Institutional Giving Manager

The Institutional Giving Officer will lead a dynamic and expanding program to secure and grow philanthropic support from foundations, corporations, and other institutional funders. In this role, you’ll do more than write grants—you’ll build strategic relationships that translate into long-term investments in Minnesota’s natural heritage.

As part of a collaborative development and communications team, you’ll have the opportunity to shape funder strategies, elevate the visibility of conservation impact, and help meet the organization’s ambitious goals. This position is ideal for someone who brings a blend of strategic thinking, compelling storytelling, and a passion for building partnerships that lead to real change on the land.

Key Responsibilities

1. Institutional Fundraising & Program Leadership (40%)
• Design and lead a multi-year strategy to grow institutional support for general operations, campaigns, and programmatic initiatives.
• Own the full lifecycle of grants and institutional proposals: prospect research, writing, budgeting, submission, reporting, and renewal.
• Create compelling narratives in collaboration with program staff to articulate the Land Trust’s mission, strategies, and measurable outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with funder requirements and deadlines through clear internal processes and controls.
• Utilize the CRM system to track grant deadlines, proposals, and reports, and maintain accurate, up-to-date records and notes on funder relationships.

2. Funder Cultivation & Relationship Management (25%)
• Build and steward a portfolio of current and prospective foundation and corporate funders through personal outreach, relationship cultivation, and tailored communications.
• Research and identify new local regional and national prospects whose giving priorities align with Land Trust initiatives.
• Work closely with individual donors, board members, and organizational leaders to leverage their networks and connections—helping to identify new institutional funding opportunities.
• Represent Minnesota Land Trust in meetings, site visits, and public events, helping build visibility and trust with current and prospective funders.

3. Corporate Sponsorships & Engagement (20%)
• Support the cultivation and stewardship of corporate partners for program sponsorships and select events, such as Minnesota Made or Treasured Places.
• Work with communications and development staff to develop compelling sponsorship packages and recognition materials.
• Ensure fulfillment of sponsorship benefits and timely reporting to maintain and grow relationships with corporate supporters.

4. Internal Collaboration & Strategic Planning (15%)
• Serve as a key thought partner to the Director of Development & Communications in setting and evaluating institutional fundraising goals.
• Collaborate with finance, communications, and program teams to ensure alignment across grant deliverables, budget tracking, messaging, and storytelling.
• Contribute insights and data to strategic planning conversations and annual development planning processes.
• Support staff and leadership in funder-facing storytelling, presentations, and cultivation strategies.

Qualifications
• 3–5+ years of experience in grant writing, institutional giving, or nonprofit development.
• Proven success securing grants or sponsorships from foundations and/or corporations.
• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with the ability to translate complex or technical information into clear, compelling proposals.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to build trust across departments and with external partners.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and deadline-driven, with the capacity to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
• Passion for environmental conservation and a strong commitment to Minnesota Land Trust’s mission.
• Experience using CRMs and donor management systems.
• Understanding of grant budgeting, reporting requirements, and outcomes-based evaluation.

Reports to: Director of Development & Communications
Location: Hybrid – Minnesota-based (remote/in-office as needed)
Status: Full-time, Exempt
Salary range: $75,000-$85,000 per year

To Apply

Please email a cover letter and resume combined as a single PDF to [email protected]. Application deadline is June 22, 2025.

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