Job Description

The Foundation Director develops, implements, and manages a comprehensive fundraising and community engagement program that supports the mission and strategic goals of Ridgewater College and its Foundation. This role oversees fundraising operations, supervises Foundation staff, and provides leadership in annual, endowment, major, planned, and capital giving. Key responsibilities include day-to-day operations, fund/financial accounting oversight, and facilitating board member recruitment, onboarding, and development. The Director also provides oversight of scholarships and other Foundation programs, organizes friend- and fund-raising events, and promotes the Foundation within the community.

The Foundation Director serves as the primary advisor to the Vice President of Enrollment & Advancement and the college President on all Foundation, fundraising, and alumni initiatives. The position requires significant discretion and involvement in policy development and implementation. The Director works closely with internal and external stakeholders, serving as an ambassador to cultivate community partnerships and enhance the visibility of the Foundation.

Principal Responsibilities, Tasks and Performance Indicators

• Foundation Management: Leads, directs and manages Foundation operation as a 501(c(3) organization.

• Comprehensive Resource Development: Provides strategic direction for developing and managing a comprehensive fundraising program.

• Program Management: Manages grants, alumni relations, and community outreach; oversees scholarships.

• Staff Management

• Other Duties as Assigned

Salary Range:

$84,063- $121,522/ per year: $40.26-$58.20/ hourly

Anticipated Hiring Wage: $84,063- $104,000 (dependent on experience)

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of four (4) years of experience in fundraising and/or non-profit management

• Demonstrated success in securing philanthropic gifts and meeting fundraising goals

• Proven experience planning and executing fundraising events or donor engagement activities

• Leadership and management experience in directing staff, setting priorities, managing change, planning, and organizing work.

• Demonstrated accounting and financial management skills, including experience with general ledger and/or fund accounting, fiscal oversight, reporting, and compliance

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively (present to groups, verbally and in writing) and build and maintain effective relationships across a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including high profile individuals and diverse campus constituencies.

• Knowledge of nonprofit governance and compliance, including ethical fundraising practices and board operations.

Preferred Qualification 

• Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, business administration, communications, public relations, or a related field.

• Experience working in higher education or educational foundations, with an understanding of institutional advancement and donor relations.

• Demonstrated experience in researching, writing, and managing grants from public or private funding sources.

• Experience working with a Board of Directors, including recruitment, training, and strategic engagement.

• Proficiency with donor management and CRM systems, such as Raiser's Edge, Salesforce, or similar platforms.

• Strong strategic planning and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives and deliver measurable outcomes.

Other Requirements

Work Shift (Hours / Days of work)

Telework (Yes/No)

About

About Ridgewater College

Ridgewater College is a community and technical college that offers more than 100 educational programs in Transfer Education, transfer options, and technical education. Ridgewater College serves more than 5500 students on its campuses in the growing communities of Willmar and Hutchinson, Minnesota. Ridgewater College also offers some programs that are unique in the state of Minnesota and nationally. Small class sizes, up-to-date technology, and access to many student activities and organizations (including intercollegiate sports, choir, theater, and Student Senate) give students the opportunity to enjoy a positive college experience. Ridgewater College is proud of its scholarship foundation, and excellent graduation and job placement rates. As a partner in the region's business and industry, Ridgewater College strives to maintain a quality of education for tomorrow's workforce, and to keep pace with the needs of the community by offering Customized and Continuing Education courses. Ridgewater College is recognized as an educational leader that exemplifies innovation and excellence within a student-centered learning environment, and is dedicated to providing an accessible, affordable, and supportive setting for all students.

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