Overview:
The Senior Vice President of Philanthropy (SVP) leads the work of securing charitable investments from those who care about the northwest Minnesota communities where they live, work, and do business. This position is responsible for creating and executing strategies that allow donors to invest in the Northwest Minnesota Foundation (NMF) in ways that honor their intent and help meet the organization's mission. The SVP oversees twenty-four (24) community funds and more than 400 scholarship, organizational, and individual funds totaling more than $44 million and is responsible for stewarding existing funds and growing the family of funds in the portfolio. The position also supports building strategic relationships to invite giving to the Foundation's unrestricted endowment and current programs. The SVP is a member of the Senior Management Team and works closely with the President/CEO to implement the Foundation's overall strategic framework and align philanthropy efforts with the broader mission to serve the community.
Key Responsibilities: - Philanthropy Strategy and Execution - devise, develop and implement strategies to grow the financial assets of the Foundation through individual, private foundation, governmental, and corporate giving. This includes identifying prospects, developing and stewarding relationships, and securing gifts of all types through targeted fundraising campaigns. The SVP is responsible for creating and monitoring the philanthropy budget and ensuring compliance with established fundraising practices and Community Foundations National Standards.
- Community and Donor Engagement - cultivate, foster, and enhance strong partnerships with local community stakeholders and donors to establish and grow dedicated funds that support the vitality and well-being of the community as determined by the people who live and work there. Funds include those for broad community support, scholarships, field of interest, and donor advised funds.
- Relationship Management - educate and support the hundreds of volunteers who serve on local fund advisory boards. Devise, develop and implement education and networking strategies to ensure volunteers are equipped to fundraise and reinvest wisely through effective grantmaking. Expand the network of key stakeholders who know and understand the Foundation's work by being present in communities across the region.
- Team Leadership - manage and lead a high-performing team of philanthropy professionals, providing guidance and coaching to ensure asset growth and individual success. Foster a high-performing team by setting clear goals and supporting team members to achieve individual, team, and organizational benchmarks.
- Organizational Leadership - work collaboratively with peers and the President/CEO to maintain the Foundation's operational and programmatic excellence as well as the strong reputation as a trusted, inclusive partner for all people who call the region home. The SVP nurtures organizational culture through people-centered, mission-driven, and impact focused leadership. The position plays a key role in sharing compelling stories of the Foundation's impact and serves as an ambassador for the Foundation at the local, regional, state, and national level.
- Data Management - ensure the Foundation's customer relationship, donor management, grant management, and reporting software supports the goals of the philanthropy team by providing accurate, real-time information to track progress and efficient processes to steward giving.
Reporting Relationships: The SVP reports to the President/CEO, is a member of the Senior Management Team, and supervises the Philanthropy Team including, Community Philanthropy Officer, Donor Engagement Philanthropy Officer, Philanthropy Specialist, and Database Specialist
The Ideal Candidate: - will have a deep connection to and understanding of rural life. From the economic forces that shape the region to the rich cultural traditions that shape communities, being able to authentically engage in issues and opportunities that matter to rural stakeholders is a core competency of the position.
- will understand the unique role of community foundations as a voice for the region, a leader in identifying and addressing community needs, and a trusted partner to make local and regional investments that strengthen northwest Minnesota communities.
- will be an innovative and strategic thinker, with a history of translating high-level strategies into action plans that achieve results.
- is committed to growing a fair and equitable workplace that reflects the communities the Foundation serves, embedding a commitment to inclusion in all aspects of the Foundation's philanthropy efforts.
- will actively seek out best practices and new trends in the philanthropy field and drive innovation that proactively anticipates changing market trends and organizational needs.
- will excel at building collaborative relationships with multiple stakeholders in varied and complex settings.
- can thrive and think creatively in a demanding environment and adapt quickly to changing needs within the Foundation and across the region.
Qualifications: Required: - Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in a philanthropy related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Minimum 7 years of related professional experience, with a minimum of 5 years in senior leadership.
- Experience working in rural communities.
- Financial acumen to prepare and manage budgets, prepare and present fundraising reports, and educate staff and volunteers on fund assets and uses.
- Excellent communication skills with a history of effectively engaging both internal and external stakeholders through authentic and compelling storytelling.
Preferred: - Master's degree in related field and/or Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) or Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP) designation.
- Experience working in or with community foundations.
Office Location: The SVP may office in a remote work location within the 2-tribal nation and 12-county region or live outside the region and commute multiple days per week to the Foundation's headquarters in Bemidji, Minnesota. Regardless of location, the SVP must spend sufficient time at headquarters to ensure effective team leadership and organizational collaboration.
Travel Requirements: The SVP is required to travel extensively in the 2-tribal nation and 12-county region to build and steward deep relationships with community stakeholders and donors. The Foundation utilizes technology to foster efficiency, and virtual meetings are necessary, but they do not replace local, in-person engagement.
Salary and Benefits: The salary range for the SVP position is $91,954 - $170,773 depending on experience. The Foundation offers a generous benefit package that includes:
- Dollar for dollar match on 403(b) retirement plan contributions up to 6% of your annual base salary;
- Health Insurance (2 separate plans available after 30 days of employment where employee and family premiums are covered 90% or 75% depending on the plan);
- Dental Insurance premiums are covered for all employees and all dependents at 90%;
- Section 125 Plan - Flexible Spending Account where employees can elect to contribute up to $3,200.00 for medical expenses and $5,000.00 for childcare to be used or lost by September 30th each year;
- Premiums to cover your Short-term and Long-term Disability are added to your base pay and deducted on an after-tax basis to provide the maximum benefit of 67% of your gross pay up to $1,000.00 per week for short-term disability up to 26 weeks and 60% of your gross pay up to $7,000.00 per month for long-term disability after 26 weeks of work has been missed;
- Parental leave is provided at 100% pay for parents of new children for up to 6 weeks;
- $50,000.00 guaranteed term life insurance while you are employed with us; Additional term life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance buy-up option available; guaranteed (only at time of hire) up to $60,000.00 each for term life and AD&D. Additional limits are available, but you must provide evidence of insurability. If you are no longer employed with us, you may take your additional life and AD&D insurance policies with you if you choose.
some age limitations apply ;
- Time off includes: 15 vacation days per year with a maximum accrual of 240 hours; 13 earned sick and safe time days per year with a maximum accrual of 720 hours as well as non-accrual benefit time off of 8 paid holidays and 3 floating holidays annually.
Application Deadline: Applications received by May 1, 2025 will be reviewed in the first screening for this position. Applications must be submitted electronically, including a cover letter, detailed resume, and three professional references.
To Apply: Send applications to Jessica Yanish, Human Resources Coordinator at .
For Information: Contact Diana Anderson, Bridge Strategies Consulting, LLC at or .