Director of Advancement

Avenues for Youth • Minneapolis, MN

14h • $90,000 - $97,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

This is an exciting opportunity to join Avenues for Youth as the organization is in the process of wrapping up a highly successful capacity campaign and building momentum for its next phase of growth. The Director of Advancement provides senior-level leadership over all fundraising, development, and external engagement efforts, guiding a passionate and committed team in cementing the progress made through the campaign while continuing to grow annual revenue streams that support ongoing program growth and impact. The Director of Advancement is responsible for designing and overseeing a comprehensive advancement strategy that increases philanthropic support and elevates organizational visibility through annual fundraising and special campaigns. As a key member of the leadership team, this role works closely with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to develop and execute organizational strategies, leverage board and volunteer relationships, and represent the organization in the community. The Director provides high-level oversight of all fundraising and external communications efforts, ensures alignment with the organization’s mission, vision, and values, and actively fosters a strong, organization-wide culture of philanthropy. In this role, the Director mentors and empowers the development team to successfully carry out the comprehensive advancement strategy.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science preferred
• Minimum of five years of nonprofit development experience, including major gifts, foundation relations, corporate partnerships, and fundraising events
• Demonstrated experience developing and leading comprehensive fundraising strategies
• Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills
• Experience managing, mentoring, and empowering staff
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and community-centered fundraising practices
• Comfort using donor databases, reporting tools, and digital communications platforms
• Must pass a Minnesota Department of Human Services background study

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee a strategic fundraising plan that includes individual giving, major gifts, foundation grants, corporate partnerships, events, and special campaigns
• Guide the planning and execution of donor appeals, campaigns, and fundraising events
• Analyze fundraising performance metrics and use data to inform strategy, decision-making, and resource allocation
• Oversee the grant pipeline, including prospecting, proposal development, and reporting
• Develop and oversee strategic fundraising plans for special initiatives, including capacity campaigns, endowment campaigns, and other major projects
• Partner with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors
• Oversee and grow major donor portfolios with tailored engagement and stewardship plans
• Build and steward strong relationships with foundation and institutional funders
• Represent the organization within the community and with external partners
• Oversee a strategic communications plan that builds awareness, engagement, and support among stakeholders and the broader community
• Guide the creation of newsletters, annual reports, social media content, press releases, and other collateral
• Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate Development & Communications staff and consultants
• Foster accountability, collaboration, and professional growth within the team
• Collaborate with program, finance, and operations teams to align fundraising priorities and messaging
• Provide staff support to the Advancement Committee

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance (employee-paid)
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Opportunity to work from Avenues for Youth’s brand-new headquarters, opening Summer 2026

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director