The Henderson County Education Foundation (HCEF) is searching for a new executive director to lead the 30-year-old philanthropic organization energetically into the future.
HCEF Executive Director K. Paul Knott announced last spring that he plans to retire by the end of this year. HCEF’s search committee, appointed by the board, will accept applications for the post through October 15, 2016.
The new executive director will report directly to the HCEF Board of Directors. Responsibilities include strategic leadership, fundraising and management of the foundation and its volunteers, said Dan Poeta, HCEF’s board president. The search committee, comprised of board members, considers knowledge of Henderson County Schools and the community as a plus.
“We are looking for a dynamic leader who knows our community and can implement the mission and vision the board has set for the Education Foundation,” Poeta said. “We appreciate the administrative and organizational achievements Paul Knott has made to improve the Foundation and wish him well in his retirement.”
The new executive director also will be charged with nurturing positive working relationships with Henderson County Schools’ administration, increasing fundraising and building collaborative relationships with community leaders and partners, Poeta said.
Knott, whose experience included fundraising, public service, business ownership and service as a U.S. Public Health Service officer, replaced long-time HCEF Executive Director Don Jones, who retired in May 2014. Prior to joining HCEF, Knott served as the founding director of Lenoir-Rhyne University’s Center for Graduate Studies in Asheville.
Founded in October 1986, the HCEF has spent the last three decades raising funds for student scholarships and supporting Henderson County’s public schools through corporate partnerships and events such as the annual Education Celebration and Hall of Fame dinner, a golf tournament, a school adoption program and more.
By the end of the 2015-16 school year, HCEF had distributed more than $350,000 to Henderson County students, teachers and the schools.
For more information about the job description and/or to apply for the position, please visit the HCEF website at hcefnc.org. Resumes and a cover letter may be sent to [email protected].