POSITION PROFILE

DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

THE ORGANIZATION

Native Governance Center (NGC) was organized in 2015 evolving from the initial work of the Bush
Foundations Native Nations program which began in 2009 with the Rebuilders Leadership Program,
grants and providing resource experts to Tribes that share the same geographic footprint as the states
of North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota.

The Native Governance Center assists Tribal Nations in strengthening their governance systems and
their capacities to exercise their sovereignty. The service area includes 23 sovereign, politically-distinct
Native nations with unique governments, histories, challenges
and opportunities.

23 Native Nations MN, ND, SD

Mission Bois Forte Band of Chippewa
Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe
Assist tribes in strengthening their governance systems and their Crow Creek Sioux Tribe
capacity to exercise sovereignty. Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe
Fond du Lac Band of Lake
NGC has four core strategies to carry out its mission: Superior Chippewa
Inspire and celebrate Native nation building in the region. Grand Portage Band of
Build the human capital to lead and support Tribes in their Chippewa
work. Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe
Work side-by-side with Tribes to create and implement Lower Brule Sioux Tribe
Lower Sioux Indian Community
solutions.
Mandan, Hidatsa & Arikara
Provide a conduit for resources between tribes and funders.
Nation
Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe
Oglala Sioux Tribe
Values Prairie Island Indian Community
Red Lake Nation
Our Identity Matters. Rosebud Sioux Tribe
Our name describes who we serve (Native Americans), what Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux
we advance (Tribal Governance) and how we operate Community
(Resource Center). Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate
Our slogan captures the essence of our commitment to Spirit Lake Nation
supporting Tribal nations. Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
Our logo represents eagle feathers protecting our cultural Turtle Mountain Band of
values of wisdom, strength and unity. Chippewa
Upper Sioux Community
White Earth Nation
PROGRAMS Yankton Sioux Tribe

Rebuilders NGC has assumed full responsibility to carry forth

the work of the Native Nations Rebuilders program established by
the Bush Foundation. Over 100 Tribal citizens from all across the
 2

region have graduated from the Native Nations Rebuilders program and have gone on to support
nation-building projects within their communities. Rebuilders is a two-year program that includes:
Developing the knowledge, skills and connections to effectively lead nation building.
Access to ideas and information, expanded networks and leadership training.
Developing and implementing and action plan that aids in accomplishing nation building projects
within their communities.

Education NGC works directly with Tribal Nations to build programming around their specific needs
including:
Nation Building Principals
Executive Education
Newly Elected Official Orientations
Constitutions, Laws and Ordinances

NGC plans regional convenings on nation building, providing presentations on current affairs and
networking opportunities; in addition NGC serves as a connector between Tribal Nations needing
technical support.

Grants As funds become available, NGC provides small grants to assist with governance
strengthening projects.

THE OPPORTUNITY

This position will direct the design and implementation of NGCs development and fundraising
strategies. The Director will have a unique opportunity to help shape the outcomes of a new nonprofit
organization from its early stages. The ideal candidate would feel the excitement and enthusiasm
contributing to the innovation, pace and realities of a brand new organization working in Indian Country.

Position Summary
Primary responsibilities for the Development Director include planning, organizing and directing all of
the Native Governance Centers fundraising including major gifts, annual fund, planned giving, special
events and capital campaigns. Another key responsibility will be to develop a mixture of private, public
and governmental support. The Director reports to the Executive Director and will work closely with the
Executive Director and Board of Directors in all development and fundraising endeavors.

Responsibilities

Plan fund development activities (30%)

Collaborate with the Board of Directors and Executive Director to create a fund development plan
which increases revenues to support the strategic direction of the organization.
Implement the fund development plans in accordance with ethical fundraising principles.
Monitor and evaluate all fundraising activities to ensure that the fundraising goals are being achieved.
Monitor trends in the community or region and adapt fundraising strategies as necessary.

Organize fund development activities (40%)

Develop and manage timelines for various fundraising activities to ensure strategic plans and
critical fund raising processes are carried out in a timely manner.
Develop policies and procedures for the development department that reflect ethical fundraising
practices.
Prepare and submit grant applications as outlined in the fund development plan to generate funds
for the organization.

60 Plato Blvd. East, Suite 400, St. Paul, MN 55107

www.nativegov.org
 3

Oversee the planning and execution of special fundraising events as specified in the fund
development plan to generate funds for the organization.
Identify and develop corporate, community, government and individual prospects for the
organization's fundraising priorities. Note that government grants are an important potential
resource.
Oversee the administration of a donor mailing list and database that respects the privacy and
confidentiality of donor information.
Coordinate in-kind donations and make decisions regarding the issuing of receipts.

Manage fund development budget (10%)

Develop and gain approval for an annual income and expenditure budget for the fund development
program.
Prepare regular reports on progress, budgets, receipts and expenditure related to fundraising and
the management of the fund development activities.
Monitor expenses and analyze budget reports on fund development and recommend changes as
necessary.

Promote the organization (10%)

Foster an understanding of philanthropy within the organization.
Develop a comprehensive communication plan to promote the organization to its donors and
maximize public awareness of the fundraising activities of the organization.
Coordinate the design, printing and distribution of marketing and communication materials for
development efforts.
Build relationships with community stakeholders to advance the mission and fundraising goals of
the organization.

Staff fund development activities (10%)

In consultation with the Executive Director, recruit, interview, and select well-qualified fund
development staff.
Engage volunteers for special fund development projects using established volunteer management
practices.

Qualifications
Bachelors degree required, Masters preferred; alternatively, at least 10 years of significant related
fundraising experience.
Experience developing fundraising strategy.
Experience with donor relations.
Experience in coordinating grant writing and management.
Experience with hiring and supervising a small staff.
Experience planning and managing to a budget.
Experience with special events planning and management.
Experience utilizing CRM software as a tool to manage, track and organize fundraising information.
Knowledge of state and federal legislation affecting charities.
Ability to design and implement strategies and establish benchmarks or indicators of success.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with an ability to interact with diverse groups.
Ability and willingness to work both independently and cooperatively in a small office environment.
Ability to travel up to one third of the time.

Characteristics for this role:

Collaborative style; a team player.
A planful approach; able to put in the structure for a development function.
Positive and optimistic; an enthusiastic ambassador for the work of NGC.

60 Plato Blvd. East, Suite 400, St. Paul, MN 55107

www.nativegov.org
 4

COMPENSATION

Salary commensurate with experience, comprehensive benefits package, potential for relocation support

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and compensation requirements directly to
the Native Governance Center at hello@nativegov.org.

60 Plato Blvd. East, Suite 400, St. Paul, MN 55107

www.nativegov.org