Development Director
Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, Minneapolis, MN, United States
About FreedomWorks
FreedomWorks is a Christian community that provides residential reentry and recovery programming. Located in North Minneapolis, the FreedomWorks campuses focus on creating a safe and encouraging environment that guides individuals into new relationships, positive support systems, and Chris-centered studies. FreedomWorks equips men with the comprehensive tools needed to provide life-long aftercare that transforms individuals into courageous peacemakers, upstanding citizens, and loving parents and family members.
Job Summary The Development Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all fundraising, donor engagement, communications, marketing, and grant management activities at FreedomWorks. The Development Director leads the Development Department in designing and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies that support both current programming and long‑term organizational growth. This role advances revenue diversification efforts, including grants, individual donors, church and community-based partnerships, and fundraising events. This position requires a visionary leader who can translate mission into compelling messaging, cultivate strong donor relationships, ensure grant compliance, and build sustainable systems that strengthen long‑term financial health.
Key Responsibilities 1. Department Leadership & Strategic Vision
Provide vision, leadership, and operational strategy for fundraising and development initiatives
Supervise and support development team members
Align funding strategies with programmatic growth and operational priorities
Provide oversight of volunteer engagement within development initiatives
2. Fundraising Strategy & Revenue Generation
Plan, implement, and oversee fundraising events, capital campaigns, quarterly appeals, and major gift initiatives
Cultivate diverse funding sources
Perform personalized engagement plans and structured follow‑up for current and prospective donors
Analyze performance metrics and adjust strategy to continuously improve return on investment and long‑term donor retention
3. Grant Strategy, Writing, & Compliance
Oversee grant‑seeking activities, including research and grant identification, proposal development, submission, reporting, and compliance
Maintain and manage a comprehensive grant management system
Collaborate interdepartmentally to ensure grant compliance, accurate reporting, and alignment with funding requirements
4. Communications, Marketing, & Brand Stewardship
Oversee external communications to ensure alignment with FreedomWorks' mission, ministry, and organizational identity
Develop and maintain clear, compelling messaging that accurately represents the ministry's impact and strategic direction
Oversee creation of marketing materials, donor mailings, publications, newsletters, video and digital content
Maintain social media platforms and online presence, ensuring consistency in all front‑facing publications and interactions
5. Data Management, Reporting & Analysis
Oversee and maintain the ministry's fundraising database and donor tracking systems
Ensure accurate recording of donor interactions, contributions, pledges, and campaign performance
Generate post‑event and campaign reports to evaluate outcomes, strategy improvements and forecasting.
Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience in non‑profit management, marketing, development or fundraising.
Minimum of three years leadership experience in non‑profit development.
Grant‑writing and grant management experience.
Experience in stewardship, relationship management.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including persuasive writing and public speaking ability.
Strategic planning and revenue diversification experience.
Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
Ability to pass a DHS background check.
Environment & Physical Demands This role is primarily in a general office setting located within a participant room and board facility. This role includes regular interaction with program participants, staff, executive leadership, community partners, donors, and volunteers. The role requires regular engagement in community settings, events, and meetings; occasionally on weekend hours in order to support fundraising events and community engagement efforts. This role may require:
The ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer.
Frequent use of hands for typing, scanning, filing, and data entry.
Ability to attend events, meetings, and community engagements.
Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds.
Benefits
403(b) & 403(b) matching
Dental insurance
Paid time off
Retirement plan
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Job Summary The Development Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all fundraising, donor engagement, communications, marketing, and grant management activities at FreedomWorks. The Development Director leads the Development Department in designing and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies that support both current programming and long‑term organizational growth. This role advances revenue diversification efforts, including grants, individual donors, church and community-based partnerships, and fundraising events. This position requires a visionary leader who can translate mission into compelling messaging, cultivate strong donor relationships, ensure grant compliance, and build sustainable systems that strengthen long‑term financial health.
Key Responsibilities 1. Department Leadership & Strategic Vision
Provide vision, leadership, and operational strategy for fundraising and development initiatives
Supervise and support development team members
Align funding strategies with programmatic growth and operational priorities
Provide oversight of volunteer engagement within development initiatives
2. Fundraising Strategy & Revenue Generation
Plan, implement, and oversee fundraising events, capital campaigns, quarterly appeals, and major gift initiatives
Cultivate diverse funding sources
Perform personalized engagement plans and structured follow‑up for current and prospective donors
Analyze performance metrics and adjust strategy to continuously improve return on investment and long‑term donor retention
3. Grant Strategy, Writing, & Compliance
Oversee grant‑seeking activities, including research and grant identification, proposal development, submission, reporting, and compliance
Maintain and manage a comprehensive grant management system
Collaborate interdepartmentally to ensure grant compliance, accurate reporting, and alignment with funding requirements
4. Communications, Marketing, & Brand Stewardship
Oversee external communications to ensure alignment with FreedomWorks' mission, ministry, and organizational identity
Develop and maintain clear, compelling messaging that accurately represents the ministry's impact and strategic direction
Oversee creation of marketing materials, donor mailings, publications, newsletters, video and digital content
Maintain social media platforms and online presence, ensuring consistency in all front‑facing publications and interactions
5. Data Management, Reporting & Analysis
Oversee and maintain the ministry's fundraising database and donor tracking systems
Ensure accurate recording of donor interactions, contributions, pledges, and campaign performance
Generate post‑event and campaign reports to evaluate outcomes, strategy improvements and forecasting.
Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience in non‑profit management, marketing, development or fundraising.
Minimum of three years leadership experience in non‑profit development.
Grant‑writing and grant management experience.
Experience in stewardship, relationship management.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including persuasive writing and public speaking ability.
Strategic planning and revenue diversification experience.
Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
Ability to pass a DHS background check.
Environment & Physical Demands This role is primarily in a general office setting located within a participant room and board facility. This role includes regular interaction with program participants, staff, executive leadership, community partners, donors, and volunteers. The role requires regular engagement in community settings, events, and meetings; occasionally on weekend hours in order to support fundraising events and community engagement efforts. This role may require:
The ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer.
Frequent use of hands for typing, scanning, filing, and data entry.
Ability to attend events, meetings, and community engagements.
Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds.
Benefits
403(b) & 403(b) matching
Dental insurance
Paid time off
Retirement plan
#J-18808-Ljbffr