POSITION SUMMARY

As a member of the Development team, the Senior Development Officer reports to the Senior Director of Development to execute the organization’s development plan including but not limited to operating funds, government grants, capital funds, and individual giving to ensure that annual fundraising, grant and contract compliance goals are met. The Senior Development Officer manages relationships with funders, including corporations and foundations, government representatives, and internal and external stakeholders. The Senior Development Officer also actively writes proposals, coordinates budget preparation for grants, consults with program leaders regarding effective program development and implementation, and manages grant reporting for a discrete portfolio of funders.
Department: Administration – Development
Reports to: Senior Director of Development
Location: CLUES St. Paul, MN Office
Position Type: Regular
Schedule: Full-Time. Generally, Monday – Friday Office hours. Occasional/Some evening or weekend hours may be required.
Estimated Salary/Pay: $82,000.00 to $85,000.00 (depending on experience & qualifications).
Benefits: Full benefits package available in accordance with current CLUES policies—includes: medical, dental, vision, critical illness, accident, and life insurance (with AD&D); long term and short-term disability; pre-paid legal services and ID theft protection; retirement plan; educational assistance; paid holidays; and paid time off.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Fund Development- 80% of time

• Supports CLUES’ development through active cultivations and maintenance of corporation, foundation, government and individual relationships.
• Conduct detailed prospect research to identify, analyze, and prioritize new and existing grant opportunities.
• Stay current on local, state, and national funding trends, priorities, and public opportunities to inform grant strategy and planning that algin with CLUES mission and long-term growth goals.
• Coordinates with President and Senior Leadership staff to prepare budgets and define program focus areas for solicitation of grants.
• Draft and submit corporate, foundation and government grant proposals and reports through clear, accurate, and compelling organizational and program narratives, meeting funder guidelines and expectations.
• Achieve annual fundraising goals from corporations, foundations, and government grants.
• Meet regularly with Program and staff across departments to gather program details, outcomes, budgets, and future plans.
• Communicate with CLUES regarding shifts in funder objectives, requirements, and priorities to adjust grant strategies and positioning as needed.
• Serve as a key connector between Development and Senior CLUES Leaders, sharing insights on funding trends and emerging opportunities to adjust grant strategies and positioning as needed.
• Supports President in public policy and advocacy efforts, including drafting proposals.
• Turn program data, evaluation results, and outcomes into persuasive grant proposals that clearly communicate impact and alignment with funder goals.
• Maintain and refine core grant content, such as organization summaries and program descriptions, to ensure consistency and efficiency.
• Actively participates in creating a positive experience for funders during site visits as assigned.

Administration and Grant Processes -20% of time

• Partner with Database Coordinator to maintain a centralized grants calendar, tracking proposal deadlines, reporting schedules, and key submission dates.
• Design and implement streamlined processes for Development team to ensure grant activity is accurately recorded in Raiser’s Edge to support clear tracking, compliance, and reliable reporting.
• Prepare and review grant reports and pipeline summaries, including submissions, awards, declines, and project reporting.
• Coordinate with Program and Finance teams to ensure grant reports and required documentation are submitted accurately and on time.
• Support improvements to grant systems, processes, and workflows to strengthen overall efficiency, accountability, and fundraising success.

General duties:

• Represents CLUES externally when appropriate, promoting the mission, operating values and agency services of CLUES within the community.
• Ensures efficient and effective processes/practices for internal collaboration across departments and with finance.
• Maintains client confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA, agency policies and other applicable laws, regulations and ethical standards.
• Nurture a healthy, dynamic and team-based working environment.
• Carry out all other duties as assigned by supervisor.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other duties or tasks may be assigned as required. Management may modify, change or add to the duties of this description at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIPS

• This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Education, Experience & Key Abilities*

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in communications, humanities, journalism, social work, or other related field. Masters degree in related field preferred.
• Five to seven years of non-profit development and fundraising required. Senior level development and fundraising experience preferred. Experience in fundraising for health and wellness services and securing government grants and federal funding strongly desired.
• A proven track record of successful development and contract and grant compliance efforts.
• Must be knowledgeable of Minnesota’s philanthropic community and other regional or national funders.
• Working knowledge of all aspects of a comprehensive philanthropic program including annual giving, government, foundation and corporate grants, capital development, and planned giving preferred.
• Experience with fundraising and donor management software/databases preferred.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills required. Must demonstrate ability to be a team player.
• Ability to be efficient and effective in managing multiple deadlines and in timely submission of proposals and reports.
• Interest and/or experience in data collection and evaluation methods.
• Demonstrated accuracy with details and commitment to high standards of quality.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with peers.
• Ability to exercise a high level of tact and discretion in both internal and external interactions; Demonstrated effectiveness at interacting with leadership, donors and staff in writing and in person.
• Ability to work effectively in a complex organization and fast-paced environment.
• A genuine commitment to the mission, values and work of CLUES; ability to articulate the mission persuasively to diverse audiences.
• Ability to represent CLUES leadership to funders and donors.
• Cultural sensitivity and awareness required.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted.

Language Skills

• Effective communication in English, both verbally and in writing, required. Bilingual in Spanish and English is preferred.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret written materials, including reports, contracts, and proposals.
• Ability to effectively present ideas and information in an organized and effective manner, including writing reports.
• Ability to maintain accurate documentation and respond appropriately to questions from clients, co-workers, management and external parties.

Computer Skills

• Proficient working knowledge of email software, the Internet, databases, and common Windows-based programs, including Microsoft Office Word, Excel and PowerPoint required.
• Must be willing to attend training to advance technical skills and maintain appropriate skill levels to perform job duties.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Background check

• Must pass a criminal background check. As a condition of continued employment, staff person may be required to submit to periodic re-verification of this background check.