Job Description: Executive Director for North Thurston Education Foundation

Job Description: Executive Director for North Thurston Education Foundation

POSITION CLOSES: JUNE 27, 2023

To apply for this position, please send your application to Blake Knoblauch, Board President of the North Thurston Education Foundation, at [email protected].

The North Thurston Education Foundation (NTEF) is seeking a motivated and creative self-starter for the position of Executive Director. As the Executive Director, you will be responsible for assisting the Board of Trustees in expanding the organization’s capacity to meet the growing educational needs of the community. This includes program management, fundraising and resource development, asset stewardship, communications and partnerships, and organizational administration.

The NTEF is an independent, not-for-profit, community-based organization that mobilizes financial, leadership, and other resources to enrich programs and enhance educational opportunities for students and staff of North Thurston Public Schools. In the previous year, the Foundation raised $739,500 to support students and overcome educational obstacles where public funding is unavailable or inadequate. Examples of the Foundation’s impact include providing financial assistance for emergency needs, scholarships for higher education, direct aid for unique student learning opportunities, and grants for innovative education programs.

As the Executive Director, you will play a key role in implementing the recently established partnership agreement between NTEF and the North Thurston Public Schools. Your responsibilities will include serving as ex-officio and staff to the Board of Trustees and Executive Committee, providing administrative support, training, board development, planning, contract management, and other operational and administrative duties. You will also cultivate and maintain an excellent working relationship with the North Thurston Public Schools, coordinate committees, manage financial operations and reporting, and oversee program implementation, including scholarship awards and learning assistance grants

Additionally, you will be responsible for developing and strengthening community and business partnerships, increasing the visibility and outreach of the Foundation, managing communications through the website and social media platforms, and representing the Foundation as requested. Fundraising and development activities, including membership growth, securing in-kind donations, and working with contracted marketing agencies for reports and publications, will also be part of your role.

To excel in this position, you should have a passion for education and community-based organizations. A minimum of 3-5 years of related experience in the majority of areas of responsibility is preferred, and a bachelor’s degree is desirable. You should be committed to the Foundation’s mission and capable of working cooperatively with the Board of Trustees and Executive Committee. The ability to work independently with minimal supervision, financial and record-keeping skills, development experience, strong communication skills, proficiency in computer applications, and the ability to work effectively with external partners and stakeholders are essential.

The North Thurston Education Foundation offers competitive compensation for this role.

To apply for this position, please send your application to Blake Knoblauch, Board President of the North Thurston Education Foundation, at [email protected].

We welcome individuals who are enthusiastic about supporting education and are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of students in the North Thurston Public Schools. Join our team and contribute to the growth and success of our community through education.

 

ABOUT NORTH THURSTON EDUCATION FOUNDATION: Incorporated in 1989, the North Thurston Education Foundation is an independent, tax-exempt non-profit volunteer organization that raises funds to eliminate financial barriers to student success among North Thurston students from low-income families. In addition to the scholarship program, the Foundation provides each district school with student assistance funds that can be used for student needs that can’t be met with public funds; offers financial help to the district’s more than one thousand homeless students; and makes grants to teachers for special classroom projects. More information about the Foundation is available at www.ntef.org.

 

 

Farewell and Thank You

June 1, 2023

Mike Jones 2019 Headshot

Michael Jones

Executive Director

Dear North Thurston Education Foundation Supporters,

I was appointed North Thurston Education Foundation’s (NTEF) Executive Director on August 1, 2017, and it has been an absolute privilege and honor to serve the Foundation and work alongside such dedicated and passionate individuals. Together, we have made significant strides in supporting students within our community, contributing $3.4 million towards their educational endeavors.

While reflecting on my personal and professional journey, I have realized that it is time to take a step back and prioritize other aspects of my life. Therefore, I have decided to take a break from my professional responsibilities to travel and spend quality time with my family. I am not renewing my contract as Executive Director, effective July 31, 2023.

This period of rejuvenation and exploration is essential for personal growth and will allow me to return to the workforce with renewed energy and fresh perspectives.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to the NTEF Board of Directors and our invaluable stakeholders for their unwavering support throughout my tenure. Together, we have accomplished remarkable achievements, positively impacting the lives of countless students in North Thurston.

I am confident that the NTEF will thrive under new leadership and achieve even greater success.

I assure you that I am committed to facilitating a smooth transition during this period. I will work closely with my successor and provide any necessary support to ensure a seamless handover of responsibilities.

Please accept my sincere thanks for the opportunity to lead the NTEF and make a difference in students’ lives. I am grateful for the support, collaboration, and friendships forged during my time here. It has been a privilege to serve alongside you all.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need any additional information or assistance during this transition. My personal contact information remains unchanged.

