Director of Advancement

Join Us in Changing the Shape of Education: Director of Advancement, Montessori Center of Minnesota

Are you an experienced fundraiser with a passion for education and community transformation? Are you ready to make a lasting impact on a mission-driven organization that has been at the forefront of Montessori education for over 50 years? Montessori Center of Minnesota (MCM) seeks a dynamic and collaborative Director of Advancement to lead its fundraising and support communication efforts.

About MCM
Montessori Center of Minnesota’s mission is to transform lives and society by broadening access to Dr. Maria Montessori’s proven educational approach–which has been inspiring children and educators alike for more than 100 years. Located on the East Side of St. Paul, MCM operates a premier training center and trains the world's leading Montessori educators through high-quality, hands-on programs; and leads a collaborative to expand access to high-fidelity Montessori programs, including Cornerstone Montessori School (CMS), a non-profit Montessori school for children 15 months through 6 years. Also housed in its facility is Cornerstone Montessori Elementary School (CMES), a public charter Montessori school for grades K-6.

MCM’s work also includes the Montessori Partners Serving All Children (MPSAC) initiative, a remarkable in-community collaborative that builds and uses relationships with individuals, schools, and other organizations to increase access to Montessori education for under-resourced families in Minnesota and South Dakota; and Birth to Five Early Childhood Program, which aims to develop deeper connections to families in our immediate and surrounding areas, by providing free, high-quality Montessori educational experiences for children and their parents/caregivers.

Your Role: Director of Advancement
As the Director of Advancement, you will be at the heart of our growth and sustainability, leading efforts to secure philanthropic support and raise awareness for MCM’s critical work. Reporting to the Executive Director, you will collaborate closely with our leadership team and board members to develop and execute strategies that engage our community, build long-term donor relationships, and cultivate sustainable contributed revenue streams to ensure that MCM’s transformative programs continue to grow and thrive.

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of Montessori education, working with a passionate team and community of supporters who share our vision for a more just and equitable society.

Your Responsibilities

• Fund Development Leadership: You’ll create and implement strategies to secure funding from individuals, foundations, corporations, and government sources. From major gifts to annual campaigns, you will be responsible for developing a diverse funding base that aligns with MCM’s strategic goals for sustainability and growth.

• Events & Relationship Stewardship: You’ll oversee our annual fundraising events, including scholarship drives, donor cultivation events, San Lorenzo Montessori Society gatherings, and Montessori All Stars, MCM’s annual fundraiser that raises upwards of 36% of MCM’s overall contributed giving. Your work will ensure that our donors feel valued and engaged, helping us to strengthen relationships and increase giving.

• Collaborative Strategy: Alongside the Interim Executive Director and other senior leaders, you will work to develop and refine MCM’s strategic fundraising plan. You will also help MCM’s Board of Directors understand their role in fundraising,and engage them in outreach and cultivation efforts.

• Communications & Marketing: Guide the creation of compelling communications that amplify MCM’s impact and expand awareness of our mission. Whether writing donor-facing content or sharing inspiring stories from our community, you’ll ensure that MCM’s messaging resonates deeply with our audience.

• Team Leadership: Provide leadership and mentorship to our development and communications staff, guiding them to greater success and growth while fostering a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization.

Who We’re Looking For
You are a skilled and experienced advancement professional with a deep belief in the transformative power of education. You thrive in a collaborative environment, working seamlessly with internal and external partners to achieve shared goals. You have a passion for fundraising and an appreciation for the nuances of nonprofit communications and marketing. You are a creative thinker who enjoys problem-solving and building relationships.

• Experience & Skills: You bring at least 5 years of successful experience in fundraising and communications, preferably in the nonprofit sector. Experience in the education sector is a plus.

• Passion for Montessori: A deep interest in the Montessori method and its potential to create positive change in communities is essential.

• Creative & Strategic Thinking: You have a proven track record of developing and executing successful fundraising strategies, from major donor, project, and capital campaigns to event planning and execution.

• Communication Excellence: You’re a skilled storyteller, able to inspire others with compelling narratives about the children, families, and communities MCM serves.

• Leadership & Collaboration: You know how to motivate a team, build strong relationships, and create a culture of engagement, both internally and with our supporters.

Why MCM?
By joining MCM, you become part of an organization doing powerful, life-changing work. You will have the opportunity to engage with a passionate community of educators, parents, and donors who are united in their commitment to shaping a brighter future for children and families.

• Competitive Salary & Benefits: Salary commiserate with experience; health, dental, and retirement benefits

• Inspiring Work: Be part of a social justice movement that can transform lives through Montessori education

• A Collaborative Team: Work with a dedicated and passionate group of colleagues and board members who are deeply committed to MCM’s mission

• Professional Growth: Ongoing opportunities for learning, development, and leadership

The Montessori Center of Minnesota is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, creed, religion, sex, sexual or affectional orientation, color, national origin, ancestry, familial status, age, disability, marital status, or status with regard to public assistance. MCM is committed to building, strengthening, and maintaining a diverse workforce and strongly encourages those who self-identify as persons of color, Indigenous persons, individuals with disabilities (both seen and unseen), LGBTQIA, and gender fluid or gender nonconforming to apply.

You are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet 100% of the technical requirements.

How to Apply
If you are ready to bring your expertise and passion to MCM’s mission, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your resume and a cover letter by November 29, 2024, to: