Associate Director of Development & Community Engagement

Associate Director of Development & Community Engagement

About Kids ‘n Kinship

Kids ‘n Kinship is a youth mentoring organization serving youth ages 5–16 in Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Farmington, Lakeville, and Rosemount, Minnesota. Volunteer mentors make a one-year commitment to connect regularly with a young person, building supportive relationships that help youth thrive.

Position Summary

The Associate Director of Development & Community Engagement leads fundraising, grant development, financial management, community partnerships, and external communications for Kids ‘n Kinship. Working in partnership with the Associate Director of Programs & Staff and the Board of Directors, this position helps ensure Kids ‘n Kinship has the financial resources, community relationships, and visibility needed to provide high-quality mentoring opportunities for youth and families.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising & Grant Development

• Develop and implement an annual fundraising strategy in partnership with the Board.
• Identify funding opportunities and lead grant writing, submissions, reporting, and funder relationships.
• Build and maintain relationships with donors, foundations, businesses, sponsors, and community partners.
• Lead fundraising initiatives and support organizational events, including annual fundraisers and other campaigns.
• Partner with the Board to establish and monitor fundraising goals and strengthen long-term financial sustainability.

Financial Leadership

• Partner with the Board Treasurer and Chair on annual budgeting, forecasting, and financial oversight.
• Monitor financial performance and provide clear, timely financial information to the Board.
• Help ensure strong financial procedures, recordkeeping, internal controls, payroll, and payment processes.
• Oversee grant and funding requirements in coordination with program staff and the Board.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Serve as a primary ambassador for Kids ‘n Kinship in the community.
• Develop relationships with businesses, schools, civic and faith organizations, funders, social service agencies, and other community partners.
• Identify opportunities to increase awareness, financial support, volunteer engagement, and community involvement.
• Represent Kids ‘n Kinship at community meetings, events, presentations, and networking opportunities.

Communications & Marketing

• Lead organizational communications that promote Kids ‘n Kinship's mission, programs, fundraising efforts, events, and community impact.
• Coordinate newsletters, donor communications, promotional materials, media outreach, and digital content.
• Support mentor recruitment through targeted communications and community outreach.
• Ensure consistent and professional organizational messaging across communications and campaigns.

Organizational Leadership

• Partner with the Associate Director of Programs & Staff and Board of Directors to advance the organization's mission, vision, and strategic priorities.
• Help develop and implement organizational strategic and financial plans.
• Provide leadership in addressing funding, operational, and organizational challenges.
• Keep the Board informed of financial performance, fundraising efforts, community partnerships, opportunities, and emerging needs.

Qualifications

We welcome candidates with a combination of nonprofit leadership, fundraising, financial, and community engagement experience. Preferred qualifications include:

• 3+ years of fundraising or development experience.
• 2–3 years of grant writing and grant reporting experience.
• Experience in nonprofit leadership or organizational management.
• Experience developing community, donor, funder, or corporate partnerships.
• Working knowledge of nonprofit budgets, financial reporting, grants, and financial systems.
• Strong written, verbal, public speaking, and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Excel, databases, and related digital tools.
• Strong organization, problem-solving, and follow-through.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Kids ‘n Kinship.

Why Kids ‘n Kinship?

This is an opportunity to combine fundraising, financial leadership, communications, and community engagement in support of a mission that directly impacts young people. The Associate Director will help strengthen the relationships and resources that allow Kids ‘n Kinship to serve youth and families throughout Dakota County.