The Madison Public Schools Foundation (MPSF) is seeking a President who will serve as the Foundation’s chief executive and public face, partnering closely with the Board of Directors to advance our mission, vision, and strategic priorities. The President champions the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) as essential to student success, democratic vitality, workforce development, and a thriving, inclusive community.

This role is designed for a highly adaptive, relationship-driven leader who thrives in complexity and change. The President leads fundraising, advocacy, and organizational strategy while translating ideas into action—aligning outcomes, teams, tactics, and resources to deliver meaningful impact for MMSD.

About the Position

The President of the Madison Public Schools Foundation leads a mission-driven organization operating at the intersection of public education, philanthropy, advocacy, and community trust. Serving as the Foundation’s chief executive and primary spokesperson, the President is accountable for fundraising success, organizational performance, and external relationships.

This is a primarily in-person role based in Madison, requiring regular, consistent on-site presence and active engagement with staff, donors, partners and community stakeholders, including frequent attendance at community meetings and events held during evenings and weekends.

Key Responsibilities 

- Partner with the Board of Directors to set strategic direction and ensure mission fulfillment. 

- Serve as the Foundation’s primary public ambassador and advocate for MMSD. 

- Lead and be accountable for the Foundation’s fundraising strategy and results, including direct involvement in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding    major and leadership gifts. 

- Develop and lead the annual Action Plan and Impact Budget, aligning outcomes, tactics, timelines, and financial resources. 

- Lead and manage Foundation staff and volunteers, fostering a high-performance, mission-driven culture. 

- Oversee advocacy efforts at the local, state, and federal levels, including referenda and public campaigns. 

- Guide marketing, communications, and community partnerships to advance visibility, engagement, and impact. 

- Ensure operational effectiveness, financial stewardship, and organizational resilience during periods of opportunity and uncertainty.

Desired Qualities & Experience

- Proven effectiveness as a public-facing leader and spokesperson. 

- Demonstrated success leading fundraising strategy and achieving philanthropic results. 

- Strong communications skills, with an understanding of marketing, storytelling, and brand stewardship. Experience translating strategy into                 execution through planning, systems, and people leadership. 

- Persistence, resilience, patience, and sound judgment under pressure. 

- Comfort operating in ambiguity and moving work forward without perfect information. 

- Experience managing staff and working effectively with volunteers and boards. 

- Strong planning and budgeting skills, with the ability to align outcomes, tactics, and resources. 

- Familiarity with the Madison Metropolitan School District or greater Madison community is a plus. 

- Experience with alumni relations or coalition building is a plus. 

- Commitment to equity, inclusion, and public education.

Compensation & Benefits

- Salary Range: $110,000–$130,000, commensurate with experience. 

- Competitive benefits package and paid time off. 

Learn More 

A full job description outlining responsibilities, qualifications, and reporting structure is available here: 

Job Description - President, Madison Public Schools Foundation

How to Apply

- Qualified candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to careers@schoolsmakemadison.org 

- Applications will be accepted through March 15, 2026. 

- The search committee anticipates conducting interviews in early April.