Director of External Relations

Director of Development and Communications PROP (People Reaching Out to Other People) is seeking an experienced, dynamic, and relationship-driven Director of Development and Communications to lead the organization’s fundraising, communications, and community engagement efforts. At PROP, we believe that no neighbor should face hunger or financial hardship alone. Every day, we work alongside our community to provide food, financial assistance, and hope to individuals and families navigating challenging circumstances. This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic and passionate nonprofit leader who thrives on building meaningful relationships, inspiring philanthropic support, increasing community awareness, and telling the story of an organization making a meaningful difference in the lives of local neighbors. The Director will serve as a key member of the leadership team and a passionate ambassador for PROP, strengthening relationships with donors, businesses, foundations, civic organizations, community leaders, and other partners.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Development and Communications is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive strategy for fundraising, donor engagement, communications, marketing, public relations, and community partnerships. This position will lead all aspects of development, including individual giving, major gifts, grants, corporate and foundation support, events, donor cultivation and stewardship, and in-kind contributions. The Director will also lead PROP’s communications strategy, ensuring that the organization’s mission, programs, impact, and community needs are communicated effectively and consistently across multiple platforms. The ideal candidate is an exceptional communicator, grant writer, strategic thinker, relationship builder, and fundraiser who can translate PROP’s impact into compelling stories that inspire people and organizations to take action and invest in the mission.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Development & Fundraising Lead and implement PROP’s short- and long-term fundraising strategy and annual development plan. Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward current and prospective donors, including individuals, businesses, foundations, and community organizations. Research new grant opportunities and lead all aspects of grant development, including proposal writing, submission, tracking, and reporting. Develop and maintain strong relationships with major donors and prospective major donors. Develop strategies to increase individual giving, corporate support, foundation funding, and other philanthropic revenue. Plan and manage fundraising events and campaigns. Identify opportunities to increase financial and in-kind contributions to PROP. Establish fundraising goals, track progress, and regularly report results to the Executive Director and Board. Ensure timely and accurate tracking and maintenance of donor information in PROP’s donor database, Bloomerang . Work closely with the Executive Director, Board, staff, and volunteers to maximize fundraising opportunities. Communications & Marketing Develop and execute a comprehensive communications and marketing strategy that supports PROP’s mission and fundraising goals. Develop compelling content that communicates PROP’s impact and inspires community support. Oversee organizational messaging, brand identity, voice, and reputation. Coordinate communications across social media, website, newsletters, print materials, media relations, and other platforms. Identify opportunities to increase PROP’s visibility and strengthen awareness of its programs and services. Work with the communications team to establish annual goals, objectives, strategies, and performance measures. Ensure consistent messaging and branding across all external communications. Community Engagement & Partnerships Serve as a visible ambassador for PROP throughout the community. Build and maintain relationships with businesses, civic organizations, faith communities, foundations, schools, elected officials, and other community partners. Make regular presentations to businesses, organizations, civic groups, and community partners to increase awareness of PROP’s mission and impact. Provide tours, information sessions, and other opportunities for community members and organizations to learn about PROP. Identify new opportunities for strategic partnerships and community engagement. Represent PROP at community events, meetings, and networking opportunities. Leadership Serve as a member of PROP’s leadership team and contribute to organizational strategy and planning. Collaborate with staff and leadership to advance organizational goals. Manage and prioritize multiple projects and initiatives in a fast-paced nonprofit environment. Build strong, productive, and collaborative working relationships with colleagues, volunteers, donors, and community partners.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Minimum of five years of nonprofit fundraising and development experience. Demonstrated success in grant writing, grant research, reporting, donor cultivation, and fundraising of at least $2 million dollars a year. Experience developing and maintaining relationships with major donors, businesses, foundations, and community partners. Demonstrated experience with fundraising strategy, event management, and donor stewardship. Strong marketing, communications, social media, and community engagement skills. Excellent public speaking, presentation, written, and verbal communication skills. Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of audiences and build meaningful relationships. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects and deadlines. Strategic thinker with the ability to identify opportunities, solve problems, and take initiative. Ability to work collaboratively and effectively as part of a leadership team. Demonstrated passion for PROP’s mission and commitment to addressing hunger and financial hardship in our community.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

CFRE certification and/or graduate degree in nonprofit management, philanthropy, communications, or a related field. 10+ years of nonprofit fundraising and communications experience. Experience working in hunger relief, human services, community development, or a related nonprofit field. Familiarity with the Eden Prairie and Chanhassen communities. Experience with Bloomerang or another nonprofit donor database. Experience developing successful major gift, corporate, foundation, and annual giving programs.

PROP PERKS

Generous paid time off and holidays Health, dental, and vision insurance Simple IRA plan Life insurance Short- and long-term disability insurance Employee Assistance Program #J-18808-Ljbffr Minnesota Council of Nonprofits