Development Officer, Institutional Giving

Minnesota Public Radio® (MPR) is one of the nation’s premier public radio organizations, producing programming for radio, digital and live audiences. Our mission is to create the future of public media by amplifying voices to inform, include, and inspire. The Institutional Giving team strengthens Minnesota Public Radio | American Public Media (“MPR|APM”) by securing and stewarding high-value grants—ranging from five to seven figures—from foundations, corporations, and government agencies.

About the role

The Institutional Giving Development Officer generates philanthropic revenue for Minnesota Public Radio | American Public Media through the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of foundation, corporate, and government funders. The Officer manages a portfolio of institutional funders, develops compelling grant proposals and reports, and works across the organization to identify and advance funding opportunities aligned with MPR|APM’s priorities. This role collaborates with Philanthropic Development, Content, Finance, leadership, and other teams to strengthen institutional support and ensure effective grant management and stewardship.

Responsibilities

• Institutional Giving and Relationship Management, 40%
  • Manage the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of a portfolio of local and regional foundations, corporations, and government funders, developing strategies that grow institutional support and deepen relationships.
  • Research and evaluate prospective funders, identify their interests, and connect those interests to organizational priorities and funding opportunities.
  • Serve as a polished, professional representative of the organization in all donor and prospect interactions, adapting attire and presentation appropriately for cultivation visits, stewardship events, and formal donor functions.
  • Use MPR|APM’s CRM system effectively to document and maintain account plans, solicitation strategies, and engagement contacts in a timely manner and in accordance with established processes and procedures.
• Proposal Development and Grant Management, 30%
  • Prepare, write, and submit high-quality grant proposals, letters of inquiry, reports, and other funder communications.
  • Manage assigned grants throughout the grant lifecycle, including proposal development, award administration, compliance, reporting, and closeout.
  • Partner with internal teams to ensure proposals and reports are accurate, persuasive, and aligned with organizational priorities and funder interests.
  • Collaborate with Finance and program teams to develop, monitor, and track grant budgets and ensure compliance with internal and funder requirements.
• Cross-Departmental Collaboration and Performance, 15%
  • Partner with Content, Philanthropic Development, leadership, and other teams to identify, develop, and advance institutional funding opportunities aligned with organizational priorities.
  • Serve as a key point of contact between internal stakeholders and assigned institutional funders.
  • Document, track, and report quarterly and annual goals and KPIs following processes and procedures established within Philanthropic Development.
• Impact Reporting and Stewardship, 15%
  • Coordinate impact reporting and ensure institutional funders receive timely and accurate information on funded programs, outcomes, and use of funds.
  • Develop stewardship and renewal strategies that strengthen long-term funder relationships.
  • Work with internal partners to identify appropriate measures and outcomes needed to meet funder expectations and reporting requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of five years of institutional fundraising experience, including grant proposal writing, grant management, budget development, and funder relationship management.
• Demonstrated success securing significant grants from foundations, corporations, or government agencies.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a portfolio of funders and multiple complex deadlines.

Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop persuasive proposals, reports, and funder communications.
• Strong relationship management skills and ability to cultivate institutional funders and prospects.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across departments and levels of leadership.
• Ability to analyze funding trends, opportunities, and portfolio performance.
• Experience using Salesforce or another CRM system to manage funder relationships and activity.
• Demonstrated cultural competence and ability to work effectively with diverse communities, colleagues, and partners.
• Sound judgment and ability to maintain confidentiality in an information-rich environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• CFRE or similar professional fundraising certification.
• Experience with public media, journalism, arts and culture, education, or civic engagement.
• Experience managing complex restricted, multiyear, or government grants.
• Knowledge of Minnesota’s philanthropic and nonprofit landscape.
• Strong interest in public media and its case for philanthropic support.

Pay

Expected compensation range: $80,000–$85,000 per year. The exact salary rate is determined by experience and education related to the role, organizational compensation structure, and internal equity.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical plans with HSA and FSA options.
• Dental and vision coverage.
• Life and AD&D insurance.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Paid parental leave and paid caregiver leave after 1 year.
• Vacation (3 weeks per year, pro-rated based on hours worked).
• Sick time (12 days, pro-rated based on hours worked).
• Holiday pay (10 holidays + 2 floating holidays each year).
• Volunteer time (8 hours per year).
• Long-term care and critical illness insurance options.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• 403(b) Retirement Plan.

Schedule

• Hybrid work arrangement based in St. Paul, MN.
• Occasional hours outside the standard workday and travel for funder meetings and events.

Physical Demands

• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to work in an office environment and sit for extended periods.
• Moderate noise level and occasional exposure to outdoor conditions.