Strategic Development Director Jobs in Minnesota

MinnPost is hiring an Development Director, a senior leadership position that will lead fundraising and philanthropic revenue generation across the organization. Reporting to the Executive Director and serving on the leadership team, this person will work with editorial, business staff, and the board to set goals, build relationships, and grow the resources that support MinnPost's public-service journalism. The Development Director will own annual and multi-year fundraising goals and is accountable for meeting them, the primary measure of success in this role.

MinnPost is built on a strong foundation. The donor community is long-standing, established and loyal, supported by a membership program that forms the base of the pipeline and represents a significant and consistent source of revenue. This position will lead a talented three-person fundraising team, and oversee contractors to support the MinnPost Festival, which is a marquee annual event that generates both revenue and community connection. This role will also work closely with the board, which is actively engaged in fundraising and organizational leadership and is committed to growing MinnPost's revenue base. This is a role for someone who wants to put those assets to work, deepen existing relationships, expand the donor pipeline, and build the sustainable, diversified revenue that allows MinnPost's journalism to thrive.

We're looking for someone who is entrepreneurial, relationship-driven, and committed to MinnPost's mission. Strong candidates will have a track record of cultivating major donors and funders, the organizational skills to manage a complex portfolio, and the people instincts to work effectively across a 20-person organization.

In this role, you will:

• Serve as a member of MinnPost's leadership team, contributing to organizational strategy and decision-making alongside editorial and business leadership
• Supervise and support the professional development of the membership manager and development associate
• Build organizational capacity for fundraising by preparing and engaging the Executive Director, board members, and staff as active partners in donor cultivation and solicitation
• Provide regular updates to the leadership team and board on development progress, revenue trajectory, and strategic priorities
• Serve as a public-facing representative and ambassador for MinnPost, building the organization's visibility and reputation among donors, community leaders, and partners

• Develop the budget and annual fundraising plan in collaboration with the Executive Director, staff, and board, tracking expenses and projecting revenue across all fundraising channels
• Identify and cultivate individual major donor prospects, developing personalized strategies and, in collaboration with the Executive Director and board, carry out direct solicitations
• Research foundation and grant funding prospects aligned with MinnPost's journalism and mission, and develop proposals, letters of inquiry, and grant reports in collaboration with editorial and business staff
• Manage ongoing stewardship of major donors and grant funders, including personal outreach, recognition, and required reporting
• Maintain and improve development systems and processes, including CRM management, gift processing, and donor pipeline tracking
• Evaluate fundraising results against goals and recommend adjustments to strategy
• Set strategy for and oversee the membership program, with a focus on member acquisition, retention, and conversion into major donors
• Expand and elevate MinnPost Festival as a marquee community event and significant source of revenue and donor pipeline throughout the year

• 5+ years of fundraising or relevant experience, with a strong track record of cultivating and stewarding major gifts and funder relationships
• Experience supervising staff or managing a team
• Experience planning and executing events
• Knowledge of Salesforce or similar CRM systems; CFRE certification is a plus
• Strong writing and editing skills, including proposal and grant writing
• Effective and personable communication skills with both internal colleagues and external partners
• A collaborative approach to work, with a focus on developing relationships across the organization
• A self-starting, entrepreneurial approach to problem-solving in a fast-moving environment
• Strong interest in Minnesota public affairs and the role journalism plays in civic life

There are great candidates who might not check all the boxes above or who hold important skills we haven't listed. Don't hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself.

To better reflect the communities we serve, we seek to recruit staff members from many backgrounds and with diverse identities. MinnPost is an equal opportunity employer, and we strongly encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, including people of color, LGBTQ+ people, and people with disabilities.

This is a management position with an expected starting salary between $100,000-115,000 annually.

MinnPost is based in Northeast Minneapolis with a flexible hybrid schedule. This position works in the office at least two days a week and regularly in person for special projects, meetings, and events.

• Health insurance (80% for employees / 50% for partners or dependents)
• 401(k) plan (3% matching up to 6% contribution)
• Flexible work hours
• Monthly phone stipend
• Vacation time off (15 days per year to start)
• Paid holidays (8 days per year) and floating holidays (4 days per year)
• Sick and safe time (10 days per year)
• Paid birthing person health leave (100% up to 6 weeks)
• Paid family leave (100% up to 8 weeks) through MN PFML program
• Short-term disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Options for employee-paid dental, vision, long-term disability, and supplemental life insurance

MinnPost is a newsroom of smart, collaborative people who care deeply about journalism and look out for each other. The community that supports MinnPost is unusually engaged: thousands of loyal readers and members who give because they believe in what we do. For someone in this role, that means raising money for journalism that people are genuinely proud to support.

The person in this role will occasionally assist with event setup, including moving furniture and lifting up to 25 pounds, and should be flexible with schedule for special events and able to provide their own transportation as needed.