Job Description

📢 Colorado School Funding Project is Hiring an Executive Director

📘 About the Organization

Founded in 1995, the Colorado School Finance Project (CSFP) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that provides accurate, research-based information on Colorado’s K-12 school finance system. CSFP supports school districts, policymakers, and education associations by compiling, analyzing, and communicating data that promotes understanding and transparency in public school funding (Colorado School Finance Project).

🧭 Position Summary

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of the Colorado School Finance Project (CSFP), providing strategic leadership, policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, and operational oversight. This role offers the opportunity to lead one of the most respected and trusted voices in Colorado school finance, shaping the statewide conversation around equitable funding and informed education policy.

As the organization’s public face and strategic leader, the Executive Director oversees all aspects of CSFP’s work, including fiscal management, policy research, legislative engagement, and communication with education leaders, policymakers, and the public. The position provides meaningful influence over funding practices and policy outcomes that impact every Colorado student and district.

The Executive Director guides a collaborative, learning-oriented team culture that values nonpartisan analysis, continuous improvement, and partnership with diverse stakeholders across the state. The role requires strong analytical ability, a deep understanding of educational policy, effective nonprofit leadership, exceptional communication skills, and sound political and educational judgment.

💼 Key Responsibilities

• Provides strategic leadership for CSFP: defines vision, sets priorities, and aligns activities with mission;
• Oversees day‑to‑day operations: budget, fiscal management, contracts, staffing, and administration;
• Supervises staff and consultants; coordinates bookkeeper/accountant and communications/policy partners;
• Manages funder relationships, program evaluation, and strategic partnerships statewide;
• Serves as a key fundraiser—building and maintaining relationships with districts, organizations, and sponsors to secure annual contributions and financial support;
• Leads policy research and analysis; monitors legislation, produces reports, data summaries, and fact sheets;
• Monitors finance-related legislation and rulemaking; advises internal and external stakeholders for timely implementation and response;
• Serves as primary liaison to the Colorado General Assembly, CDE, and other stakeholders;
• Develops and maintains partnerships with state and education associations (CASE, CASB, CO BOCES, CEA, CASBO, DBO, AFT, Rural School Alliance, etc.);
• Engages regularly with the Colorado Department of Education, legislative committees, district officials, advocacy groups, and funders;
• Leads communications: craft accessible messages, manage media relations, and oversee website content;
• Plans and executes CSFP events, conferences, and membership meetings; secures sponsorships and speakers;
• Identifies, develops, and leads research studies, training workshops, advisory meetings, and resources on school finance topics aligned with Colorado’s finance law and adequacy studies;
• Designs training materials and delivers professional development for district leaders, charter school business officials, and regional partners;
• Oversees technology, website, and records management; ensures compliance and data integrity;
• Maintains CSFP’s non‑partisan stance and expands funding sources (memberships, sponsors, grants);

And, other duties as assigned.

🎓 Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public policy, economics, education finance, nonprofit management, or related field; 
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive leadership experience in education policy, school finance, nonprofit management, or a closely related field;
• Demonstrated work experience managing budgets, supervising staff, and overseeing operations;
• Minimum three (3) years of experience within or supporting the K-12 education environment;
• Proven ability to analyze and communicate complex financial and policy information effectively;
• Ability to travel across Colorado for workshops, advisory group meetings, and strategic engagements;
• While the position is remote, the Executive Director must live within practical proximity to the Denver Metro area to support regular in-person engagement with partners, policymakers, and education leaders;
• Ability to be on-site in Denver during the Colorado legislative session, including attending committee hearings, stakeholder meetings, and other Capitol-based events;
• Availability for in-person meetings with legislators, state agencies, district leaders, and funders throughout the year, sometimes with short notice.

🏅 Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree (MPA, Ed.M./Ed.D. in education policy, economics, business, or nonprofit management);
• Background in Colorado school finance, education policy, or legislative testimony;
• Experience with grant management, fundraising, and event sponsorships;
• Experience leading a small nonprofit or membership-based organization;
• Prior experience serving on or closely collaborating with a school board.

💡 Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes

• Clear ability to translate complex finance topics into accessible, practical guidance for non‑finance audiences;
• High integrity and commitment to nonpartisan service;
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills;
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills, with experience presenting to policymakers, district and school leaders, and community audiences;
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities;
• Confidence in public speaking and media engagement;
• Ability to collaborate across rural and urban districts and diverse stakeholder groups;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Google Workspace, and virtual platforms (Zoom, Teams);
• Familiarity with data visualization tools, website CMS, and digital communications;
• Ability to balance remote work with frequent face-to-face engagement, relationship-building, and responsive collaboration in Metro Denver;
• Comfort navigating the fast-paced environment of the legislative session, including in-person advocacy and real-time communication with policymakers.

💰 Compensation and Benefits

• Salary Range $108,676 – $163,014 annual competitive salary based upon relevant work experience, education, skills, and expertise to the duties and responsibilities of the position;
• Healthcare Support Compensation: CSFP offers a monthly healthcare stipend that may be used toward the cost of personal health coverage or related expenses;
• Travel Reimbursement: Approved business mileage is reimbursed at the applicable rate established by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS);
• CSFP is a Non-PERA employer.

📅 Start Date: July 1, 2026 

How to Apply

✉️ How to Apply Interested candidates should submit the following documents: 

1. Cover letter highlighting relevant experience and organizational vision
2. Résumé
3. Three (3) professional references 

Completed applications shall be submitted to Shelly Landgraf, HR Consultant, via email at shelly.landgraf@purehrsolutions.org. 

• Applications will be accepted until February 15, 2026; incomplete applications will not be considered.  
• Virtual interviews will take place on Wednesday, March 5, 2026.
• In-person Finalist interviews will take place on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at the CASB Office, located at 2253 S. Oneida St., Ste. 300, Denver, CO 80224.  

Bureaus: Colorado. Job Categories: Contract. Job Types: Finance. Salaries: 100,000 and above.