Director of Advancement

Position Title: Director of Advancement

Organization: Accola

Location: Minneapolis, Saint Paul and Hybrid

Reports To: President

Employment Type: Full-time

Compensation: $90,000-$110,000 based on experience.

Benefits Include: Health/Dental Insurance, Retirement Plan, PTO

About Accola:

Accola is a nonprofit organization that welcomes neighbors, cultivates community, and fosters justice by responding to the needs of the time. Our mission is to empower individuals and communities through innovative programs and strategic partnerships. We strive to create places of hope and belonging where all people can flourish.

Accola operates three core programs:

· Learning In Style School (LIS): Provides quality education in English, computer skills, and citizenship to immigrants and refugees, fostering independence and inclusion.

· Sarah’s… an Oasis for Women: A home for women survivors of violence, abuse, war, and discrimination, offering safety, dignity, and resources for self-sufficiency.

· Wisdom Ways: A program that moves people from deep inner listening into courageous action to co-create a better world, focusing on spiritual exploration, storytelling, and social justice impact.

At Accola, we believe every individual possesses inherent dignity and a unique contribution that enriches our community. We stand firm in our belief that diversity is not a political issue but a moral and practical imperative essential for a just society. We affirm that an inclusive, diverse community is the cornerstone of innovation, resilience, and lasting social change.

Our culture is one where people feel a deep sense of belonging, where diversity of identities and perspectives is honored, and where people are invited to bring their whole selves to the work. We foster an environment of shared learning, compassion, accountability, and courageous action.

Position Overview:

Accola is a new organization that operates three established programs with rich histories and deep roots. Its founders have provided substantial funding as a bridge while Accola establishes a sustainable funding model. Accola seeks a mission-driven, dynamic, and results-oriented Director of Advancement to lead and grow the organization’s fundraising, donor engagement, and marketing efforts. Supported by the President and Board of Directors, this position promotes Accola’s unique brand, which lies at the intersection of spirituality and social justice – where equity is seen not as a political issue but as a moral and practical imperative for a just society. Through the leadership of the Director of Advancement, his/her team will leverage this brand to drive contributed revenue of $2M annually. This position includes the supervision of four direct reports: the Grants Manager, Events Manager, Database Manager, and Marketing Manager. The ideal candidate is deeply inspired by Accola’s mission and values, passionate about social justice, and energized by bold goals that drive transformational change.

Key Responsibilities

Advancement & Fundraising:

· Develop and execute a comprehensive and innovative advancement strategy that includes annual giving, major gifts, grants, corporate partnerships, and planned giving.

· Build and sustain authentic relationships with donors and funders to ensure long-term engagement and investment in Accola’s mission.

· Identify and secure grant opportunities, lead proposal writing, and manage grant compliance and reporting.

· Plan and implement fundraising campaigns, special events, and donor recognition initiatives that align with Accola’s mission and values.

· Collaborate with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to set and achieve bold fundraising goals that ensure the sustainability and growth of the organization.

· Collaborate with Senior Leadership Team in annual planning and goal setting, collectively identifying needs and opportunities.

Marketing & Communications:

· Lead the development and execution of a strategic marketing and communications plan to increase Accola’s visibility and strengthen its brand.

· Oversee the creation of mission-aligned marketing materials, social media content, newsletters, and press releases that tell Accola’s story and impact.

· Manage the organization’s website to ensure it reflects Accola’s vibrant culture, mission, and programs.

· Coordinate public relations and community outreach to grow Accola’s reach and influence.

· Use data and analytics to assess and improve the effectiveness of marketing and outreach strategies.

· Lead the internal communications strategy and support of Accola program’s marketing and communications, to align with Accola’s story and impact

Leadership & Collaboration:

· Serve as a trusted advisor to the President on fundraising and marketing strategies.

· Nurture organization-wide collaboration with each member of the Senior Leadership Team and department for all aspects of planning, execution, and reporting at the program and organizational levels.

· Lead, mentor, and support a team of four direct reports, fostering a culture of collaboration, learning, and excellence.

· Build and nurture strong relationships with community partners, donors, and media allies to advance shared goals.

· Represent Accola at events, conferences, and gatherings to expand community connections and visibility.

Qualities of a Successful Candidate:

A fundamental aspect of Accola’s work is our commitment to hiring from within our communities. We believe that representation and lived experience are essential for fostering authentic relationships and ensuring our programs remain responsive and effective. By prioritizing local talent, we create economic empowerment and leadership development opportunities while strengthening the communities we impact. Accola’s Director of Advancement will be:

· Deeply committed to Accola’s mission, values, and vision for inclusive community and social justice.

· A proactive and strategic thinker who thrives on setting and reaching ambitious goals.

· A relationship-builder who can engage diverse stakeholders with authenticity and care.

· A strong leadership presence with the ability to mentor and inspire a team toward shared goals.

· An excellent storyteller who can communicate the organization’s mission and impact compellingly across audiences.

· Flexible, creative, and able to adapt to changing circumstances and opportunities.

· Committed to fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive work culture.

Minimum Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in fundraising, marketing, communications, nonprofit management, sales, or a related field.

· Minimum of 5 years of experience in advancement, fundraising, or marketing, ideally within a nonprofit organization with annual gift revenue of $2M.

· Demonstrated success in donor cultivation, major gift solicitation, and grant writing.

· Proven ability to develop and implement successful fundraising and marketing strategies.

· Experience leading or supporting fundraising campaigns.

· Strong written and verbal communication skills.

· Proficiency in CRM platforms, digital marketing tools, and social media.

· Strong organizational and project management abilities.

· Experience leading and supervising staff and fostering a positive team environment.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $90,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Dependent health insurance coverage
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Fundraising: 5 years (Preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Saint Paul, MN 55105

Salary : $90,000 - $110,000