Vice President of Philanthropy and Communications

Southwest Initiative Foundation•Hutchinson, MN

16d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position provides leadership and strategy for the design, implementation, execution, and evaluation of the Foundation’s philanthropy and marketing and communications functions including planned giving, annual and special campaigns and projects, donor services and engagement, community and affiliate funds, professional advisor relationships, marketing, branding, convening, and public relations. As a trusted advisor to the President, this position plays a key role driving overall strategy and mission impact through activating and mobilizing regional and community generosity, driving reputation and brand visibility, and empowering external partners, in addition to stewarding a portfolio of high-value donors and ecosystem partners.

Requirements

Demonstrated ability to act independently, apply discretion and confidentiality, think critically and analytically, negotiate, and persuade; strong situational awareness and self-awareness to act empathetically in difficult and complex situations
Strong knowledge of best practices, strategies, principles, products, services, and state/federal regulations regarding community philanthropy fundraising and donor engagement
Excellent multi-channel marketing acumen including strategy, message, and storytelling
Demonstrated ability to develop, manage, and monitor budgets for philanthropy and communications programs, including forecasting, financial oversight of initiatives, and ensuring responsible stewardship of organizational funds
Ability to lead and manage teams, with demonstrated success in volunteer mobilization and engagement
Excellent ability to secure, nurture, maintain, and leverage relationships with donors and clearly communicate Southwest Initiative Foundation’s mission, vision, impact, programming, and value proposition
Strong knowledge of CRM systems and Microsoft Office 365 software; ability to learn and adapt to new technologies
Demonstrated experience in leading and managing internal teams and mobilizing volunteers to drive impact.
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline and 5 years of experience in the nonprofit or philanthropic sector in a communications, public relations, or fundraising role, including direct experience with donor services and fundraising strategies.
Advanced knowledge of the community foundation sector.
This position requires significant travel in the region (estimated to be up to 2-3 days per week), in addition to occasional state or national travel. Must provide personal transportation to travel as needed.

Nice To Haves

Accredited certificate or advanced degree in Planned Giving, Fundraising Leadership, Fundraising Management, Communications, Marketing, or related discipline.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership, management, and direction for donor engagement and community philanthropy programs for the Foundation and Southwest Minnesota Community Capital, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and mission outcomes. Program areas include planned giving, farmland retention and real estate, annual and special campaigns and projects, community and affiliate funds, donor-advised funds, corporate giving, and non-cash gifts.
Lead and oversee program execution and operations, including research and due diligence, program and initiative design, implementation and administration, management, compliance and documentation, customer relationship management, technology utilization and optimization, and evaluation and continuous improvement.
Oversee budget planning, management, forecasting, and financial stewardship for philanthropy and marketing/communications programs.
Lead the mobilization and engagement of ecosystem partners, professional advisors, volunteers, ambassadors, and key stakeholders to engage, steward, and retain prospective and existing donors.
Develop, implement, actively administer, and evaluate fundraising plans and goals in alignment with operational and programmatic needs and opportunities, organizational strategy, regional trends, and local assets.
Research, solicit, and actively maintain a portfolio of high-priority prospective and existing individual and corporate donors to deliver an excellent donor experience and to maximize philanthropic giving.
Lead and manage the integration of all philanthropy and marketing and communications functions across all functional areas and teams of Southwest Initiative Foundation and Southwest Minnesota Community Capital to ensure the alignment of strategy, brand, messaging, and performance.
Oversee the execution of comprehensive marketing and communications plans, including digital and print media, media relations, brand management, and related projects for the Foundation, Southwest Minnesota Community Capital, and affiliate funds.
Oversee the planning, logistics, budget, and partner/volunteer engagement for in-person, virtual, and hybrid events for the Foundation and Southwest Minnesota Community Capital.
Lead, manage, and develop the Philanthropy and Marketing & Communications teams (including the Development Officer, Community Gift Officer, Development Specialist, and Marketing & Communications Officer(s), promoting a culture of high performance and continuous improvement; establish goals, assign accountabilities, set objectives, and support professional growth.
Collaborate with the Chief Administrative Officer and cross-functional teams (HR, IT, Operations) to develop and implement integrated communication strategies that support organizational goals and enhance internal communication across departments.
Professionally and accurately represent Southwest Initiative Foundation to partners, clients, donors and stakeholders. Participate in internal staff functions, team meetings and events.
Stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices
Data Management and Integrity: Perform established processes and procedures to maintain the accuracy, completeness, and security of the organization’s data within your area of responsibility. Ensure data is entered, updated, and managed following organizational standards and best practices. Regularly review and verify data to identify and correct errors or inconsistencies and collaborate with team members to improve data management practices.
Perform other duties as assigned.