Position Summary

Urban Boatbuilders seeks a strategic, mission-driven development and community engagement director to lead and grow the organization’s fundraising and brand visibility. This leadership role is responsible for designing and executing comprehensive development and communications strategies that advance our mission of empowering youth through hands-on learning, boatbuilding, and workforce development.

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Reporting to the executive director, the development and communications director will oversee all aspects of fundraising, including individual giving, grants, events, and corporate sponsorships, as well as internal and external communications and community engagement activities. This role is instrumental in building meaningful relationships with donors, partners, and the community while amplifying the stories of the youth we serve and the mission and impact of Urban Boatbuilders.

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At Urban Boatbuilders, we embrace an "all hands on deck" culture where every team member, regardless of title, is ready to pitch in. The ideal candidate is not only a skilled strategist but also someone who enjoys rolling up their sleeves to execute plans, manage details, and lead by example. They are a compelling storyteller, a collaborative leader, and a hands-on practitioner who thrives in a dynamic, equity-focused environment. This person will work closely with staff, board members, and community stakeholders to ensure sustainable growth and increased impact for Urban Boatbuilders.

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Position: Development and Community Engagement Director 

 

Position Status: Full-time, exempt

 

Compensation and Benefits

• Compensation: $85,000 - $100,000, depending on experience

• Comprehensive benefits package including

  • 100% employer-paid health insurance premium

  • Health Savings Account (HSA) match of up to 3% of salary

  • Employee-paid group dental

  • Simple IRA match of up to 3% of salary

  • Ten paid holidays

  • PTO begins at 15 days/year and increases based on the length of service with the organization up to 25 days/year

  • Short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance.

  • Six-week paid sabbatical after seven years

 

Duties Include:

Development

• Plan and implement an organizational development plan and strategies to achieve annual revenue goals

• Regularly monitor and evaluate development goals and strategies.

• Partner with the Executive Director to coordinate and manage UBB staff, volunteers, and board members in their efforts to support the success of annual marketing and development plans.

 

Individual and major donor development

• Manage individual giving campaigns, including Give to the Max Day, and other individual giving strategies.

• Partner with the Executive Director to manage outreach, cultivation, and stewardship of Urban Boatbuilders’ major gift portfolio.

• Oversee the effective implementation of development and engagement operations, including donor record management, donor segmentation, and donor acknowledgments.

• Develop direct-mail and electronic solicitation strategies for active donors, lapsed donors, volunteers, and other targeted groups

 

Grant writing and management

• Oversee and manage grant acquisition from philanthropic and government sources

• Support organizational grant compliance requirements

 

Fundraising event management

• Lead and oversee fundraising event(s), including ticket sales, sponsorship acquisition strategies, event logistics, and program content

 

Community Engagement and Events

• Establish community engagement goals and strategies

• Plan and execute community engagement events, which may include participation in events such as the Minnesota State Fair, American Craft Council shows, and the Minneapolis Boat Show

• Regularly monitor and evaluate engagement and communications goals.

• In partnership with the executive director, act as spokesperson for Urban Boatbuilders by leading or participating in informational talks, check presentations, donor gatherings, and other outside events

 

Communications

• Establish annual communications goals and strategies

• Execute and oversee the implementation of communications activities in collaboration with the development and communications coordinator

• Regularly monitor communications goals, outcomes, and strategies and adjust as needed

 

Leadership and Staff Management

• Be a thought leader in terms of the strategy, scope, scale, and pace of our work each year

• Actively participate in fostering a positive culture that supports the strategies and mission of the organization.

• Serve on the operations (leadership) team to coordinate across functions and ensure that the organization runs smoothly on a practical level

• Manage and support the Development and Communications Associate (1 FTE)

• Manage and support development/communications volunteers and/or consultants.

• Work collaboratively with the executive director in establishing development and communications goals and targets

 

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in fund development, community engagement, and communications for a nonprofit organization

• Experience in successfully managing relationships with donors

• Experience and proficiency in donor data management

• Experience with email marketing tools such as MailChimp and social media strategies

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills and able to build authentic relationships across diverse stakeholders, including young people, volunteers, donors, and community partners

• Upon offer of employment, a candidate will be required to pass a Minnesota Child Protection background check.

 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing successful teams through mentorship and support

• 5+ years of development experience

• Track record of success in grant writing, acquisition, and reporting

• Event planning experience

 

To​ ​Apply:

Please send your cover letter and resume to Marc Hosmer, Executive Director, at hr@urbanboatbuilders.org, with the subject line “Development and Community Engagement Director."  Priority will be given to applications received by May 23rd. However, the position will remain open until filled. If you have immediate questions regarding this job opening, please email info@urbanboatbuilders.org