Foundation Director

• Increase Minnesota West Foundation funding and major gifts through corporate, community, private and family foundations, and alumni relations
• Develop yearly plans, conduct research, prepare proposals, and manage successful gift and grant solicitations
• Report to the President and work under the direction of the Foundation Board of Directors
• Advise the President on Foundation, alumni, and fundraising initiatives
• Develop and implement systematic programs to increase gifts and grants
• Develop fundraising goals with the Foundation Board and College President
• Build and advance major gifts programs
• Design and implement fundraising campaigns aligned with the annual giving cycle
• Identify, research, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospective donors
• Develop grant proposals and funding requests with the College President
• Implement communications and outreach plans with the college marketing department
• Develop and manage donor relations, alumni engagement, and stewardship activities
• Lead donor recognition and stewardship events
• Maintain communication with current and prospective donors and conduct solicitations
• Collaborate with the Foundation Board, College President, and Vice President of Finance & Facilities on financial planning and oversight
• Develop annual Foundation and residential hall business plans
• Prepare and oversee annual operating budgets for the Foundation and residential hall
• Oversee Foundation scholarship funds and related reporting
• Ensure accurate financial reporting on gifts, grants, and restricted funds
• Provide reports supporting the Foundation Board’s fiduciary responsibilities
• Maintain communication with the Board regarding Foundation and college priorities and activities
• Manage Foundation policies, processes, and compliance requirements
• Ensure compliance with state and federal reporting requirements, Attorney General regulations, IRS requirements, Minnesota State expectations, and Secretary of State filings
• Lead Foundation policy development, board development, recruitment, training, and committee support
• Prepare materials for Foundation meetings, mailings, reports, campaigns, events, and Board decision-making
• Oversee gift acceptance, processing, acknowledgment, and record maintenance
• Serve as primary liaison to the Minnesota State System Director of Foundation Services
• Maintain donor, alumni, and prospect information
• Prepare fundraising reports and dashboards and recommend strategies
• Conduct prospect research and develop cultivation strategies
• Evaluate Foundation operations and recommend improvements
• Perform other assigned duties, including committees, special projects, and selected legislative or community relationship activities

Requirements

• 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
• Must be able to lawfully accept employment in the United States at the time of employment
• Employees driving on college/university business using a rental or state vehicle must conform to Minnesota State vehicle use criteria and consent to a Motor Vehicle Records check

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in fundraising, donor relations, and grant management, with a strong ability to develop and implement strategic fundraising campaigns and programs. Proficient in financial reporting, compliance, and stakeholder communication to support organizational goals.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Fundraising Experience
• Donor Relations Management
• Grant Proposal Development
• Financial Reporting
• Strategic Planning

ATS Optimization Keywords

Hard Skills

• Fundraising
• Grant Writing
• Financial Management
• Proposal Development
• Budget Oversight
• Data Analysis
• Campaign Design
• Prospect Research
• Event Planning
• Compliance Management

Soft Skills

• Communication Skills
• Organizational Skills
• Time Management
• Relationship Building
• Attention to Detail

Industry Keywords

• Nonprofit Management
• Alumni Relations
• Major Gifts Programs
• Community Engagement
• Fiduciary Responsibilities
• Board Development
• Stewardship Activities
• State and Federal Compliance
• Minnesota State Regulations
• Foundation Services