Director of Advancement

Director of Advancement Dodge Nature Center West St. Paul, Minnesota Position Description Dodge Nature Center and Preschool is a nonprofit organization providing quality environmental education on its 460+ acre nature preserve in West St. Paul, Mendota Heights, and Cottage Grove. Dodge provides environmental and outdoor education experiences for thousands of people every year through school programs, outreach, public programs, events, and a nature-based preschool (Dodge Nature Preschool). The Advancement Director plays a pivotal role within the Dodge leadership team, entailing the oversight and direction of all development, fundraising, and marketing & communication endeavors for Dodge Nature Center and Preschool. This role leads a team of three dedicated professionals with two direct reports. Job Functions and Key Responsibilities Fundraising Strategy & Leadership Develop and implement multifaceted fundraising strategy and plans to meet the organization's financial goals. This includes annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, institutional giving, sponsorships, the annual benefit, and other fundraising initiatives. Major & Planned Gifts Develop and lead the strategy and execution of a comprehensive major and planned gifts program. Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with individual donors to secure significant philanthropic support. Serve as the primary relationship manager and solicitor for key prospects and donors, developing tailored engagement and solicitation strategies that align with organizational priorities. Maintain an active portfolio, track progress toward revenue goals, and ensure consistent, high-quality stewardship to deepen long-term donor engagement and investment. Team Leadership Provide strategic leadership, supervision, and mentorship to the Advancement team, including fundraising staff and the Communications Associate. Establish clear goals and performance expectations aligned with organizational priorities, strategic plan, and support team members through regular coaching, professional development, and accountability practices. Foster a collaborative, results-driven culture that empowers staff to meet and exceed fundraising and engagement targets while maintaining strong cross-functional alignment across the organization. Administrative Management, Performance Reporting, and Board Liaison Oversee the development budget, ensuring strategic allocation of resources to maximize fundraising effectiveness while maintaining fiscal accountability. Monitor expenses and revenue performance against established goals and adjust strategies and actions as needed. Ensure the donor database is effectively maintained, regularly monitored, and optimized to meet the evolving needs of the organization, supporting accurate tracking, reporting, and relationship management. Lead the tracking, analysis, and reporting of key fundraising metrics—including donor engagement, pipeline activity, and revenue projections—to inform data-driven decision-making. Provide regular, clear, and actionable reports to leadership and the board to assess progress, strengthen strategy, and support organizational planning. Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Board Development Committee, partnering with committee leadership to set agendas, provide timely and relevant materials, and support members in advancing fundraising strategy, board engagement, and philanthropic outcomes. Marketing and Communications Lead, in partnership with the Communications Associate, the development and execution of an integrated marketing and communications strategy that advances organizational visibility, strengthens brand positioning, promotes programs to a variety of audiences and drives philanthropic engagement. Oversee public relations, digital presence, social media, and multichannel content development to effectively communicate impact and inspire donor investment. Ensure consistent, compelling messaging across all platforms that aligns with strategic priorities and reinforces a strong, cohesive brand identity. Partner cross-functionally to elevate storytelling, deepen audience engagement, and support fundraising and institutional goals. Other Duties as

Assigned Minimum Qualifications Educational Background:

 Bachelor's degree or more extensive experience (8-10 years) in lieu of a degree. Degrees may include nonprofit management, business administration, marketing, communications, or a related field.

Experience Requirement:

 8-10 years of progressive experience in fundraising and/or advancement, including demonstrated success in major gifts and at least 4-6 years of leadership or team management experience. Ability to build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders and implement successful cultivation and stewardship strategies. Ability to write persuasively for a variety of audiences, including donor centric communications.

Relevant Experience:

 High level of confidentiality, ethical standards and conduct, strategic and forward thinking, strong analytical abilities, problem solving, communication, time management, decision making, organizational skills and ability to work with others internally and externally.

Interpersonal & Leadership Skills:

 Demonstrates strong emotional intelligence and communication skills, with a relationship-centered approach to building trust with donors, board members, colleagues, and community partners. Proven ability to collaborate effectively, navigate complex dynamics, and engage diverse stakeholders. Experienced in leading and developing teams through coaching, performance management, and fostering a cohesive, high-performing culture aligned with organizational goals and mission.

Physical Requirements:

 Ability to perform tasks that involve manual labor, including lifting and carrying objects up to 50 pounds, and bending.

Driver's License:

 A valid and current driver's license, with a clean driving record. Ability to travel for donor meetings, organization events, or other business needs. Preferred Qualifications

Past Work Experience:

 Proven experience leading and/or supporting successful capital campaigns, including strategy development, donor engagement, and execution.

Systems Knowledge:

 Experience with Blackbaud's Raiser's Edge and Online Express, Salesforce, Bloomerang, WordPress, and grant writing platforms.

Effective Communication:

 Proficient in donor and organizational communications, marketing, and advertising. Adept in establishing productive working relationships with individuals at all organizational levels.

Strong Decision-Making:

 Proven track record of sound judgment and the ability to proactively anticipate and resolve issues. Passion for

Nature:

 Demonstrated interest in and knowledge of the natural world, aligning with Dodge's nature-focused approach.

Application deadline:

Friday, May 8, 2026. Job Information

Job Category:

Fundraising / Development

Salary:

$85,000 - $100,000 Per Year

Education:

Bachelor's Degree

Experience:

5 - 10 years

Position Type:

Full Time