Our Mission: We are driven by our mission to foster hope in God by closing the achievement gap and preparing our students for college and beyond. We are fueled by our love for God and his care for every one of our students which motivates us to get better every day. Hope Academy serves over 690 students with the objective of reaching 1200 students. Join our team of mission-driven brothers and sisters to work hard, do good, and make a difference.
Hope Academy is a private, 90%-donor-funded, urban Christian school serving inner-city youth in Minneapolis. We are seeking a dynamic, experienced, and mission-driven leader to serve as our first Director of Partner Expansion. This individual will lead the strategic development and execution of efforts designed to grow the community of individuals and organizations who are introduced to Hope Academy and inspired to join us as major gift annual donors (i.e., Partners).
The Director will oversee the team responsible for identifying and engaging new financial Partners through external (or outside) events, expanded Church and business relationships, networking, on-site development tours, and attendance at our annual Evening of Hope Gala – all with the goal of growing sustainable financial support of Hope Academy as we grow to serve up to 1,200 urban youth with a remarkable, God-centered education.
Key Responsibilities
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, galvanize, 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 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 external activities and 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.
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.
Required skills and 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.
Preferred skills and 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.
Working Genius includes “Galvanizing.”
Deeply relational with a mind toward long-term relationship development.
Compensation and Benefits
$80,000-$95,000 base salary
Potential car mileage allowance and performance bonus
Comprehensive benefits package including 401k/match and tuition discount.
About Hope Academy
Hope Academy is a private, Christ-centered, classical school serving nearly 700 inner-city youth in Minneapolis. We partner with families and donors to provide a remarkable, God-centered education that cultivates the minds and hearts of urban youth. Learn more at hopeacademympls.org and realizetheremarkable.org.
