About The Public Education Foundation
The Public Education Foundation (“PEF”) partners with the community and the Clark County School District (“CCSD”) to meet immediate, critical education needs that will strengthen their public schools.
PEF envisions a community united to ensure every public-school student in Southern Nevada can succeed and achieve their dreams. PEF was created in 1991 by business and community leaders who were propelled by a belief that improving Clark County public schools was too big a task for a school district to undertake alone. For more than 30 years, PEF has maximized local resources to most efficiently serve public school students, families, and educators.
PEF is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit Nevada corporation and has a portfolio of programs and initiatives to support Las Vegas students, parents and educators including:
- Scholarships Plus provided nearly $6.7 million dollars in college scholarships this year to help students pursue their dreams of attending college or vocational school. PEF awards more than 1,000 scholarships each year to help high school seniors and college-enrolled students pursue post-secondary education.
- Teacher Superstore provides school supplies to teachers to reduce their out-of-pocket expenses. These supplies are then passed along to students who often can’t afford them.
- Teacher Fast Track identifies school employees who dream of becoming licensed teachers and prepare them for a fast-track preparation program at UNLV. Hundreds of new teachers are mentored through their first three years in the classroom.
- Supporting Our Schools, in partnership with the CCSD, helps guide effective investments in education to meet critical needs of students, families, and educators.
- CCSD Book Bus is a collaboration between CCSD, the PEF, and Spread the Word Nevada. The Book Bus connects students with free books to increase literacy and spark interest in reading among students and their families.
- Go to Grow Coalition is a response to chronic student absenteeism, enwrapping families with support to remove barriers to school attendance and success.
- School Accounts is PEF’s management of private donations for public schools that is used to ensure that schools get the help they need while providing all of the tax benefits donors want.
Through its efforts, PEF seeks to ensure equitable access to quality education and prepare students for future success in academics and life. For more information on the Public Education Foundation, please visit their website.
The Opportunity
The next Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of PEF will lead the organization through a period of growth and impact, serving as a voice for the organization and a leader for public education in Southern Nevada. The CEO will guide the organization in achieving higher levels of strategic influence and support for students, families, and educators in Clark County – with the understanding that these external indicators derive from a healthy organization with talented staff, strong partnerships in the Las Vegas community, and a solid reputation in the field.
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO will lead, inspire, develop, and grow a talented, passionate staff to support PEF’s goals. Managing a budget of close to $11 million, the leader will apply strategic business and operational skills to ensure long-term sustainability and diversify funding sources. The CEO will approach the role with vigor and commitment, steering the communication and delivery of effective growth initiatives for PEF.
As a fundraiser and visionary, the CEO will continue to steward external relationships and funds with transparency and fidelity to grow programming, scholarships, and educational resources. The CEO will oversee key fundraising initiatives, including annual giving, special events, grants, major gifts, and foundation support. The CEO will also build bridges with the Southern Nevada public school community and work to strengthen the relationship with CCSD leadership.
The CEO will focus on building PEF’s brand presence, increasing its recognition and reach among educators and stakeholders. With a deep passion for public education, this leader will inspire confidence and engagement, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to the success of students and schools. They will guide PEF through the current political environment, strategically positioning the organization and leveraging relationships with policymakers and legislators to advance its mission.
Candidate Profile
The Chief Executive Officer of the Public Education Foundation will have the following professional and personal qualities, skills, and characteristics, among others:
A Visionary and Operational Leader
The next CEO of PEF will be a strategic and results-oriented leader who, in partnership with the Board, leadership, and staff, will develop and articulate a shared vision and purpose for the next chapter of the organization. This capable leader will have proven experience implementing strategic plans and will have an eye consistently focused on the future and the next challenge for PEF to meet. With an operational mindset, the CEO will thrive in the intricacies of day-to-day business management while keeping PEF aligned with its strategic goals and initiatives, particularly with a lens of sustained financial stability. The right leader will excel in optimizing processes, driving efficiency, and fostering collaboration across teams to ensure seamless execution. Leveraging data-driven insights, the CEO will focus on achieving measurable results, tackling challenges, and identifying opportunities. This leader will cultivate accountability, energize their workforce, and drive continuous innovation to sustain the organization’s success. The CEO will ensure the establishment of best-in-class policies, practices, and programs that promote a strong culture of excellence in individual and organizational performance and outcomes. By balancing tactical execution with strategic foresight, the CEO will ensure that PEF delivers value to its stakeholders while achieving sustainable growth. The CEO will listen attentively, honoring the organization’s legacy while driving it toward a dynamic future.
