Foundation Executive Director

The mission of Knute Nelson is to enrich the lives of everyone we serve.

The Knute Nelson Foundation seeks an Executive Director to lead our fundraising initiatives who is passionate about the Knute Nelson mission, is visionary and strategic in engaging new and existing supporters and effective at delivering results fostering a culture of philanthropy. Candidates for this position must have proven leadership qualities to bring vision, direction, a collaborative atmosphere and inspiration. The ideal candidate is relationship-driven and will possess strong leadership abilities highlighted by a track record of nonprofit program administration, business and financial acumen, leading a high-performing team, and have exceptional written and verbal communication skills. This is a newly created position that will position Knute Nelson Foundation for greater success and impact into the future. A bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five years of fund development experience, preferably in the health care and/or nonprofit fields is required. They should also be familiar with donor databases and other fundraising technology to use in their daily job duties.



Scope:

• The Executive Director of the Knute Nelson Foundation is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing all or the organization’s fundraising initiatives including the annual fund, major gifts program, planned giving, special events and capital campaigns.
  
• The Foundation Executive Director works closely with Chief Development and Strategy Officer and the Boards of Directors in all aspects of development and fundraising endeavors.
  

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a successful fund development plan to include short and long range priorities for the Knute Nelson Corporation resulting in a high-performing team. Key initiatives will include annual giving, major giving, corporate sponsorships, grant writing, planned giving, capital campaigns, and special events.
  
• Cultivating new sources of revenue by creatively and strategically expanding the existing donor base with an increased focus on major and planned giving.
  
• Identifies, cultivates, and stewards sources of contributions from individuals, corporations, foundations and other organizations using a variety of strategies for effective donor-centric communication.
  
• Stewarding and engaging current donors into greater affinity and levels of support.
  
• Oversee grant seeking including research, proposal writing, and reporting requirements.
  
• Increasing the effectiveness and performance of the Foundation team by serving as a coach and mentor, inspiring and motivating team members with energy and passion.
  
• Ensures efficient and best practice systems, processes and structures within the Foundation while integrating and developing relationships throughout the Corporation.
  
• Assists in developing board agendas and packets for the Knute Nelson Foundation Board meetings with the President and Chief Executive Officer and Knute Nelson Foundation Board Chair. Leads the Knute Nelson Foundation Board meetings. Provides leadership to the Friends of Knute Committee. Provides leadership to the Board Prospect - Development Committee.
  
• Oversee fundraising database and tracking systems.
  
• Makes public appearances/accepts speaking engagements to share information about the Knute Nelson Foundation within the community.
  
• Works in partnership with Chief Development and Strategy Officer, Chief Executive Officer and Foundation Board of Directors to advance the Foundation and foster a culture of philanthropy.
  
• Demonstrates professional and ethical conduct at all times. Fosters trust by maintaining confidentiality.
  
• The duties and responsibilities listed above are representative of the nature and level of work assigned and are not necessarily all inclusive.
  

Education and Experience Required:

• Demonstrates servant leadership, embodies the Knute Nelson mission, and exemplifies a collaborative, decisive, motivating and engaging communication style.
  
• Proven track record of fundraising success, particularly by securing major gifts, successfully managing campaigns, and engaging a community of motivated supporters.
  
• Strong leadership skills in developing a high-performing team. Effectively delegate assignments to team members.
  
• Highly motivated to establish authentic relationships with donors, board members, staff and community.
  
• Strong interpersonal, writing, public speaking and analytical skills.
  
• Possess the skills to work effectively with and motivate staff, board members and other volunteers.
  
• Be a “self-starter” and goal driven to initiate donor visits and fundraising calls.
  
• Display a positive attitude, show concern for people and community, demonstrate presence, self-confidence, common sense and excellent listening ability.
  
• Be organized and exhibit exceptional “follow through” on tasks and goals.
  
• A bachelor’s degree.
  
• 5 years minimum experience in professional fundraising.
  
• CFRE preferred but not required.
  
• Able to physically perform the duties required by the position.
  
• Required to have the ability to read, write and speak English well enough to communicate with staff, residents and visitors.
  

Reports To:

Chief Development and Strategy Officer/SVP

Closing Date: July 5, 2019

In keeping with federal, state and local laws, Knute Nelson's policy forbids employees and associates from discriminating against anyone based on race, religion, color, creed, gender, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, familial status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Knute Nelson is committed to establishing and maintaining a workplace free of discrimination. We are fully committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not tolerate unlawful discrimination in the recruitment, hiring, termination, promotion, salary treatment or any other condition of employment or career advancement.Knute Nelsonalso provides reasonable accommodations to disabled employees and applicants as required by law.