Associate Director, Foundation

Position Summary

Oversee the daily operations of the AWS Foundation, managing key programs such as scholarships, grants, research fellowships, and special initiatives that support welding education and workforce development. Leads marketing, public relations, outreach, special events, and fundraising efforts for the Foundation. Serves as liaison to the AWS Foundation Board of Trustees and assigned committees, coordinating meetings and maintaining official records.

Essential Duties

Administration:

• Oversee the day-to-day administrative management of the Foundation including inquiries, forms, documents and correspondence.
• Supervise administrative staff for scholarship and grant programs.
• Address high-level inquiries from AWS Board Members, Foundation Board, donors, and other AWS volunteers
• Serve as Document Control representative for the Foundation Business Unit.
• Assist and provide input to Executive Director during budget development process.
• Represent Foundation at AWS Conferences, Board, District, or Section events, as needed.
• Support the Executive Director & Workforce Development team, as needed.

 Donor Relations and Fundraising:

• Responsible for donation intake process and online fundraising and donor database management platforms.
• Oversee donation processing, tracking, and reporting.
• Work with donors and AWS Sections to establish endowments and develop criteria; answer inquiries from donors and Sections regarding existing endowments.
• Work with AWS Finance Department to establish endowment funds and provide input for monthly endowment fund reports.

 Foundation Board:

• Prepare Foundation Board communication including agendas and documents for Board meetings and the minutes associated with those meetings.
• Work with AWS Conference Department and Administration to coordinate Board meetings, committee meetings, and other Foundation events such as receptions, luncheons, and networking events.
• Provide other administrative support, as needed.

 Scholarship, Grants, and Fellowship Programs:

• Responsible for the overall scholarship, grants, and research fellowship programs managed by the Foundation.
• Conduct oversight of key operations, including application intake, selection, disbursement, and notification to donors.

 Special Projects:

• Conduct planning and execution of new or temporary projects or programs, established through support from major donors or as designated by the Board of Trustees.
• Collaborate with donors or Trustees on concept development and initial planning. 
• Form volunteer task groups as needed for program development and execution.
• Work with AWS Shared Services to address Finance, Marketing, and IT needs of special projects.
• Engage external marketing agencies to develop special project branding and promotional materials.
• Maintain program budget and provide final analysis on program outcomes and impact.

 Marketing:

• Work with Marketing Department to coordinate Foundation Welding Journal advertisements, social media posts, email blasts, and other advertisements, promotions, or public relations as appropriate.
• Develop content and collaborate with Executive Director and Marketing Department on Foundation Annual Impact Report.
• Oversee the Foundation's complete presence at FABTECH and other industry events, as assigned.
• Work with marketing to develop promotional collateral for scholarship, grants, and fellowship programs.
• Responsible for updates to AWS Foundation webpages, including using online Content Management System.

 Other duties as needed or required.

  Supervision Exercised

Manager, Scholarships

Program Manager – AWS Foundation

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Required Qualifications include:

• Bachelor’s degree. 
• 5 years of relevant experience.
• Supervisory experience is preferred.
• Fundraising and donor relations experience preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel. 
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Proper telephone etiquette. 
• Self-motivation.
• Deals with confidential information and/or issues using discretion and judgment.

Special Requirements, Licenses, or Certifications

None.