Director of Philanthropy Dakota Medical Foundation Fargo, ND Job Details Full-time 6 hours ago Qualifications Revenue growth Business development management Managerial strategic planning Teamwork Team leadership Coaching Team development Bachelor's degree Business development experience within non-profit sector Customer relationship management Leading team collaboration initiatives Business development within healthcare Delegation Team building Full Job Description The Director of Philanthropy is responsible for building and executing the Foundation's development strategy while identifying and advancing new avenues for organizational growth. This role blends traditional philanthropic development — major gifts, donor stewardship, and campaign leadership — with strategic business development, including new relationships, sponsorship opportunities, and the expansion of DMF's capacity-building services to nonprofits across the region. The Director of Philanthropy will work to diversify and grow fundraising efforts, deepen relationships with donors and community partners, and ensure that Giving Hearts Day, Lend A Hand Up, and DMF's other signature initiatives continue to scale sustainably. This is a high-visibility, externally facing role well suited to a builder who is equally comfortable cultivating a major donor and shaping a growth strategy. Dakota Medical Foundation Since 1962, Dakota Medical Foundation (DMF) has connected people to opportunities that improve health across North Dakota and northwest Minnesota. Operating alongside its affiliate, Impact Foundation, DMF has invested more than $130 million in the region since 1996 and currently supports more than 500 nonprofit organizations through grantmaking, fundraising infrastructure, and capacity-building programs. DMF is best known as the founder and administrator of Giving Hearts Day, an annual 24-hour regional giving event that has raised more than $257 million for local nonprofits since 2008. The Foundation also leads Lend A Hand Up, providing financial assistance to families facing medical crises, and manages a portfolio of charitable funds, health and wellbeing initiatives, and partnerships with regional foundations including the North Dakota Dental Foundation, and the Optometric Foundation of North Dakota. Key Responsibilities Development Strategy & Fundraising Design and lead a comprehensive, multi-year development strategy for multiple programs encompassing major gifts, planned giving, corporate and foundation partnerships, and annual giving. Build and manage a portfolio of major donor and institutional relationships, personally cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding key gifts. Manage the development team's annual fundraising goals and key performance metrics for multiple programs, reporting progress to the Leadership Team. Cultivate relationships with individuals, businesses, community foundations, and civic leaders to expand DMF's reach and impact across North Dakota and northwest Minnesota. Represent DMF publicly at community events, media engagements, and speaking opportunities to raise the Foundation's visibility and advance its mission. Team Leadership & Organizational Collaboration Lead, coach, and grow the development team, with the expectation of building additional capacity as the function scales. Collaborate closely with the Leadership Team on fundraising forecasting, gift processing, and financial reporting, and on the operational execution of Giving Hearts Day and related events. Foster a culture of philanthropy and donor-centered thinking across the organization, ensuring development priorities are integrated into DMF's broader program and communications strategies. Data, Systems & Stewardship Ensure the development team maintains timely and accurate donor records and gift tracking using DMF's CRM and fundraising systems. Manage metrics and reporting cadences that allow leadership and the Board to track fundraising performance, donor retention, and pipeline growth in real time. Oversee donor recognition, acknowledgment, and stewardship practices that reflect DMF's values and reinforce long-term donor relationships. Qualifications Required Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, business, communications, public health, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience. A minimum of 10 years of experience in nonprofit development, philanthropy, or business development. Demonstrated success building and executing development strategies that grow revenue and deepen donor relationships, ideally including experience with major gifts and campaign leadership. Proven ability to identify and act on new organizational growth opportunities, whether through partnerships, program expansion, or fundraising. Experience managing and developing a team, with strong skills in coaching, delegation, and cross-functional collaboration. Excellent written, verbal, and public-speaking communication skills, with the presence to represent the organization to donors, media, and community leaders. Willingness to travel regularly within North Dakota and northwest Minnesota and to work occasional evenings to promote Giving Hearts Day and Lend A Hand Up state-wide. Preferred Experience in a healthcare-related, community foundation, or philanthropic organization. Familiarity with donor-advised funds, community giving events, or regional philanthropic infrastructure comparable to Giving Hearts Day. CFRE (Certified Fundraising Executive) credential or equivalent professional certification. Existing relationships within the North Dakota / northwest Minnesota nonprofit, business, or healthcare community. Core Competencies Strategic thinking with a bias toward execution Relationship-driven, donor-centered leadership Entrepreneurial mindset and comfort with ambiguity Collaborative, low-ego approach to cross-team leadership Sound judgment and discretion with confidential and financial information Application Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter describing their interest in and qualifications for the Director of Philanthropy role to Elise Rue at . Dakota Medical Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Provider.

Job Type:

Full-time Work Location:

In person