Community Philanthropy Specialist

The Position: This new, full-time, non-exempt position provides overall coordination and leadership, relationship management, technical assistance, event and grantmaking support to a portfolio of Community Funds and their Advisory Teams. The position guides volunteer leaders in governance, donor engagement, fundraising, grantmaking, and community leadership while fostering strong relationships with donors and community partners. Serves as the Foundation’s dedicated staff to the Three Rivers Community Foundation, providing hands-on support for its fundraising, grantmaking, communications, volunteer engagement, and community outreach efforts.

A strong commitment to the vision, mission, and values of the Foundation is essential as we work together to strengthen the communities of Central Minnesota.

Geographic and Scheduling Expectations: This field-based position’s home office is in Little Falls, Minn., and requires a portion of worktime in the office. As a hybrid employer, this position serves communities throughout the Initiative Foundation’s 14-county service region, with a significant concentration of work in Sherburne, Wright, Isanti and Chisago counties. Regular travel and in-person engagement with community partners, volunteers, donors and other stakeholders in this southern portion of the region will be an important part of the role.

Because community meetings and events often occur outside of traditional business hours, the position requires flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends.

What You’ll Do

Community Fund Portfolio (65%): Provides coordination, administrative support, technical assistance, and relationship management to an assigned portfolio of Community Funds and their Advisory Teams, with the broad goal of enhancing the funds’ visibility, driving asset and grantmaking growth, and supporting effective governance. Working in partnership with volunteer leaders, this position serves as the primary Foundation contact for assigned funds and provides guidance related to governance, donor engagement, fundraising, stewardship, grantmaking, and community leadership activities.

The position conducts orientation for newly elected Advisory Team members, ensures compliance with annual reporting and governance requirements, and assists Advisory Teams in implementing fundraising, marketing and community engagement activities. Provides guidance on fundraising events, donations, and marketing efforts while fostering strong relationships with Advisory Team members, donors, community leaders and nonprofit partners. Regular representation of the Foundation at community meetings, events and activities relevant to the assigned portfolio is expected.

Three Rivers Community Foundation Support (20%): Serves as the primary Foundation liaison to the Three Rivers Community Foundation Advisory Team, a component fund of the Initiative Foundation. This position provides a higher level of direct support and involvement in fundraising, donor development, communications, grantmaking and community engagement activities. Responsibilities include coordinating Advisory Team meetings and governance activities, managing grantmaking processes and grant rounds, supporting the development and implementation of fundraising and donor stewardship strategies, and coordinating marketing, promotional and social media activities.

The position conducts orientation for newly elected Advisory Team members, ensures compliance with Foundation policies and annual requirements and works closely with Advisory Team leadership to advance strategic priorities and philanthropic impact within the region. The position also maintains strong relationships with donors, advisors, volunteers, grant applicants and community partners while representing both the Three Rivers Community Foundation and the Initiative Foundation at community events and public engagements.

Community Philanthropy and Development Teams Support (10%): Functions as a member of both teams to support regionwide donor development and charitable funds. Works with both teams when opportunities for major gifts, planned gifts or new charitable funds arise.

Other Duties (5%) : Participates in teams and work groups. Completes other duties as assigned by the supervisor, President or members of the Leadership Team.

What We’re Looking For: We’re looking for someone who understands fundraising, donor relations, volunteer engagement and community philanthropy and who enjoys building meaningful relationships with volunteers, donors, community leaders and nonprofit partners. The ideal candidate is a strong communicator and relationship builder who can coordinate projects, support fundraising and grantmaking activities, and manage multiple priorities with care and attention to detail.

Strong customer service skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office and database systems are important. This person should also be self-motivated, adaptable, collaborative and committed to advancing philanthropy and strengthening communities throughout Central Minnesota.

You Must Have: This position requires two years of post-secondary education and three years of experience in donor development, community or volunteer engagement, marketing, a related area or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Candidates must have a valid driver’s license and insurance coverage or access to reliable transportation.

Benefits: Competitive and generous benefits package, including 100% employer-paid premiums for medical and dental coverage (and 70% employer-paid for dependents), employer-paid life insurance and long-term disability, and 50% employer-paid Minnesota Paid Leave premiums. Additional benefits include a 401(k) with up to 5% match and immediate vesting. Vision and ancillary insurance options are offered as well as a strong wellbeing program that supports employee health and balance.

How to Apply: Visit www.ifound.org/about/careers to apply by Dec. 2, 2026. EOE