Director of Development and Communications

Job Title : Director of Development and Communications

If you think you are the right match for the following opportunity, apply after reading the complete description.

Position Type : Full-time

Compensation : Minimum of $65K, negotiable based on experience

Location : Chanhassen, MN

Position Description

The Grief Club of Minnesota seeks a dynamic and strategic Director of Development and Communications to join its leadership team.

This vital position will significantly contribute to advancing the organization's mission to provide clinical grief support to children, teens, young adults, and their families at no cost to them.

Collaborating closely with the Executive Director, the Director will oversee all aspects of donor stewardship and marketing strategies, cultivating relationships that drive the organization’s growth and sustainability.

This leader will develop and execute strategies to drive contributed revenue, enhance community engagement, and increase awareness of The Grief Club’s mission across the state.

This position will be crucial in driving donor growth following a generous $1.6 million donation that facilitated the purchase of the organization’s new, permanent home.

Purpose of Position

The Director of Development and Communications will lead efforts to strengthen donor relationships, cultivate new funding opportunities, implement multi-channel fundraising initiatives, and create compelling communications that amplify the organization’s impact.

This includes overseeing executing strategic development initiatives, and ensuring strong donor engagement and stewardship and involvement in fundraising events.

This position is central to ensuring the financial health and long-term success of The Grief Club of Minnesota.

Primary Accountabilities

• Fundraising Strategy and Execution
• Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies to meet financial goals and scale contributed revenue across multiple streams, including individual giving, planned gifts, sponsorships, and events.
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities from individual donors, corporations, foundations, government agencies, and community organizations.
• Lead donor-facing communications, including newsletters, social media, email campaigns, and annual reports, ensuring consistency in messaging and brand alignment.
• Involvement in fundraising events, leveraging them to build relationships and generate revenue.
• Monitor and evaluate fundraising initiatives to ensure success, adjusting strategies as necessary.
• Donor Cultivation and Stewardship
• Cultivate relationships with new and existing donors, including individuals, corporations, foundations, and community partners.
• Develop personalized engagement plans to deepen donor connections and increase their financial commitment.
• Provide excellent stewardship by ensuring timely acknowledgment of gifts, regular communication with donors, and opportunities for continued involvement.
• Expand major gift opportunities, monthly giving programs, and planned giving portfolios.
• Grant Writing and Management
• Research, write, and submit grant proposals to foundations, government agencies, and corporations.
• Manage the grant process, from identification through submission, ensuring compliance and effective reporting.
• Collaborate with the team of Directors to develop compelling grant narratives and budgets that align with organizational priorities.
• Marketing, Communications, and Public Awareness
• Involvement with marketing and communications efforts to increase the visibility of The Grief Club’s mission and impact, utilizing diverse channels such as social media, email, and traditional media.
• Develop and distribute materials that effectively communicate the organization's story and fundraising needs.
• Represent The Grief Club at community events, speaking engagements, and networking opportunities to promote donor engagement and community partnerships.
• Secure written testimonials from various stakeholders, further enhancing public awareness and donor support.
• Strategic Leadership
• Collaborate with the Executive Director, Clinical Director, Board of Directors, and staff to align fundraising strategies with organizational priorities.
• Monitor and report on fundraising performance, providing regular updates to the leadership team and Board.
• Stay informed on best practices, trends, and innovations in fundraising and philanthropy, ensuring The Grief Club remains competitive in its development efforts.

Required Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field such as in nonprofit management, business administration, communications, or equivalent related experience.
• Minimum 3-5 years of demonstrated experience in nonprofit fundraising, including individual, corporate, foundation, and event fundraising.
• Proven ability to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors across multiple giving levels.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with experience managing staff and volunteers.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft donor-centric messaging and compelling narratives.
• Experience with donor management software (e.g., Bloomerang) and a solid understanding of fundraising metrics and goal-setting.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to create and implement plans that align with organizational goals and objectives.
• Passion for The Grief Club of Minnesota’s mission of supporting grieving families.

About The Grief Club of Minnesota

The Grief Club of Minnesota is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing a safe place for grieving children, teens, young adults, and families to connect, share experiences, and heal.

The organization offers peer-based support groups, counseling sessions, and educational programs, all provided at no cost by licensed mental health professionals.

To Apply

Please send your resume and cover letter to Sarah Kroenke at [email protected]

Job Types : Full-time, Part-time

Pay : From $65,000.00 per year

Expected hours : 40 per week

Benefits :

• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

Experience :

Fundraising : 5 years (Preferred)

Work Location : In person

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