Thank you once again for your understanding and support. I look forward to witnessing the continued success of the North Thurston Education Foundation and the bright future for the students we serve.

Mike Jones, Executive Director
Phone: 360-790-6548
Email: [email protected]

P.S. The NTEF Board is actively hiring my replacement. Please email Board President, Blake Knoblauch, here for more information.

North Thurston Education Foundation Awards $191,000 in Scholarships to 49 Students

The North Thurston Education Foundation has awarded scholarships with a total value of $191,000 to 49 graduating seniors from North Thurston Public Schools.

“We are delighted to award scholarships to so many of our graduating NTPS seniors. Our selection process was very competitive this year due to the high quality of our student applications. These students, who spent most of their final two years of high school learning online, are articulate, strong, and resilient. It is an honor to support them as they take their next steps in life. We are thankful to our gracious donors who support the North Thurston Education Foundation Scholarship program. Due to their generosity, NTEF offered several newly named scholarships this year. We appreciate the kindness of this community and their support of our students and schools, “ said Beth Utto-Galarneau, Scholarship Chair.

Scholarships awarded range from $2,500 to $14,000. The NTEF Scholarship Committee evaluated applications on several factors, including academic achievement, school and community activities, references, quality of the required essay and financial need.

The following graduating seniors received this year’s awards: 

Named Scholarships: The scholarship program includes designated named endowed scholarships and Foundation-funded scholarships.

In 2023, 27 named scholarships were awarded to the following students:

Alex Ward Memorial Scholarship – Avery Anderson, North Thurston High School

Bill Williams Memorial Scholarship – Levi White, Timberline High School

Charles E. Callahan Education Scholarship – Rachelle Chavez, Timberline High School

Colton Thorstrom Smith Scholarship – Angel Vannoy, River Ridge High School

Lisa Corwin Memorial Scholarship – Cianna Cantrell, River Ridge High School

Davies Vocational-Technical Scholarship – Sage Tomlinson, River Ridge High School

Frank Parker Memorial Scholarship – Natalie Hagerman, North Thurston High School

Friends and Family Scholarship – Ashley Nguyen, Timberline High School

James Koval Memorial Scholarship – Lizette Arana, Timberline High School

Jeannette Hostetter Ford Memorial Scholarship – Annika Nelson, Timberline High School

John Gott Education Scholarship – Alanis Blackburn, River Ridge High School

Roy Pedersen Memorial Scholarship – Dylan Phipps, North Thurston High School

Dr. G. Sue Shannon Scholarship – Lakeshia Nesbitt-Tominus, North Thurston High School

Nicholas T. Walker Scholarship – Cooper Smith, Timberline High School

Ethel & Vaughn F. Philpot Scholarship – Snohwimnimah Nmah, Timberline High School

Rahman Family Scholarship – Chae Won Yoo, North Thurston High School

Craig A. Shanafelt Scholarship – Alyssa Jerenz-Mapu, Timberline High School

Gillis Breaking Barrier Scholarship – Pitrish Mualia, Timberline High School

Porter Scholarship for Hope – Brandon Jean, Timberline High School

Skip Scoggin Scholarship – Christopher Towne, North Thurston High School

Supporting Women in STEM Scholarship – Veronica England, North Thurston High School

The Mary P Dolciani Scholarship –

  • Angelo Lomsdale, River Ridge High School
  • Vladimir Ordonez, River Ridge High School

Lewis R. Hawthorne & Edna C. Hawthorne Scholarships –

  • Isatou Barrow, North Thurston High School
  • Sharon Gracey, North Thurston High School
  • Jason Pham, Timberline High School
  • Kayla Housekeeper, Timberline High School

Foundation Scholarships: $2500 Foundation Scholarships are awarded annually. In 2023, 22 foundation scholarships were awarded to the following students:

North Thurston High School: Avelinn Colombo, Angie Ata, Plascencia Alejandra, Melia Yoshioka-Niau and Laurel Cheny

River Ridge High School: Yesica Mendez Sandoval and Tavieon Tucker
Timberline High School: Jacob Garrison, Ruby Danielson, Brandon Avent, Mackenzie Comeaux, Kaydren Boyer, Lyliea Funk, Damian Zimmerman, McKenzie Welliver, Trinitee Robertson, Sierra Rice, Cheyenne Paavola, Zakary Hopper and Janine Bermudez.

Envision Career Academy: Grace Ratliff and Victoria Long

Twenty-three of the scholarships are named after individuals in the community and funded by bequests from or donations on behalf of the persons for whom they are named. The remaining scholarships were solely financed by the Foundation’s annual fund-raising and by an unrestricted grant from the Dawkins Charitable Trust. To view a list of scholarship establishment history and details, visit: https://ntef.org/special-named-endowed-scholarships/.