SVP of Development in Minneapolis, Minnesota at Hennepin Theatre Trust

Reports To: President/CEO

Status: Full-time, Salaried (Exempt)

Rate of Pay: $190,000 - $200,000

Posting Timeline: This position will remain open until filled, and will have a priority deadline of October 11, 2026

About Hennepin Arts

Hennepin Arts powers a thriving arts community - rooted in Minneapolis, with impact across Minnesota - through unforgettable experiences, preserving history, expanding opportunity, and inspiring connection through the power of performance. We bring people together through powerful performances and educational programs. Our work preserving historic theatres and activating the District honors the past and shapes the future of Minnesota.

At Hennepin Arts, we believe identity should never be a barrier to belonging or success. Every person on our staff, on our stages, in our audiences, and in our communities deserves to feel seen, respected, and valued. Inclusion is core to who we are and how we lead. We affirm that diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging (DEIAB) are daily practices that shape how we work, who we serve, and what we stand for.

Position Summary

The Senior Vice President (SVP) of Development at Hennepin Arts is responsible for overseeing and enhancing all aspects of the organization’s fundraising from both individual and institutional sources. This senior role is designed to strategically increase the organization’s financial support through innovative fundraising initiatives, major donor cultivation, and securing substantial grants and sponsorships.

Key responsibilities include leading the design and execution of comprehensive giving strategies tailored to the evolving needs of our donor base, ensuring a robust foundation for the organization’s financial health. The SVP will craft and manage a high-level fundraising strategy that aligns intricately with the organization’s overarching financial objectives. This includes leading a dynamic team of fundraising professionals, collaborating closely with the CEO and the Board of Directors, and ensuring all fundraising activities are integrated with the organization’s strategic vision.

The role also demands mastery in orchestrating high-impact fundraising events and campaigns and working closely with the marketing and communications team to effectively promote the organization’s mission. Additionally, the SVP will manage the fundraising budget, monitor progress, and maintain compliance with all relevant laws and ethical standards, thereby upholding the integrity and reputation of Hennepin Arts.

Responsibilities

Individual Giving (25%)

• Strategically cultivate and steward enduring relationships with major donors to secure and enhance their ongoing support, ensuring a robust foundation for the organization's financial health
• Direct the comprehensive design and execution of diverse giving strategies, including annual campaigns, structured planned giving programs, and innovative donor recognition initiatives, all tailored to meet the evolving needs of our donor base
• Proactively identify and engage prospective donors by leveraging expansive networks and community connections, effectively broadening the organization's financial support system and ensuring a continuous influx of new benefactors

Strategic Leadership (20%)

• Craft and orchestrate a high-level fundraising strategy that intricately aligns with the organization’s overarching financial objectives, meticulously crafted to bolster long-term fiscal sustainability
• Lead and galvanize a dynamic team of fundraising experts, setting rigorous performance standards and clear, ambitious targets that cultivate a culture of high achievement and strategic excellence
• Collaborate proactively with the CEO and Board of Directors, ensuring that all fundraising initiatives are seamlessly integrated with the organization’s strategic vision, thereby maximizing impact and coherence across all operational levels

Institutional Fundraising (20%)

• Proactively secure substantial grants and sponsorships from a broad spectrum of foundations and government entities, strategically enhancing the financial underpinnings of our organization
• Establish and sustain robust partnerships with institutional funders, ensuring meticulous adherence to reporting requirements and fostering trust through transparency and reliability
• Meticulously craft and manage a portfolio of proposals and grant applications, carefully aligning each submission with the specific priorities and guidelines of funders to maximize the likelihood of funding success

Events and Campaigns (15%)

• Mastermind and orchestrate a series of high-impact fundraising events, such as galas, auctions, and donor cultivation gatherings, meticulously designed to maximize engagement and financial contributions
• Command oversight of capital campaigns and special projects, ensuring their triumphant execution through strategic planning and diligent management
• Mobilize and empower a network of volunteers and community partners, leveraging their enthusiasm and capabilities to enhance the reach and success of fundraising efforts

Communications and Outreach (10%)

• Collaborate closely with the marketing and communications team to craft and deploy captivating fundraising materials and campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences
• Act as a prominent ambassador for Hennepin Arts at public gatherings, meetings, and conferences, vigorously promoting the organization’s mission and fundraising objectives
• Maintain rigorous and strategic communication with donors and stakeholders, ensuring a consistent and persuasive narrative that bolsters ongoing support and engagement

Financial Management (10%)

• Devise and administer the fundraising budget with a sharp focus on optimizing resource allocation and achieving financial benchmarks
• Systematically monitor and report on fundraising progress, providing comprehensive updates to the CEO and Board of Directors to inform strategic decisions
• Rigorously ensure compliance with all pertinent laws, regulations, and ethical standards, upholding the integrity of fundraising activities and the organization’s reputation

Required

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, Communications, or a related field. Advanced degree (Master's or MBA) preferred
• At least 10-15 years of progressive fundraising experience in a nonprofit environment, with a proven track record of success in individual and institutional giving

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated experience in managing and closing major gifts campaigns, including planning, executing, and evaluating multiple high-impact fundraising strategies
• Track record of securing significant funding from foundations, corporations, and government entities
• Extensive experience in developing and maintaining productive working relationships with executive leadership, board members, major donors, and institutional funders
• Proven leadership experience, including managing a diverse team of fundraising professionals, motivating and galvanizing them towards achieving ambitious targets
• Exceptional strategic thinking and planning skills, with the ability to align fundraising strategies with organizational goals
• High proficiency in donor recognition, cultivation, and stewardship practices that enhance donor loyalty and investment
• Robust analytical skills, with experience in financial management and budgeting within a fundraising context
• Ability to orchestrate large-scale fundraising events and manage complex capital campaigns
• Knowledge of current trends in philanthropy and fundraising techniques, particularly in the arts or related sectors
• Proactive approach in identifying and seizing new fundraising opportunities
• Resilience and flexibility, able to respond effectively to challenges and changes in the fundraising landscape

Physical Requirements

• Sit, walk and stand for extended periods of time
• Lift and/or carry up to 25 lbs
• Use computers for extended periods of time
• Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the assigned and essential functions

Benefits and Perks

• This position is eligible to participate in employer-sponsored benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, and other ancillary benefits)
• Parking stipend
• Vacation, Sick Time, and other paid time off plans
• Retirement benefits

Disclaimer: The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. They are not intended to be on an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. Management reserves the right to change or modify such duties as required.

Hennepin Arts is committed to hiring staff who reflect the diversity of the Minnesota communities we serve. 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 we encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our qualifications described. We are committed to recruiting and engaging individuals without regard to disability, gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation. We are committed to equity and are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of individuals.

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Employment is contingent on passing a pre-employment background check. Your written consent will be obtained prior to a background check being performed.