Foundation Director - MnSCU Academic Professional

Foundation Director

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…