Director of Advancement

Location: Minneapolis

Reports to: CEO

Supervises: Development & Events Manager, Development & Marketing Coordinator, and Contracted Bookkeepers

Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt, 4 days/week in office

At The Reel Hope Project, we tell stories that change lives. Our mission is to make a video for every child in the foster care system who is waiting for adoption — giving kids a face, a voice, and a platform to tell their story. As a faith-fueled nonprofit funded entirely through private donations, we work at the intersection of storytelling, advocacy, and child welfare to connect amazing kids with families who will stick by them for life.

The Director of Advancement is a senior leader on our small but mighty staff, responsible for guiding all aspects of fundraising, donor relations, communications, and community engagement. This role provides both strategic leadership and hands-on execution, overseeing our Development & Events Manager and Marketing & Development Coordinator, while remaining actively engaged in donor relations and major fundraising initiatives.

Working closely with the CEO and Development Manager, the Director of Advancement helps shape long-term development and marketing strategies, ensures alignment across fundraising efforts, and builds relationships across diverse spheres — from church leaders to business owners to foundations.

This highly relational role is ideal for someone who loves connecting with people, telling stories that move hearts, and creating systems that sustain long-term impact. As a growth-driven nonprofit, we’re seeking ambitious candidates ready to help us achieve our vision: serving 1,000 kids each year with a $5M budget — five times our current reach.

Fundraising & Development

• Design and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan to meet annual revenue goals.
• Manage major donor cultivation and solicitation, including individuals, foundations, and corporations.
• Lead annual giving campaigns and set the strategic vision of fundraising events.

Donor & Community Relations

• Serve as the primary relationship manager for major donors, church partners, and businesses.
• Oversee donor stewardship and recognition practices, ensuring meaningful, personalized engagement.
• Support the CEO and board in donor cultivation and fundraising efforts.

Communications & Storytelling

• Direct donor-facing communications, including newsletters, impact reports, appeals, and social media campaigns.
• Partner with program staff and the creative team to highlight stories of impact that inspire generosity.
• Ensure consistency of messaging and brand across all platforms.

Board & Team Collaboration

• Work with the CEO and Development & Events Manager to set annual fundraising strategy and goals.
• Equip and support board members in their fundraising role.
• Contribute to organizational leadership, ensuring advancement efforts align with overall priorities.

Systems & Administration

• Oversee donor database/CRM use and reporting.
• Track and communicate fundraising performance and donor engagement metrics to CEO and Development team, as well as the board.
• Ensure timely acknowledgments and compliance with fundraising best practices.
• Work with bookkeeper and treasurer on revenue reconciliation. 
• Oversee annual audit with TRHP’s CPA and Operations Manager.

• Personal alignment with our core values & statement of faith
• Proven experience with moves management
• Highly relational, system-oriented, and able to balance strategic planning with hands-on execution
• 5-7 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, donor relations, or advancement
• Demonstrated success in cultivating and closing gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations
• Management experience
• Ability to work in a fast paced and ever-evolving entrepreneurial environment
• A people-person with strong networking skills
• Strong storytelling, public speaking, and written communication skills
• Ability to build authentic relationships and represent The Reel Hope Project with warmth and professionalism
• Familiarity with donor databases/CRM systems (e.g., Bloomerang, Little Green Light, Salesforce) preferred
• Ability to occasionally work nights or weekends (specifically Sundays) 
• Comfort with project management software (Monday.com preferred) 
• Bachelors degree or CFRE certification preferred, but hustle, relevant skills, and experience are most highly valued
• Personal connection to adoption and working with youth preferred

• Salary range: $85–95k, depending on performance
• Health, dental, vision and retirement benefits
• Generous PTO and flexible work environment
• Be a part of finding a forever family for every child 

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to info@thereelhopeproject.org. We’ll begin scheduling initial interviews after Oct 13. 

We’d love for your cover letter to include (1) any personal connection you have to adoption or foster care, and (2) what draws you to working with a faith-fueled organization.