An Effective Fundraiser
The CEO will be a seasoned development leader with a proven track record of success. As a skilled fundraiser, this individual will drive the expansion of the PEF’s mission, programs, and scholarships while championing a strong commitment to public education and its transformative impact. This leader will bring creativity and innovation to diversifying PEF’s revenue streams and will combine a process-oriented mindset with an entrepreneurial spirit to strengthen and grow donor engagement. The CEO will guide the PEF Board and team in strengthening partnerships with donors and volunteers as well as leading efforts to identify, cultivate, and manage donor development. The CEO will develop a powerful sense of shared purpose in others and motivate them to engage in the future of PEF. Moreover, this leader will contribute to building a culture of philanthropy, fostering a collaborative environment of giving inside and outside of Nevada.
A Relationship Builder and Collaborator
A personable, approachable leader, the CEO will communicate genuinely and effectively with all constituents and successfully convey PEF’s objectives, engaging colleagues and building bridges across the community. This leader will take an inspirational approach to building buy-in, collaboration, and generating support from the community. Meeting regularly with PEF’s executive committee, the CEO will make sure that decisions and actions are well-thought out and timely, and that tactical plans are being effectively developed and implemented. The CEO will be skilled at building and sustaining excellent relationships at multiple levels with varied constituencies, including PEF’s Board of Directors and staff, CCSD leadership, donors, community leaders, and funders. The CEO will support a strong internal culture of collaboration among PEF staff. They will be a teambuilder and inspirational collaborator that truly values buy-in from their colleagues, ensuring that they feel respected and heard. With the ability to engender trust, honesty, and integrity, the CEO’s management style will be simultaneously organized, efficient, and inclusive, allowing for the building of consensus and recognition of teamwork. The CEO must also have strong Board governance experience with an ability to maintain a culture of philanthropy and giving among the PEF Board.
A Culturally Competent Leader
The next CEO of PEF must be an emotionally intelligent and culturally competent leader with comprehensive understanding of the vast challenges within the school district and the community. This leader will foster an inclusive and innovative organizational environment by valuing diversity and actively engaging with various cultural perspectives. This leader demonstrates a deep understanding of cultural nuances and integrates this awareness into decision-making, communication, and strategic planning. By promoting equity and inclusivity, the CEO will build trust among staff and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds. The CEO will encourage open dialogue and will adapt leadership styles to suit different cultural contexts, while prioritizing initiatives that celebrate diversity and addressing systemic inequities. This leader will have an ability to navigate and bridge cultural differences that drives collaboration, enhances employee morale, and positions PEF as a leader committed to social responsibility and sustainable growth.
An Influential Brand Ambassador
As a dynamic and influential brand leader, the CEO will embody the core values and vision of PEF, serving as both its driving force and public face. Through exceptional communication skills, strategic insights, and a clear passion for the PEF mission, the CEO will inspire trust and loyalty among stakeholders and effectively share the mission of PEF to diverse audiences. This leader will remain extremely visible and public facing, attending special events, speaking to the media, and attending PEF functions. The CEO will be experienced at building effective coalitions with other organizations and a wide range of constituency groups, including corporate and civic leaders, elected officials, philanthropists, and community leaders. In all communication, it will be clear that the CEO possesses a passion for public education and the belief that it is in society’s interest that every child can succeed in school. This individual will navigate and facilitate complex – and sometimes politically-charged – conversations and environments with respect and grace. The CEO will help to disseminate PEF’s message and possesses the ability to properly balance collaboration and decisiveness, understanding where input is needed and then driving effectively towards execution. By championing innovation and embodying PEF’s mission, the CEO will not only enhance its market presence but also cultivate a reputation for integrity and forward-thinking leadership, positioning PEF’s brand as a leader in public education services.
