Foundation Relations and Communications Coordinator

Position Overview:

The Foundation Relations and Communications Coordinator is responsible for building relationships with foundations and for providing proposal writing and communications support that will generate visibility and additional resources for Literacy Minnesota’s mission.

Work environment consists of a typical office environment (with remote office hours during COVID-19 pandemic conditions). Time spent on the computer is approximately 75%. This position reports to the Development Director.

Specific responsibilities of the Foundation Relations and Communications Coordinator include, but are not limited to:

Foundation Relations - 45%

• Investigate and identify prospective corporate and foundation funding sources. 
• Work collaboratively with the development team to develop cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies and participate in the implementation of these strategies. 
• Initiate and build relationships with prospective corporate and foundation donors. 
• Maintain the grants calendar to ensure all deadlines are current and proposals and reports are submitted on time. 
• Add and update pertinent funder information in Salesforce (Literacy Minnesota’s contact relationship management system). 
• Draft compelling proposal narratives for general operating support and project-specific grants based on Literacy Minnesota priorities and needs of funders. Assist with sponsorship requests. Provide editing support on other proposals. 
• Compile attachments and supplementary materials for proposals. 
• Complete funder communications and attend funder meetings as needed.

Agency and Donor Communications - 45%

• Assist in the creation of materials such as newsletters, brochures, fact sheets, annual reports, promotional items, etc. 
• Coordinate printing and mailing projects. 
• Coordinate website content and relevant social media platforms. 
• Assist in the development of a media relations plan. Manage media relationships and help craft press releases. 
• Help coordinate print and electronic communications with donors. 
• Coordinate email campaigns using MailChimp. 
• Assist in the coordination of events and other donor cultivation and stewardship initiatives. 
• Create promotional materials for development events.

Other Responsibilities - 10%

• Attend all staff meetings. 
• Other duties as assigned. 
• Support and provide back-up to team members as needed and applicable

Qualifications for this position include:

Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree plus three years of marketing, communications and/or development experience, ideally in a nonprofit setting. Equivalent combination of education and experience accepted in place of degree. 
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal and networking skills. 
• Excellent attention to detail, proofreading skills and ability to meet deadlines. 
• Graphic design skills and knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator). 
• Experience with web content management and social media. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Preferred:

• Technologically proficient, including strong Microsoft Excel skills, knowledge of mail merges and experience with Microsoft Word, Outlook and other Microsoft Office products. 
• Minimum one year experience with Salesforce or another contact management system, preferably in a nonprofit setting. 
• Photo and video skills. 
• Experience with Google Analytics and Google Data Studio. 
• Interest in and commitment to literacy and/or social causes.

Compensation: starting annual salary between $41,128 - $45,698/year (commensurate with experience) and a generous benefits package.