Represent the Foundation and College at high-level community events and functions, strengthening external relationships and institutional visibility.

• Develop and steward strategic partnerships with business, industry, philanthropic, and community leaders to advance workforce development and program growth.

• Maintain deep knowledge of career and technical education trends, regional workforce needs, and institutional priorities to effectively promote MATC's mission and measurable impact.

• Lead, supervise, and develop a high-performing Foundation team, including development, grants, and administrative staff, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and results.

• Provide strategic leadership in hiring, coaching, performance management, and professional development to build organizational capacity and achieve ambitious fundraising goals.

• Partner closely with the Director of Finance and Operations to ensure strong alignment between fundraising strategy and operational excellence.

• Establish and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with MATC staff, faculty, and administrators to advance shared institutional priorities.

• Support college leadership in identifying initiatives and programs that can be strengthened through public-private partnerships and philanthropic investment.

• Ensure active Foundation participation in college-wide committees, cross-functional initiatives, and strategic planning efforts.

• Serve as a member of the President's Cabinet, contributing to institutional decision-making and aligning Foundation strategy with broader College goals.

• Uphold the highest standards of ethics and integrity in financial stewardship, donor confidentiality, and compliance with MATC policies and nonprofit legal requirements.

Compliance with all state, federal, and accreditation standards/requirements, as well as all MATC policies and procedures.

Required Education & Experience:

Direct Reports:

• Chief Development Officer

• Director of Finance

• Grants Manager

• Executive Assistant

• Total Department Size: 12 full-time employees and 1 part-time employee.

Start Date: This position supports the MATC Foundation and is available to start as soon as possible.

Hours: 40 hours per week, 1.0 FTE. Business hours with occasional overtime. The position will primarily work at the downtown campus.

Salary: Salary is listed to the range midpoint and is determined by years of experience credit, education and internal parity. Salary determination will be only based on years of credited experience that is listed on the job application, please include complete work history.

• Thoroughly completed application
• Cover Letter
• Resume

Interviews:

• Selected qualified candidates will be invited to a Round 1 virtual interview via Zoom

• Candidates who pass the first round will move to a final interview round, conducted on-site which will include a 1:1 with the hiring manager, a cabinet presentation and an open forum presentation (Travel and hotel accommodations will be reimbursed by the college)
  
  

Milwaukee Area Technical College is an Equal Opportunity/Access Educator/Employer. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you have a disability and need special accommodation for the application process, please contact our office at 414-297-6529 (Wisconsin Relay System: 711) or emailjobs@matc.edu.