College Possible | Saint Paul, MN
Salary Range: $85,000
About College Possible
As one of the largest and most successful college access and success programs in the country, since 2000 College Possible has helped more than 80,000 students from under-represented communities get into and through college through an intensive curriculum of coaching and support. Its pioneering model matches students with a near-peer coach and an evidence-based curriculum designed to help students overcome the most common barriers to getting into college and completing their degree - all at no cost to students or their families. Nationwide, College Possible students are three times more likely to earn a bachelor's degree within six years than their peers from similar backgrounds.
College Possible is a proud AmeriCorps program. AmeriCorps is a federal agency that brings people together to tackle the country's most pressing challenges through national service. Our AmeriCorps members commit to a year of service as a College Possible coach in communities throughout the country. Many coaches represent the identities of the students they serve, and each brings a commitment to social justice and closing the college equity divide.
Our near-peer coaching model has earned national recognition: the inaugural Evergreen National Education Award recognized our leadership in increasing access to and success in college for students from low-income backgrounds. It also earns top-of-field results: a Harvard study found that the program more than doubles a student's chance of enrolling in a four-year college, and our students are four times more likely to become college graduates than their low-income peers. College Possible has an annual operating budget of $33 million, more than 150 full-time employees and more than 175 AmeriCorps and VISTA service members. During the 2021-2022 school year, we reached an estimated 24,000 students nationwide. During the 2021-2022 school year, we reached an estimated 24,000 students nationwide.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
College Possible is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, and seeks to build a diverse workforce to create impact in partnership with the communities we serve. We welcome a diverse pool of qualified applicants. For each of its positions, College Possible is mindful about what best serves our students, and seeks to hire staff with relevant experience, skills and aptitude, and a commitment to the power of education. To learn more, read our Diversity and Inclusion Plan.
Headquartered in Saint Paul, MN, College Possible operates: regional sites in Chicago, IL; Milwaukee, WI; Omaha, NE; Philadelphia, PA; Portland, OR; and Seattle, WA; College Forward in Austin, TX; and Catalyze partnerships in California, Iowa, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, and Tennessee. Learn more at CollegePossible.org.
Equal Opportunity Employer
College Possible is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, or status with regard to public assistance. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals and conduct all possible activities in fully accessible settings.
Your Role as Director of Institutional Engagement
The Director of Institutional Engagement will function as a key member of the Minnesota Office external relations team, to achieve annual revenue goals. Their primary focus will be on creating and executing our institutional giving efforts, as well including government grants. This position will play a crucial role in the implementation of the strategic fundraising plan for grants, foundations, corporations, and other organizations. This position is responsible for prospecting, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of College Possible Minnesota's institutional relationships. The Director of Institutional Engagement will assist other external relations team members as necessary throughout the year in order for the department to successfully accomplish its goals.
Strategic Leadership: Work closely with Executive Director and Sr Director of External Relations to drive strategy for corporate, foundation and government This includes supporting the creation and implementation of annual and multi-year institutional revenue plans that meet CPMN's revenue needs. Collaborate with the Sr. Leadership Team to ensure organizational alignment on funding opportunities, funder requirements, and program implementation.
Institutional Giving: Manage a portfolio of corporation, foundation and government donors; build on existing relationships and improve donor retention through a meaningful stewardship strategy. Conduct prospect research for institutions and organizations. Work with the External Relations team to strategize and implement cultivation techniques to inspire prospective supporters and donors and to increase the number of donors to the College Possible MN. Leverage all of the MN External Relations team and Board Members in these efforts. Assist with the acknowledgement of gifts through thank you letters, calls and other stewardship strategies.
Institutional Fundraising Operations: Execute the acknowledgement of contributions from Institutions, including monetary, services, and in-kind. Assist Sr Director of External Relations as needed with donor stewardship, policy development, database management and updating, internal reports, and filing.
Institutional Partnerships: Develop net revenue generating partnerships with corporations and organizations through partnership initiatives. These partnerships may include scholarships, internships, volunteer engagement, career readiness, and/or field trips.
Grants Management: Manage multi-year grant project plan and calendar. Ensure the accurate maintenance of grant maker files, including electronic files through Raiser's Edge Database. Supervise tracking and submission of all deadlines for proposals and reports to ensure that every grant request and report is completed and submitted on time. Regularly report upcoming grant deadlines, submissions and reports to Executive Director and Sr. Director of External Relations. Collect and manage information relevant to grants and reports.
(Direct Report - Grant Coordinator)
Government Relations: Provide logistical support CP's work with a contracted lobbyist to engage lawmakers for the inclusion of CPMN in legislative funding and policies that support the mission and vision of CP. Ensure grant and legislative reporting is satisfactorily completed according to deadlines and requirements. Support advocacy work and relationship-building with elected officials.
Other Duties as Apparent or Assigned: Participate in weekly External Relations Team meetings and other project meetings as necessary. Work with the Sr Director of External Relations on various projects as assigned.
What You Bring
Education/Certifications/Licenses:
Bachelor's degree
Nonprofit or Fund Development certification
Related Work Experience:
Minimum of five or more years of experience in fundraising or transferrable related
Minimum of 3 years fundraising experience with experience managing grant applications and
Experience in developing, implementing and managing grant
Previous experience implementing and managing a donor stewardship program with a focus on institutional fundraising.
A strong track record as an implementer who thrives on managing multiple projects and deadlines concurrently.
Experience in creating processes and tools for effective donor prospecting, research and solicitation that leads to new donor acquisition and increased gifts and a strong focus on moving donors up the pipeline.
History of using data analysis and reporting to inform decisions as they relate to donor communications, institutional giving and donor stewardship program.
Relationship management experience, demonstrating the ability to work one-on-one with new and existing donors through site visits, donor stewardship calls and in-person meetings.
Computer/Software Skills:
Strong computer skills, including demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and donor database software.
Raiser's Edge experience strongly preferred.
Other Skills, Abilities and Requirements:
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and strong interpersonal
Highly organized and detailed
Must have a desire to engage in diversity, inclusion and/or equity
Relationship builder with the flexibility and sensitivity to balance the perspectives of
Strategic thinker and problem-solver, able to work independently, and
Enjoys creating and implementing new Self-starter with the ability to prioritize multiple projects and deadlines
Sincere commitment to work collaboratively with all constituent groups, including staff, volunteers, donors, program participants and other supporters.
Desire to work in a growing nonprofit organization, ability to adapt, creativity, and commitment to excellence highly valued.
Attention to detail, including proofreading and project follow-through
Physical Requirements:
Ability to lift up to 15 pounds when needed
Office environment with limited travel
Ability to stand and/or sit for a minimum of 7 hours a day
What We Offer
In addition to joining a committed, diverse, values-based organization, we offer:
An opportunity for you to have a tremendous impact both internally and in the broader country
a competitive salary commensurate with experience
excellent benefits including complete health, dental, life, short-term and long-term insurance
401(k) retirement plan
Encouraged sustainability through a generous paid time off program
Personalized professional development and growth opportunities
To Join Our Growing College Possible Team
Please apply at: www.CollegePossible.org/careers Include a resume and cover letter.