Director of Mission Advancement

Opportunity Profile

Director of Mission Advancement

Hope Academy

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OUR MISSION:

Founded in 2000, Hope Academy is on a mission to foster hope in God in Minneapolis and beyond by providing children with a remarkable, God-centered education. Fueled by our love for God and children made in His image, we are pursuing the remarkable for Minneapolis families and their children.  We serve over 650 students with the call to serve hundreds more in the coming years.

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Join our team of mission-driven brothers and sisters working for the glory of God.

OUR VALUES:

Redemption

We are passionate about God's transformational work to redeem all things through the Gospel of Christ.

Relationships

We believe in the necessity of building deep, authentic, loving relationships with one another.

Radical Dependence

We exercise a daily, moment-by-moment, radical dependence on God and His Word.

Remarkable

By God's power at work within us, we pursue excellence that goes above and beyond all that is expected or imagined.

PROFILE FOR DIRECTOR OF MISSION ADVANCEMENT

The candidate is a deeply committed follower of Christ with a passion for Hope Academy's mission to bring hope to the heart of the city through a remarkable, God-centered education. He/she is a gifted relationship builder and communicator—someone who naturally and proactively connects with current donors, leaders, churches, and businesses throughout the Twin Cities to expand the circle of financial partners investing in Hope's vision.

With a proven record in fundraising, external relations, or business development, he/she combines strategic thinking with genuine warmth and integrity. This person thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment, brings strong organizational and storytelling skills, and sees every conversation as a chance to advance God's work in the city.

The candidate thrives in creating compelling vision and materials, speaks confidently in public, and drives results through strategic, inventive outreach. They're comfortable creating and organizing inspiring external events, engaging with new donor pools, leading onsite tours, and creating awareness/outreach campaigns, managing multiple priorities and metrics, and collaborating closely with the advancement and communications teams.

Reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer, he/she is eager to help lead Hope Academy into its next season of growth, mobilizing a community of givers and advocates toward the goal of serving over 1,000 students for Christ. Salary is $100,000-$120,000 based on qualifications.

Key Responsibilities - This person will:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive outreach and engagement strategy, increasing awareness of Hope Academy throughout the Twin Cities metro area, focusing on inventive ways to identify and engage prospective financial Partners.

• Work with Partner engagement officers (major gift officers) to help current Partners identify and engage their networks, foundations, business acquaintances,     and/or friends who may be Partner prospects.

• In collaboration with advancement team members, ensure a clear vision for, high-quality execution of, and new Partner prospect attendance at all onsite/offsite development tours and "point of entry" events.

• Create compelling presentations, promotions, and materials that cast vision and inspire generosity; serve as the primary emcee/spokesperson at external     activities and events, and coordinate development team and Hope Academy leadership involvement at such events.

• Lead the effort and activities to expand and cultivate partnerships with local churches, business leaders, and Christian organizations.

• Collaborate with the Hope Academy communications team to ensure consistent messaging and brand alignment across digital/print/outreach channels.

• Track weekly progress toward new Partner acquisition goals and engagement metrics.

• Cultivate small portfolio of financial Partners in collaboration with Partner Engagement officers.

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Qualifications                                                                                                                

• Demonstrates a deep & active Christian faith.

• Alignment with Hope Academy’s mission, vision, and values and Faith and Life Covenant.

• Strong interpersonal communication and relationship skills.  

• Strategic, inventive mindset with the ability to think creatively, set ambitious goals, and drive toward results.  

• The ability to simultaneously manage multiple relationships, priorities, and deadlines.

• Strong public speaking skills with the ability to connect with an audience and communicate in a compelling and inspiring manner.

• Highly collaborative team-player.

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Required Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s or equivalent degree in related field.

• 5+ years of experience in an external facing role.

• Proficiency in CRM systems and Microsoft office suite.  

• Flexible and able to work evenings and weekends as needed to fulfill objectives.

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‍Preferred Skills & Experience

• 7+ years of experience in fundraising, direct sales, and/or external relations.

• Highly networked in Twin Cities business and/or church communities.

• Track record of attracting/acquiring new clients, accounts, sales, or donors.

• Deeply relational with a mind toward long-term relationship development.

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PROCESS OF CANDIDACY

After reading this Opportunity Profile, if you sense you are a good fit for the Director of Mission Advancement position, we invite you to begin the inquiry process. All candidates' information and conversations are handled confidentially.  

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Please provide the following documents and responses for review:

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RESUME SUBMISSION

When formulating your resume for this position, please include the following information for each position you have held in the past fifteen years:  

• Employer.
• Your title(s), time of employment there (e.g., 2001-2006), and details concerning transitions.
• Budget, scope and size of the organization and your department.
• Describe three specific achievements or accomplishments that were most meaningful to you while in these positions.
• Please also include any meaningful assessments or inventories that help us know more about you: e.g., DISC, MBTI, StrengthsFinder, Working Genius, Kolbe, IDAQ, and EQI…

REFERENCES

(They will only be contacted with your prior knowledge.)    

• The person who knows you best or has had the most significant impact on your life.
• Three references from your professional life - preferably a significant manager, a peer, and a subordinate.
• Two personal references that can speak to your character.

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NARRATIVE QUESTIONS

In order to give us a more complete picture of you and your interest in the Director of Mission Advancement position, please provide thoughtful responses to each of the following questions, submitted in writing. Hope Academy is a Christ-centered school serving students in an urban context. Alignment with the school’s mission and values is essential for all roles.

1. Please give a brief account of your experience as a disciple of Jesus.

2. What is it about Hope Academy that attracts you to this position?  

3. Tell us about a significant experience in your own leadership development, ministry/service involvement, and/or business experience that would translate to success in this role.

4. Using this document as your guide, look back over your career and describe how your experiences have prepared you for this position.  

5. What experiences and assets would make you an effective employee in an urban, multi-cultural educational setting?

6. Describe what you believe is the unique role and responsibility of a Director of Mission Advancement and how your background and experiences fit with the values and passion of Hope Academy.

7. Please review Hope Academy’s Faith and Life Covenant and Cultural Harmony Principles. Do you affirm them?

a. Yes

b. I have questions

Submit these responses (in WORD or .DOC format) along with your resume/CV to:

Mark Klingsheim– Managing Partner
mklingsheim@simapartners.com

612-325-3736                                              

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*Please do not apply via the button below. All application materials should be sent directly to the email address of Mark Klingsheim.