Development and Engagement Coordinator
To Apply: Email cover letter, resume, and references to Anna Waugh at awaugh@parkconnection.org. Priority deadline September 13th. Open until filled.
Job Title: Development and Engagement Coordinator
Location: Mississippi Park Connection Office: 111 East Kellogg Blvd. #105, Saint Paul, MN 55101
Reports to: Assistant Director
FLSA Status: Hourly
Pay Range: $22-25.50/hour depending on experience
Benefits: A comprehensive benefits package is offered to all full-time Mississippi Park Connection employees. This includes: a 50% match for healthcare premiums, a 100% match of their contribution to an employee-sponsored 401k (limited to the first 5% of salary deferred), 11 paid holidays, generous paid vacation and sick leave, 6 weeks paid parental leave, and paid bereavement leave.
MPC’s offices share an apartment building with a free gym, sauna, community space, and roof deck. Employees are also encouraged to borrow recreational equipment such as kayaks, snowshoes, etc. as a part of their job to explore and enjoy the Mississippi River.
Finally, MPC provides for paid professional development opportunities such as attendance to conferences and professional clubs, travel, and training opportunities.
About Mississippi Park Connection:
Our Mission:
Mississippi Park Connection strengthens the enduring connection between people and the Mississippi River by enriching the life of the river and the lives of all who experience our national park, the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.
The Official Nonprofit Partner of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area:
As the official nonprofit organization dedicated to the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, we generate private support and build strategic partnerships to connect people and the river. We enhance critical wildlife habitat and provide one-of-a-kind opportunities for people to get to and on the water - so that present and future generations can experience and learn about the Mississippi River’s only national park.
Position Overview:
As an Development and Engagement Coordinator with Mississippi Park Connection, you will work closely with program staff and MPC leadership in the following primary functions: oversee annual giving and membership, special events, and projects.
Position Responsibility:
Build philanthropic support for Mississippi Park Connection as you:
Coordinate Mississippi Park Connection’s individual giving and membership programs with direction from leadership staff.
Research and advance funding opportunities to increase general operations funding, and support the following major initiatives: Mississippi River Learning Center, BIPOC in the Outdoors and other affinity programming, youth development and education, and public programs.
Support development efforts within the context of a larger communications and development plan.
Develop a plan for “donor journeys” and carry through these efforts.
Coordinate and support opportunities for Mississippi Park Connection’s annual fundraising event, Give to the Max Day, and 6-8 membership events per year.
Seek sponsorships and coordinate event components such as silent auction, program, and donor experience.
Coordinate with the Marketing and Events Specialist on event communications including invitations, marketing, gift acknowledgments, and follow-ups.
Work with the Assistant Director to plan and execute events.
Acknowledge and track donations in collaboration with program staff leads.
Craft timely written and/or personal acknowledgments for donors, grantors, and in-kind partners.
Track the progress of foundation, corporate, and government fundraising to update revenue projections regarding grants.
Maintain an accurate, complete record of efforts and contacts in database systems.
Keep up-to-date records in Mississippi Park Connection’s data management system (Salesforce).
In this role, you will also advance Mississippi Park Connection’s efforts to diversify its organization and the park’s visitors and hold a deep commitment to equity and inclusion.
Build strong, inclusive, and equitable working relationships with other Mississippi Park Connection and National Park Service professionals.
The Development and Engagement Coordinator must build and maintain successful relationships with NPS staff in working with land managing partners and park volunteers.
Collaborate with colleagues to devise and execute a membership plan with an equity lens.
Coordinate with the development team on grant submissions and reporting at the direction of MPC leadership.
Coordinate with Mississippi Park Connection Marketing and Events Associate to include development messages across all media platforms: newsletter, e-newsletter, and social media.
Other duties as assigned.
Required Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
Minimum 2-4 years of experience in development, volunteer coordination, or community organizing in one or more areas of interest, including environment, education, youth development, or equivalent.
Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Adept at engaging with individuals from varying backgrounds who hold beliefs from an array of experiences you may or may not hold.
Capacity to establish and sustain collaborative relationships with colleagues.
Comfortable engaging with donors, volunteers, and the public in informal and formal settings.
Demonstrate outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
Exercise deliberate, careful judgment and steady practical wisdom.
Capacity to synthesize complex ideas and activities into coherent and compelling narratives.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Experience creating high-quality, on-brand communications and social media messaging.
Preferred Skills and Experience:
Experience with Salesforce or comparable fundraising software.
Deep love of National Parks or other parks or the outdoors.
Proven, steady success in setting and meeting organizational goals.
Experience with Adobe Creative Suite and/or other design tools.
Experience in a nonprofit development office.
Preference will be given to applicants who are multilingual.
Reporting To This Position: None
Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
Must hold a valid US driver's license and qualify to drive a federal vehicle.
Physical Demands:
Required to move about in an office environment and sit for extended periods of time
Required to move about in the community
Field visits will entail moderate walking in outdoor conditions encountered potentially throughout all four seasons.
Some lifting may be required, less than 50 pounds.
Ability to lift campaign materials and organize events. Duties may include lifting tables, small boxes of materials, and other supplies.
Ability to work seated and on the keyboard for long periods required
Working Conditions:
Moderate noise level
Occasional exposure to prevalent weather conditions
This position requires the candidate to work in person from the Saint Paul offices. Flexible work schedules may be discussed.
Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.