Compensation & Benefits
The anticipated annual salary range for this role is $200,000 - $250,000 with the opportunity for a performance-based bonus of up to 25%. The Public Education Foundation offers the flexibility to appropriately motivate the team, including an unlimited PTO package and a generous retirement savings plan.
Contact
Marissa Delgado and Judene Hylton of Koya Partners have been exclusively retained for this search. To express interest, please submit your materials by filling out our Talent Profile. Any questions can be directed to the team via email at [email protected]. All inquiries and discussions will be considered strictly confidential.
Koya Partners is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals living with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual living with a disability and need assistance expressing interest online, please email [email protected]. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.
The Public Education Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants.
About Las Vegas and Clark County
Clark County, Nevada is a vibrant region known as the entertainment and sports capital of the world, home to the iconic Las Vegas Strip. For decades, Clark County has led the nation in population growth, and the metropolitan area now boasts 2.4 million residents. This diverse and dynamic area draws residents and tourists with its blend of urban excitement and outdoor adventure. Clark County offers something for everyone, from bustling nightlife to serene desert landscapes.
Las Vegas’s main attraction is the Las Vegas Strip, which features access to nightlife, award-winning restaurants, and endless activities, from live entertainment to professional sports. World-class artists perform regularly at luxury resorts and sports venues, all centrally located on the famous Las Vegas Boulevard. “Locals” have embraced the professional sports teams who call Las Vegas home, including the 2023 Stanley Cup Champion Vegas Golden Knights (NHL), Las Vegas Raiders (NFL), and back-to-back World Champion Las Vegas Aces (WNBA), among others. The Athletics (MLB) will join the Las Vegas community in 2027. We're increasingly attracting exciting international events such as the 2024 Superbowl, the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, and the National Finals Rodeo.
While Las Vegas is known worldwide as a premier vacation destination, it is also a thriving community that millions of people proudly call home. Residents enjoy diverse neighborhoods, schools, shopping locations, healthcare facilities, religious institutions, parks, recreational activities, and more. We're proud of the elements that make our community a wonderful place to live, including entertainment options for locals, such as The Smith Center with its diverse schedule of Broadway, ballet, and orchestra, and the thriving arts, dining, and brewery scene in Downtown Las Vegas. Countless museums celebrate the history, environment, and culture of Las Vegas, such as the Neon Museum’s Boneyard, featuring famous neon signs from casinos past, and the Mob Museum’s contemporary look at organized crime’s history in Las Vegas, housed in the city’s first federal structure. The Las Vegas Museum of Art will make its home near downtown Las Vegas in 2028. Local families enjoy the interactive exhibits at Springs Preserve and the Discovery Children’s Museum.
Beyond the neon, Las Vegas boasts a wide variety of outdoor recreation available year-round, thanks to nearly 300 days of sunshine a year. Within a 30-mile radius, you can kayak on Lake Mead, raft down the Colorado River, snowboard at Mount Charleston, and rock climb at Red Rock Canyon. It’s also easy to jump in the car and explore regional areas like the stunning national parks of Utah and Arizona and the beaches of Southern California. Las Vegas will soon be linked to Los Angeles through the Brightline West High-Speed Rail Project, and Harry Reid International Airport offers more than 550 daily flights to 150 cities around the globe.
While the entertainment and tourism industries thrive in Las Vegas, the community is also home to many innovative companies drawn to the positive business environment offered by the state of Nevada. Clark County offers a relatively low cost of living compared with other major metropolitan areas, and we are driving growth in other sectors, including healthcare, global technology solutions, and logistics. Regional and national headquarters continue to relocate to Clark County for the many benefits it offers.
The Clark County School District continues to be recognized as one of the most diverse school districts in the state and is the fifth-largest school district in the country. In 2021, U.S. News and World Report ranked the University of Nevada, Las Vegas the #1 most diverse university in the country. The culture of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Area can be summed up as one that embraces difference, values community, and champions innovation.