Minnesota Director of Philanthropy

St. Paul,
Posted on January 18, 2024

In January 2020, Trust for Public Land launched The Power of Land for People (2020-2025) strategic plan to fulfill our vision that every American should have close-to-home access to the benefits of nature. We could not have anticipated the impending COVID-19 pandemic, but it highlighted that our land-for-people solutions are more needed now than at any point in recent memory. Quality parks and natural spaces are a fundamental requirement for sustaining healthy, equitable communities that are resilient and prepared for change. In this moment of polarization and increasing social turmoil, parks and public land reweave our country’s frayed social fabric, reconnecting us to each other and the places and experiences that bind us together as a nation. Today, on the heels of Trust for Public Land’s most successful fundraising year and entering our fifth decade, we have much to celebrate and even more promising work to pursue. Join us to advance “land for people” and grow our philanthropic partnerships to ensure healthy, livable communities for generations to come. - Pat Watson, Chief Philanthropy Officer

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Great Lakes Region Director of Philanthropy, The Minnesota Director of Philanthropy (DoP) is responsible for the design, coordination, and implementation of all fundraising activities to support Trust for Public Land’s activities in Minnesota. The DoP should be an entrepreneurial and results-oriented individual who is self-motivated, committed to working at the highest level of quality, able to work both independently and in collaboration, manage multiple priorities, and thrive within a fast-paced, results-oriented office. The DOP must be adept in working with philanthropy and programmatic leadership throughout the organization, especially working closely with the Minnesota program team and state/region leadership to lead a comprehensive fundraising program that maximizes support for the organization and its activities in the region.

The Director of Philanthropy leverages national resources to elevate Trust for Public Land at the local level as well as promote and advocate for work taking place across the entire organization. The position carries a mixed portfolio with an emphasis on individual major gift prospects and donors. The DoP is a member of the Philanthropy Management Team and works closely with a variety of internal partners including the National Programs, Finance, Marketing, Philanthropy Operations, Philanthropy Programs, and Planned Giving teams to drive the integration of an organization-wide philanthropy program.

Responsibilities:

30% Program Oversight: Oversee and accountable for all fundraising activities in the Minnesota program, including design and implementation of annual and long-range plans, development, and realization of annual revenue goals, and setting the priorities and focus for the philanthropy program. Work with the program team to identify operating and capital needs in order to integrate and direct fundraising efforts. Track and report progress toward revenue and programmatic goals. Monitor philanthropy associated expenses ensuring proper investment of resources. Oversee donor communications and recognition, coordinating with regional and national marketing departments. Has oversight of donor events and tours. Direct and coordinate the involvement of leadership and program staff with donors and in overall fundraising.

Collaborates with Minnesota State Director and Advisory Board Chair to identify, recruit, cultivate, and retain Advisory Board members, fostering an environment for continued programmatic and philanthropic success. Leads philanthropy-related board activities, including 100% advisory board giving, philanthropic outreach, and donor cultivation events.

60% Relationship Manager: Manage a mixed portfolio of approximately 100 donors and prospects with an emphasis on individual major gift donors and prospects, including: donor identification, strategy development, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Creates comprehensive engagement strategies, leads cultivation teams, and leads in the creation and delivery of final solicitation and stewardship materials and activity. Promotes blended gifts, planned giving, and involves peer volunteers, leadership, senior management, and project staff in cultivation as needed.

10% Management: Supports the success of the Philanthropy Coordinator through clear communication, guidance, and management to keep donor records updated in the donor database; generate gift acknowledgements, donor reports and research; facilitate gift processing; and support volunteer engagement and events. Supports professional development opportunities. Monitors progress and provides positive and constructive feedback. Delivers annual performance assessment.

Expectations:
The Director of Philanthropy is expected to:

Carry a balanced portfolio of 100 prospects with the capacity to make 5-figure+ gifts and effectively move them thru the four stages (qualification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship).
Make at least 100 visits (aspire to 120 visits) with donors and prospects, annually
Contribute to Philanthropy’s overall success by assuring budget and goals are met or exceeded.
Develop and implement annual and long-range State Philanthropy strategic plan
Model TPL’s shared values (Belonging, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Hope) to effectively work across the organization.

Qualifications:

Minimum six+ years of fundraising experience, including making major gift solicitations of $50K and above.
Knowledge of and experience with the region’s philanthropic communities.
Experience recruiting and managing volunteer boards, as well as working with volunteers to fundraise successful desired.
Excellent written communication skills (including grant writing) and interpersonal skills ranging from one-on-one interactions to formal group presentations.
Computer proficiency with various Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and with complex databases or donor management software.
Understands Trust for Public Land’s gift acceptance policies and ensures ethical compliance with fundraising best practices, as defined by the Association for Fundraising Professionals.
Interest and commitment to Trust for Public Land’s mission.
Demonstrates an awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.
Willingness to work flexible hours and available for donor related travel (avg of 30%) mostly within the state and some regional or national.

Compensation
Trust for Public Land is a hybrid work environment; the Minnesota Director of Philanthropy will ideally be in the greater Minneapolis/St. Paul area. As a full-time exempt employee, you will be eligible for Trust for Public Land’s comprehensive benefits program which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, three weeks of vacation annually plus holidays and sick leave, and a 403(b) retirement plan, currently with an up to 7% company match. We offer competitive salaries commensurate with experience; the range for this position is $110,000- $120,000 annually.

Trust for Public Land’s active goal is to be an inclusive and equitable place to work and build community. As the organization actively works to eliminate racial and other disparities it welcomes candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skillsets. We are open to the possibility that a great candidate for this job may not precisely meet all the above criteria; if you believe you are the right person for this job and can persuasively make that case, we encourage you to apply.

Climate Hiring and Amplifying Talent

Minnesota Director of Philanthropy

Minnesota Director of Philanthropy