SUMMARY:

MCAD is seeking a Director of Development. This position is responsible for managing a portfolio of high-capacity donors to secure gifts ($10,000+) for the college. The Director works to align institutional priorities with donor interests and manage relationships to support fundraising goals and campaigns. The Director must be sensitive to college needs, employee and student goodwill, and overall brand equity of MCAD as an employer and educational institution.

DETAILS: This is a full time, exempt position expected to work 35 hours a week. This position reports to the Vice President of External Affairs and is paid $75K-85K annually.

TO APPLY: Please submit a resume and cover letter to https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/All/b0ccf9fc-c11e-4ce1-bb54-075eb5c74c59/Minneapolis-College-of-Art-and-Design. Priority will be given to those who respond by January 5, 2026. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee the college’s comprehensive annual and campaign strategy development, implementation, and reporting.
• Manage a portfolio of gift prospects and donors to advance relationships. 
• Manage and meet department budget goals.
• Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward these donors through personalized strategies, personal visits, and collaboration with campus leaders, faculty, and other development staff. 
• Develop and implement stewardship plans for donors and ensure gifts are fulfilled and properly recognized.
• Work closely with the President, leadership, faculty, and other advancement staff to identify and engage prospects.
• Partner with the President and leadership team to create comprehensive solicitation strategies.
• Identify gift prospects by researching and analyzing individuals, foundations, and corporations for giving potential.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of all donor interactions and activities in the institution's donor-management database.
• Visit donors, locally and nationally, to develop long-term support.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Represent MCAD’s vision, mission, and values.
• Create and embrace a community of equal opportunities and inclusivity.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has supervisory responsibility over professional staff in the Development Department.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree with preference for nonprofit and/or fundraising focus, or related area of study, required.
• Six (6) years experience in fundraising or a related field required; experience in the arts and/or higher education, preferred.
• Proven ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies, such as donors, trustees, grantees, and institutional partners, required. 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build personal and professional relationships, required.
• Ability to develop and articulate a deep understanding of the institution's mission and strategic goals, required.
• Outstanding communication skills, both written and oral, required.
• Demonstrated capacity to lead and succeed in a collaborative environment, required.
• Possess a high level of analytical thinking and strategic planning, independent judgment and initiative, required.
• CRM/database management experience required; Raiser’s Edge experience, preferred.
• Direct supervisory experience, required.

ENVIRONMENT: This position operates in a professional office environment. This position requires the ability and willingness to closely partner with team members and colleagues in other departments. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. This position also requires frequent travel locally and nationally. Upon request, reasonable accommodation will be provided to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

BENEFITS: MCAD’s community of staff and faculty enjoy a dynamic, creative, and inclusive work environment. We offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, and 403(b) retirement plans, commuter benefits, and employer paid basic life insurance policy, short term and long-term disability coverage.

MCAD promotes work-life balance with a 35 hour work week. Employees also receive 14 paid holidays, an additional two personal holidays, accrued vacation time, accrued sick time, summer days, and volunteer time off. In addition, after six months of service, full-time employees and their eligible dependents can receive tuition benefits at MCAD, as well as the potential to receive reduced tuition at more than 600 colleges nationwide.

BACKGROUND: Founded in 1886, Minneapolis College of Art and Design is located in the rich creative community of the Twin Cities. Recognized nationally and internationally for its innovative approaches to art and design  education, MCAD is home to approximately 800 students from 45 states and 15 countries. The college offers bachelor’s degrees in fourteen disciplines including arts entrepreneurship, design, fine arts, and media arts; one MFA; three online master’s degrees; and continuing education classes for all ages. Through the core curriculum, students focus on their careers and craft by learning technical and professional skills while developing their creative leadership capabilities. 

MCAD is especially interested in candidates from under-represented groups as well as individuals who have experience with diverse populations who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the MCAD community.