Donor Engagement Specialist

Explore The Trades; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development reimbursement

Home service reimbursement

Cell phone reimbursement

Paid community service day

Job summary

Explore The Trades is seeking a Donor Engagement Specialist in Minneapolis, MN. You will design and execute a donor engagement strategy, cultivate relationships, and drive grant proposals to sustain the mission.

The role partners with the Executive Director and Board to maximize fundraising impact. The position demands strong communication, proven nonprofit fundraising experience, and the ability to manage multiple tasks while maintaining confidentiality.

Qualifications

• Minimum three years’ experience in non-profit fundraising.
• Experience with grant proposals at state and federal levels.
• Familiarity with industries relevant to plumbing/HVAC/electrical (preferred).
• Experience with donor management software (Donor Perfect).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks.

Responsibilities

• Create and implement a comprehensive donor strategy with the Executive Director.
• Manage donor communications and marketing materials as needed.
• Cultivate and manage donor relationships to meet KPIs.
• Research, write, and manage grant proposals to corporate and private foundations.
• Develop stewardship opportunities, recognition, and communication.
• Research and identify corporate giving prospects and grant opportunities.
• Track donor metrics, including retention and recurring giving.
• Collaborate with Executive Director and staff on donor-related activities.
• Attend industry events and represent Explore The Trades in various settings.
• Establish and manage relationships with new and existing donors.
• Other responsibilities as assigned by Executive Director

Skills

Grant proposals

Fundraising

Donor relations

Public speaking

Communication

Tools

Microsoft 365

SharePoint

Donor Perfect

Job description

Company Description

Founded in 2005, Explore The Trades is dedicated to bridging the technical talent gap in the service trades of plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical.

Explore The Trades, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is part of the national conversation to bring the skilled trades back into schools. Through classroom resource and equipment grant programs for K-12 schools now impacting over 1+ million students, Explore The Trades promotes the awareness and importance of skilled trades careers. Explore The Trades is also a resource for contractors, distributors, manufacturers, suppliers, and industry vendors looking to partner with schools in their communities.

The Big Picture

The Donor Engagement Specialist will create and manage a donor engagement strategy for Explore The Trades, specifically with industry and foundation partner relationships. The position will work in partnership with the Executive Director, Explore The Trades staff, and Board of Trustees (as applicable).

Key Tasks

• Work with Executive Director and trustee committee to create and implement a comprehensive donor strategy
• Management of donor communications (e-newsletters, website copy, marketing materials as needed)
• Cultivate and manage donor relationships to meet donation KPIs related to specific donor segments (individual donors and grants)
• Research, write, and manage grant proposals to corporate and private foundations to sustain the mission of the organization
• Develop and maintain stewardship opportunities, recognition, and communication
• Research and identify corporate giving prospects and grant opportunities
• Track donor metrics, including donor retention, recurring giving, new donors, etc.
• Collaborate with Executive Director and Explore The Trades staff with donor-related activities
• Attend industry events and speak on behalf of Explore The Trades in 1:1 conversations with potential donors and partners, as well as large group settings, interviews (podcasts, industry publications, etc.)
• Establish and manage relationships with new and existing donors (including prospecting, cultivation, stewardship, retention) to Explore The Trades
• Other responsibilities as assigned by Executive Director

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Successful track record of grant proposals at both the state and federal levels (three years minimum preferred)
• Minimum of three years’ experience in non-profit fundraising and/or sales (preferred)
• Familiarity and/or experience in the industries of plumbing, HVAC and electrical (preferred)
• High degree of integrity, ethical decision making and confidentiality
• Experience with Microsoft 365 applications/SharePoint and donor management software (Donor Perfect) (preferred).
• Demonstrated ability to present articulately, effectively and succinctly to different audiences (1:1 and large group presentations)
• Demonstrated ability to build and grow relationships with potential donors and program partners
• Strong interpersonal skills with a variety of stakeholders.
• Work independently
• Must be articulate and demonstrate excellent communication skills both verbally and in writing.
• Must be highly organized with attention to detail.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize work and effectively follow through on tasks in a timely manner.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
• Must be responsible, reliable and dependable.

Travel Requirements

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs. and sit/stand for long periods of time

What We Offer

• Base salary with performance bonus potential
• Company-sponsored 403(b) retirement plan available to eligible employees
• Fringe benefits including: professional development reimbursement, home service reimbursement, cell phone reimbursement, paid community service day, Sam’s Club/Costco membership
• Base Salary: $60,000-$70,000 + bonus pay

Visit our site at www.explorethetrades.org to learn more about our organization.

Employment is contingent on passing a pre-employment drug test and background check. Explore The Trades provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. In addition to federal law requirements, Explore The Trades complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.