Manager of Minnesota Fundraising Development

Full time (part-time considered)

• Twin Cities, MN

Position Overview

Science from Scientists has an exciting job opening for a Manager of Minnesota Fundraising Development. This position plays an important role supporting the Development Team to ensure the financial sustainability of the organization and the success of its programs and services. The mission of Science from Scientists (SciSci) is to teach and inspire the next generation to identify and solve real-world problems by improving STEM literacy. SciSci is based in Bedford, MA, and has offices in Burlingame, CA, and Bloomington, MN.

The Manager of Minnesota Fundraising Development is an experienced, passionate, and strategic fundraising professional responsible for assisting in planning, organizing, and implementing fundraising activities to fund our Minnesota programming and operations. This position cultivates and maintains relationships with foundation, corporate, and individual donors, writes and manages grants and proposals, secures and stewards funding, and, working with the MN team, assists in volunteer and community engagement in MN. This position requires an attitude of growth and learning, a love of organization and communication, and a passion for supporting STEM education opportunities for young people.

This full-time position works closely with the Chief Development Officer and MN Director of Operations to ensure that programs are funded and the MN organization is poised to maintain and grow programs that bring real scientists into schools to help build interest and outcomes in STEM.

The Director reports to the Chief Development Officer and also works closely with our development team members in MA and CA, coordinating fundraising activities to support the organization across all our regions.

Responsibilities

Main Focus of Role: Assist with the Development and Implementation of a Comprehensive Fundraising Plan and Budget:

• The primary responsibility of the Manager of Minnesota Fundraising Development is to create and execute a comprehensive fundraising plan and budget for the region. This plan should encompass major gifts, corporate and foundation giving, planned giving, and special events.
• The Manager of Minnesota Fundraising Development identifies and cultivates major gift prospects, corporate and foundation donors, and organizes special events to engage donors and raise funds.
• Close collaboration with the other regional Fund Development Directors, Chief Development Officer, and the Executive Director is essential to align fundraising goals with the organization’s mission and values.

Corporate, Foundation, and Individual Fundraising (80% of time):

• Research donor prospects and prepare summaries and recommendations as needed for development staff or leadership.
• Participate in meetings with prospects and donors, engaging them in supporting Science from Scientists, including phone calls, in-person meetings, and program observations in schools. All development staff are expected to learn and present approved Science from Scientist pitch materials, and nurture sequences.
• Draft, edit, and send communications, letters of inquiry, grant proposals, and impact reports; respond to all Minnesota/national donors, including correct and timely preparation of acknowledgment letters, tax receipts, and thank you notes following required and best practices. Develop any necessary stewardship practices, establish consistent guidelines and procedures where needed, and improve inefficient processes wherever possible.
• Daily log communication and donor touchpoints in Salesforce (CRM) and follow proper financial documentation for auditing purposes.
• Work closely with the Chief Development Officer and Minnesota Operations team to strategize expansion opportunities and funding needed for current partner school commitments.
• Work closely with the marketing team to highlight donors according to their donor levels.

Other: (20% of time):

• Represent SciSci at relevant philanthropic, education, or STEM networking events as needed
• Assist with communications as needed, including impact reports, and newsletters
• Assist with donor meetings, volunteer events, and fundraising events
• Be willing and able to assist with operations-related aspects of the CA office as needed.
• Be a team player, helping to build our CA programs and helping to build SfS across all regions.

Requirements

You have:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 1-3 years of experience in non-profits and grant writing
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, computer, time-management, and research skills.
• Ability to write accurate, compelling narrative that uses grammar and spelling correctly.
• Ability to multitask and perform under deadlines
• Proficient knowledge of Google Suite or Microsoft Office
• Ability to embrace change.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• A high level of self-confidence, creativity, and self-motivation needed to undertake diverse responsibilities.
• Worked in a fast-paced small company/startup environment where progress must be made on multiple projects at the same time.
• Ability to work 4-8 days per month in-person at the Bloomington, MN office (respecting COVID-19 restrictions).
• Access to a dependable vehicle.
• Proof of COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters.

Other:

• Flexing your self-organization and time management skills, identifying urgent vs. important tasks and prioritizing as needed.
• Being a team player and ready to step up to help support or champion projects.
• Working independently without direct supervision.
• Finding several solutions to a roadblock and being scrappy when you need to be.
• Giving or receiving constructive, timely, and appropriate feedback.
• Expressing a passion for Science from Scientists’ mission with the ability to translate that excitement into compelling fundraising appeals.
• Experience using Salesforce a plus
• Travel as needed to visit local schools, talk to potential partners, and attend relevant local events.
• Passing a background check, keeping your Drivers License up to date, and maintaining access to a vehicle.
• Being willing to accept other duties, big or small, as needed to help grow our impact.

Benefits

• Health and dental insurance
• 401K
• 6 paid holidays and 2 paid “floating” holidays
• 3 weeks of vacation time (accrued)
• 9 days of sick time (accrued)
• Flexible working hours- core hours will apply
• Ability to work remotely most of the time
• A team of truly amazing co-workers (applies to part-time employees, too)

Reports to: Chief Development Officer

To apply: Please send your cover letter and resume to HR Director Stephanie McCune at smccune@sciencefromscientists.org.

Thank you for your interest in joining our team!