Foundation Director - MnSCU Academic Professional 3

Minnesota State · MWST Worthington Campus · $28.75–$42.16/hr (stated in the posting)

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Job Description

The focus of the Foundation Director is to increase Minnesota West Foundation funding and major gifts through corporate, community, private and family foundations, and alumni relations using a systematic gifts and grants program which encompasses identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship.  This includes the development of yearly plans including initiating and conducting research, preparation of proposals, and all other aspects of successful solicitations of gifts and grants.  The Director reports to the President and works under the direction of the Foundation Board of Directors. The Director is the primary advisor to the President on all Foundation, alumni, and fundraising initiatives.

Responsible for the development and implementation of a systematic program to increase gifts and grants to the Foundation.

• Develop short- and long-range fundraising goals in collaboration with the Foundation Board of Directors and the College President.
• Build and advance a major gifts program that increases support from individuals, corporations, community foundations, private foundations, and family foundations.
• Design and implement fundraising campaigns aligned with key periods in the annual giving cycle.
• Identify, research, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospective donors to strengthen ongoing philanthropic support.
• In partnership with the College President, develop grant proposals and funding requests aligned with Foundation priorities.
• In cooperation with the college’s marketing department, implement a communications and outreach plan that raises awareness of the Foundation, strengthens strategic partnerships, and expands support for the college.
• Champion and advance the college’s mission and vision through meaningful relationships with donors, alumni, and community partners.

Develop and manage donor relations, alumni engagement, and stewardship activities.

• Lead donor recognition and stewardship efforts, including scholarship recognition events, alumni events, and other cultivation activities
• Maintain regular communication with current and prospective donors. Conduct solicitations with businesses, alumni, individual donors, and charitable organizations. Ensure stewardship practices reflect high ethical standards, professionalism, empathy, persistence, optimism, and sensitivity to donor interests and motivations.

Collaborate closely with the Foundation Board of Directors, College President, and Vice President of Finance & Facilities on financial planning and oversight. 

• Develop annual Foundation and residential hall business plans, including projected revenue, expenditures, and net operating results.
• Prepare and oversee the annual operating budgets for the Foundation and residential hall in partnership with the Board, President, and Vice President of Finance & Facilities. 
• Oversee Foundation scholarship funds, including allocation of earnings and related reporting. 
• Ensure accurate financial reporting on gifts, grants, and restricted funds. 
• Provide clear, concise, and timely reports that support the fiduciary responsibilities of the Foundation Board. 
• Maintain regular communication with the Board to keep members informed and engaged in Foundation and college priorities, activities, and events.

Manage policies, processes, and compliance requirements necessary for effective Foundation operations.

• Ensure compliance with applicable state and federal reporting requirements, Attorney General regulations, IRS requirements, Minnesota State expectations, and Secretary of State filings.
• Provide leadership for the development and implementation of Foundation policies, procedures, board development, board recruitment, board training, and standing committee support.
• Prepare information and materials needed for Foundation meetings, mailings, reports, campaigns, events, and Board decision-making.
• Oversee gift acceptance, processing, acknowledgment, and record maintenance procedures.
• Serve as the primary liaison to the Minnesota State System Director of Foundation Services.

Advance Foundation operations through planning, data management, and organizational effectiveness.

• Maintain accurate donor, alumni, and prospect information to support fundraising, stewardship, reporting, and strategic decision-making.
• Enhance fundraising performance, prepare reports and dashboards, and recommend strategies that strengthen philanthropic outcomes.
• Conduct prospect research and develop cultivation strategies that expand the Foundation’s pipeline of individual, corporate, and foundation donors.
• Continuously evaluate Foundation operations and recommend improvements that enhance efficiency, donor experience, and long-term sustainability.

Perform other duties as assigned, including participation in committees, special projects, and selected legislative or community relationship activities, to support the effective operation of the Foundation and reputation of the college.

This position can be located on any Worthington, Canby, Granite Falls, Jackson or Pipestone campus of Minnesota West. Remote work or hybrid work arrangements are not available for this position.

Salary Range: $28.75 - $42.16 per hour

Minimum Qualifications

• Three years of professional related work experience.  A bachelor’s degree may substitute for 1 year of experience, an associate’s degree may substitute for 6 months experience.
• Fundraising experience with demonstrated success in cultivating, soliciting, and securing gifts.
• Experience building and sustaining relationships with community members, donors, and prospective supporters.
• Strong written, oral, and presentation communication skills.
• Ability to understand, manage, and communicate financial information.
• Strong organizational and management skills, with attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of internal and external constituents.
• Effective time management and prioritization skills.

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Preferred Qualification 

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in a related field such as business, marketing, public administration, or a related discipline.
• Knowledge of the philanthropic landscape in the Upper Midwest.
• Experience with campaign management, annual giving, corporate and foundation relations, prospect management, alumni engagement, and communications.
• Knowledge of nonprofit financial and accounting practices and charitable giving laws, including IRS 501(c)(3) requirements and regulations related to cash and non-cash gifts.
• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential.
• Successful experience planning and executing fundraising and donor engagement events.
• Creativity, adaptability, and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

Other Requirements

• You must apply online and attach an electronic cover letter and resume to your online application in order to be considered for this position.
• All applicants must be able to lawfully accept employment in the United States at the time of employment.
• In accordance with the Minnesota State Vehicle Fleet Safety Program, employees driving on college/university business who use a rental or state vehicle shall be required to conform to Minnesota State's vehicle use criteria and consent to a Motor Vehicle Records check

Work Shift (Hours / Days of work) 40 hours per week. Full-time

Telework (Yes/No) No. Remote work or hybrid work arrangements are not available for this position.

About

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. Please indicate what assistance is needed.

Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications and is subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable bargaining unit agreement or personnel plan.

Benefits Information:

At Minnesota State, we take your well-being and work-life balance seriously. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that features low-cost medical and dental insurance with affordable deductibles, employer-paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and pre-tax healthcare and dependent care accounts with a roll-over option. To further support your holistic health, employees also have access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health, legal, and financial counseling. Detailed plan details, rates, and coverage choices can be reviewed directly via the State Employee Group Insurance Program (SEGIP) website.

To support your life outside of work, our package includes 12 paid holidays, generous vacation and sick time, and six weeks of Paid Parental Leave. We also help you secure your financial future with a robust Pension Plan, 457(b) and 403(b) retirement accounts, and various investment options. Furthermore, we invest in your growth by providing dedicated professional development and tuition waivers for both you and your dependents. Please note that specific benefit eligibility and coverage levels may vary depending on the type of position, employee classification, and collective bargaining agreements.

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