Summary

The Director of Institutional Advancement & Public Affairs manages the College’s fundraising endeavors and public relations activities. This position collaborates with the President, senior leadership, and the Board of Trustees to define and implement an overarching advancement strategy and serves as a key liaison between the College and the community.

Education

Master’s degree in a related field or a bachelor’s degree with equivalent relevant experience.

Duties / Responsibilities

·       Provide leadership and management oversight for the Department of Institutional Advancement and its reporting units.

·       Serve as a liaison between the College and its stakeholders, including alumni, donors, prospective donors, friends of the College, corporations, foundations, and city, county, and state officials.

·       Collaborate with the President and Cabinet Team to design and implement fundraising initiatives and strategies.

·       Execute measurable public relations strategies; collaborate with colleagues and community partners to develop key messages and thought-leadership pieces; and build and nurture media relationships through proactive, targeted outreach.

·       Develop and implement strategies to identify, cultivate, track, and solicit alumni, parents, and friends of Leech Lake Tribal College for significant gifts supporting campaign and institutional priorities.

·       Function as a member of the Cabinet and Leadership Team.

·       Recommend and implement cultivation and solicitation strategies for individual prospects, working with administration, faculty, community members, and members of the Board of Trustees as appropriate.

·       Support relationships and sponsor interactions and maintain contacts with prospective donors to develop their interest and participation in giving to Leech Lake Tribal College.

·       Create an endowment plan and research and recommend investment opportunities to the President, Finance Director, and Board of Trustees.

·       Develop and manage capital campaigns, planned giving, and annual campaigns.

·       Direct campaign strategy and implementation.

·       Organize and oversee implementation of all campaign tasks.

·       Supervise the creation and maintenance of databases specific to departmental needs.

·       Maintain records, schedules, and files appropriate to departmental needs.

·       Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive institutional advancement plan.

·       Develop a donor base and plan, coordinate, and implement special campaigns and an annual gifts campaign incorporating a recognition component.

·       Facilitate relationships between key College personnel, including the President and Board of Trustees, and donor prospects.

·       Assist administrators in recognizing and prioritizing institutional and departmental funding needs while remaining informed of College priorities, programs, and events.

·       Create and produce promotional materials with final approval from the College President and/or Administration Team.

·       Oversee public relations materials and presentations, including social media.

·       Supervise the Multimedia and Marketing Specialist.

·       Develop work plans supporting short-term objectives and long-term goals; operate within approved budgets and timeframes; implement plans; conduct periodic evaluations; and report results to the Administration Team.

·       Research best practices among peer institutions and adapt them to meet the College’s fundraising and marketing needs.

·       Review special events and fundraising activities to improve the efficiency and sophistication of fundraising, marketing, and public relations programs.

·       Create and implement annual strategic plans for the department.

·       Serve on College committees and participate in professional organizations as appropriate to the assignment.

·       Resolve or assist in resolving problems and complaints and initiate corrective action as appropriate.

·       Perform other related duties as required or assigned.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

·      A minimum of four years of experience in philanthropy, public relations, sales and promotions, marketing, or a related field; previous experience in a two-year college setting is preferred.

·      Previous administrative experience in a higher education setting is preferred.

·      Commitment to the Leech Lake Tribal College mission, vision, and goals.

·      Strategic development skills to create and implement initiatives that enhance service, internal efficiency, and revenue generation.

·      Experience with budgeting, including preparation of budgets and budget justifications for large grants.

·      Willingness to travel.

·      Knowledge of capital campaign fundraising, including leadership gifts, major gifts, and general solicitations.

·      Knowledge of prospect research and grant proposal development.

·      Knowledge of special-event cultivation and donor recognition strategies.

·      Knowledge of campaign budget management.

·      Ability to manage multiple projects and work effectively under deadlines and administrative demands.

·      Experience working with the Ojibwe community.

·      Ability to coordinate activities and develop positive working relationships with a variety of staff and departments.

·      Ability to communicate effectively with Tribal College constituencies and staff of other colleges, universities, and organizations.

·      Ability to foster collaboration across the College in support of student and institutional success.

·      Strong leadership skills that promote dedication, creativity, innovation, and growth.

·      Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, organizational, planning, prioritization, analytical, problem-solving, negotiation, influence, and persuasion skills.

·      Ability to maintain confidentiality of records and information and to interpret, adapt, and apply guidelines and procedures.

·      Ability to develop and maintain effective recordkeeping systems and procedures.

·      Ability to work effectively as a member of the LLTC team and provide outstanding service to the College and its stakeholders.

·      Ability to pass a pre-employment drug test and criminal background checks.

·      Must be in good standing with the community.

·      Native American preference applies in accordance with College policy.

Physical Requirements

·      Ability to lift 30 pounds or more using proper body mechanics.

·      Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.

·      Work is primarily performed in an indoor office environment.

·      Non-smoking environment.