Development Director

Location: Hybrid (KOM office in Roseville, MN and remote subject to approval by Co-Executive Directors. This position is not eligible for fully remote work.)
Status: Full-time, exempt (M-F 8:30-5:00; some evening/weekend hours required)
Salary: $75,000 – $85,000 annually
Benefits: Health insurance (100% of premium covered for employee), life insurance, short-term disability insurance, approx. 180 hours/year of paid time off, 10 paid holidays, and regular employer-paid training opportunities
Reports to: Eh Tah Khu and Alexis Walstad, Co-Executive Directors
Posting Close Date: Open until filled

Position Summary:

The Karen Organization of Minnesota (KOM) seeks a driven, creative, and collaborative fundraising professional to join our growing team as the Development Director. KOM is a highly respected, culturally responsive service hub with over 35 employees and a current budget of $3.7 million. The Development Director will oversee KOM’s fund development strategy—including government contracts/grants, foundation grants, individual/corporate donors, and special events—to maintain current program budgets and plan for future growth. As a member of KOM’s senior leadership team, the Development Director will also have important roles in building relationships across sectors, representing the organization and community priorities, and building a healthy and inclusive work environment for all employees. Responsibilities include:

Development Strategy (10%):

• Create and carry out an annual development plan to meet KOM’s short-term and long-term goals in partnership with the Development Committee (KOM Co-Executive Directors, board members, and ad hoc volunteers)
• Motivate and equip KOM’s Development Committee to carry out fundraising strategies including new donor cultivation, donor stewardship, and special events

Grant Writing (60%):

• Identify government and foundation grant opportunities for consideration by KOM’s Leadership Team
• Collaborate with program staff and partner organizations to design effective, culturally responsive program plans
• Write grant proposals to advance KOM’s programs in career pathways, social services, youth development, and community health
• Assist Program Directors to submit grant reports as required by funders
• Build/Maintain positive relationships with grant program officers through regular correspondence and invitations to attend KOM programs and events

Individual & Corporate Donor Stewardship (15%):

• Increase individual and corporate giving through prospect research, outreach, cultivation, and stewardship of new and existing donors
• Design creative fundraising campaigns to invite donors to engage with the organization in new ways
• Enter donor activity in KOM’s database (Little Green Light) and send timely acknowledgement of donor contributions

Special Events (10%):

• Design and execute creative, engaging events that build awareness of KOM’s mission and impact and enhance relationships between KOM supporters
• Lead KOM’s Gala Planning Committee to define annual event goals, program themes, and planning timelines and track progress on planning activities
• Implement strategies to improve post-event engagement and donor cultivation

Organizational Leadership (5%):

• Champion the organization’s mission with staff, board members, and external partners
• Attend weekly leadership team meetings and bi-weekly all-staff meetings
• Support all-staff activities including training, retreats, and employee recognition
• Support public outreach and advocacy initiatives as requested by Co-Executive Directors

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree (American or international) or equivalent experience
• At least 5 years of experience in grant writing, donor relationships, communications, and/or community outreach roles raising at least $1 million annually
• Exceptional research and writing abilities to synthesize complex issues and program designs into clear, compelling narratives
• High level of competency in Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and database applications
• Strong cross-cultural and cross-sector relationship-building skills
• Strong personal commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive programs
• Must be able to travel within the Twin Cities to attend partner meetings and community events

Desired Competencies (Knowledge, Skills, & Behavior):

• Demonstrated success in securing and managing government contract funds
• Knowledge of local and national philanthropic sector and trends
• Knowledge of local human services, workforce development, and/or refugee resettlement systems
• Experience working in culturally diverse environments, particularly immigrant/refugee-led organizations
• Demonstrated understanding of issues impacting racial equity in Minnesota
• Skills in qualitative and/or quantitative evaluation to assess program needs and impact
• Experience working with a board of directors and/or fundraising committee
• Skills in marketing and public relations
• Strong public speaking skills to advocate for community priorities and share the organization’s impact
• Proficiency in Karen, Karenni, or Burmese is beneficial but not required.

Work Environment: KOM currently has a hybrid work environment, with most full-time employees working 2-3 days per week in the office and the remaining days from home. This position requires availability during KOM’s business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm) in order to engage with staff and partner organizations. Some hours and work location may be flexible at the discretion of the Co-Executive Directors. This position is not eligible for fully remote work due to the need to meet frequently with KOM staff, funders, and partners.

Benefits: KOM is committed to providing a welcoming and collaborative environment for all employees to build their careers. Benefits include Health insurance (100% of premium covered), life insurance, short-term disability insurance, approx. 180 hours/year of paid time off, 10 paid holidays, and regular employer-paid training opportunities. As a 501(c)(3) organization, KOM is a qualifying employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.

To Apply: Please submit the following to humanresources@mnkaren.org: resume, cover letter, 3 professional references, and a 1-2-page writing sample of something you have already written (e.g. report excerpt, donor communication). Position open until filled.