Job  Board

Welcome to Wakan Tipi Awanyankapi! We are looking for an exceptional leader who is eager to join our team as a Development Director.

Formerly known as Lower Phalen Creek Project, Wakan Tipi Awanyankapi is a Native-Led, East Side environmental stewardship nonprofit centered in Dakota values. Our name means “those who take care of Wakan Tipi”. Founded in 1997 by community activists, our project area stretches from Lake Phalen to the Mississippi River and throughout the East Side River District. Our work is powered by a dedicated board, staff, and community of volunteers.  

What Makes Us Special:

• All of our work —at Wakáŋ Tipi / Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary, and throughout the East Side —takes place on Dakota land. It is our duty to honor and care for this land with the perspectives, language, and culture of Dakota people at the forefront of our work. To this end, we host a variety of programs that reinforce the relationships Indigenous people have with these spaces, including Traditional Winter Storytelling, Plant Medicine Webinars, and Hike and Harvest programs.
• We rely on a growing network of Native and non-Native knowledge-keepers with a passion for sharing their expertise.
• We work with artists, ecologists, Tribal Nations, and many other loving community members who share their cultural and traditional ecological knowledge teachings with our community.

What Does the Development Director Do:

The Development Director is responsible for leading and overseeing all fundraising efforts and strategies to support the mission of Wakan Tipi Awanyankapi. This includes donor relations, grant writing, and strategic communications. As a member of the leadership team, the Development Director will work closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and other key stakeholders to set and achieve fundraising goals that ensure the sustainability and growth of the organization. Additionally, this position will supervise the Communications Manager and set the strategy for the organization's communications. This position requires a strategic, creative, and collaborative leader who can build relationships and use the art of storytelling to drive communications and funding efforts. 

Core Duties:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that aligns with the organization's mission and goals.
• Set and meet annual fundraising targets, working with the Executive Director and Board of Directors.
• Identify new revenue streams and opportunities for donor cultivation and stewardship.
• Create and implement a comprehensive communications strategy
• Lead the organization’s fundraising efforts, including the development of fundraising strategies, donor engagement, and expanding the organization’s donor base.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with individual donors, corporate sponsors, and foundations, ensuring regular communication and stewardship efforts.
• Track and manage all aspects of grant administration, including meeting grant requirements, deadlines, and ensuring timely and accurate reporting.
• Oversee the maintenance and accuracy of the donor database, ensuring that all donor information, gifts, and communications are recorded and up to date.

What Are We Looking For:

• 3+ years of experience in leadership-level positions in nonprofit development, fundraising, or a related field, with a proven track record of meeting or exceeding fundraising goals
• Experience in the non-profit and public sector.
• Experience working with or in American Indian communities.
• Personal integrity and transparency, serving as a role model for others.
• Belief in the values of Dakota Wicohan, the Dakota Way of Life: Respect, Compassion, Generosity, Dependability, and Courage.
• Eagerness to join a vibrant and bold Native-led nonprofit team.
• Enthusiasm to champion the work and mission of Wakan Tipi Awanyankapi.
• Detail-oriented and adaptive.
• Able to think strategically about organizational growth and sustainability.
• Able to prioritize and meet tight deadlines for grant opportunities as they arise.
• Collaborative and respectful in working across teams.
• Enjoy problem-solving and engaging with others in collaborative solutions.
• Excellent time management and prioritization skills.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business, marketing, communications, or related field.

What We Offer:

• This position is a full-time, salaried position located in St. Paul, MN. Hybrid work options available.
• Expected salary range is: $90,000-$110-000 depending on qualifications and experience.
• Benefits include 50% employer contribution to employee health and dental, 3% company 401k match, professional development budget, and generous PTO package.

Application Process:

• Application Deadline: October 6, 2024 at 11:00 PM (CST)

We are working with MinneHR Insights for our hiring process. To apply, please send cover letter and resume via email to Amanda Achterkirch at amanda@mhrinsights.com using the subject line: Development Director. 

Commitment to our Community: Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our qualifications described.

Wakan Tipi Awanyankapi is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against or give preference to any person because of race, color, creed, religion, age, gender, national origin, disability, ancestry, sexual orientation, familial status, public assistance, local human rights commission activity or any other discriminatory basis prohibited by state or federal law.