Wilderness Inquiry’s mission is to connect people of all ages, backgrounds, identities, and abilities through shared outdoor adventures so that all people can equitably experience the benefits of time spent in nature.

At Wilderness Inquiry, we believe that everyone belongs. We work to ensure this belief holds true in our workplace, in our community, and in the outdoors. We pursue this belief through our mission and shared values of paddling together, nurturing inclusion, seeking the exceptional, and finding a way.  

Position Summary & Dimensions

Summary

The Institutional & Corporate Development Manager magnifies Wilderness Inquiry’s impact by sharing our mission and programs with current and potential funders, with the goal to increase revenues for our programs and operations. This position is responsible for all aspects of meeting annual revenue goals from corporate and foundation sources. In addition, the Manager works collaboratively with other staff from Development and across departments to meet the overall goals of the organization. 

Dimensions

Position Classification: Manager
Employment Conditions: Exempt
Department/Section: Development
Classification Starting Range: $62,000 – $72,000
Reports To: Development Director
Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Essential Roles and Responsibilities

Responsibility 1: Grant Writing & Proposal Development (50% FTE)

1. Manage annual grants process and all aspects of corporate and foundation fundraising and relations, with responsibility for securing $1.2M (2025) in corporate and foundation support annually, with plans for growth regionally and nationally.
2. Manage annual grants calendar, including timely actions to secure funds and communicate with funders.
3. Prepare and submit compelling grant proposals and other funding requests to foundations, corporations, and local governmental entities. 
4. Ensure compliance with grant requirements and fulfillment.
5. Keep up-to-date on industry trends, best practices, and funding opportunities. 

Responsibility 2: Strategy Development (20% FTE) 

1. Develop and implement comprehensive funder cultivation and solicitation strategies, including identifying potential corporate and institutional donors; creating and deepening relationships; crafting proposals; and sharing impact.
2. Participate in Wilderness Inquiry’s internal National Impact Working Group to expand funding opportunities nationally.
3. Develop in collaboration with the Development Director and Programs Team qualitative and quantitative organizational goals surrounding corporate and institutional partners.

Responsibility 3:  Relationship Building (20% FTE)

1. Lead prospecting to identify and pursue new sources of corporate, foundation, and local government funding. 
2. Cultivate strong relationships with corporate and institutional partners, attending events, making presentations, and engaging in regular communication. 
3. Work collaboratively with other departments coordinating with communications, programs, and other teams to ensure a cohesive approach to fundraising.

Responsibility 4: Reporting & Analysis (10% FTE)

1. Manage institutional donor portfolio, documenting grant activity, donor communications, and other relevant information in the donor management system.
2. Track and analyze fundraising results, prepare reports on fundraising performance, and identify areas for improvement. 
3. Create and maintain data and contact record management standards for corporate and institutional donors, ensuring effective and consistent training for all staff working in our donor management system.

Responsibility 5: Embrace Values, Community Agreements and Other Roles/Responsibilities as Assigned.

1. Perform all job responsibilities in a manner that centers Wilderness Inquiry values and supports a healthy, safe, and productive work environment for all employees, adhering to our Workplace Community Agreements
2. Actively engage in other duties as assigned, including  mission-oriented events, programs, and core audience engagements.

Please note: These are not intended to encompass all roles and responsibilities of this position; other duties may be assigned at the discretion of the supervisor.

Qualities we are looking for in this position:

• Passion for Wilderness Inquiry’s inclusive mission and the natural world
• Experience and interest in fundraising, development, and donor engagement
• A self-starter who takes initiative
• Results-driven
• Excellent computer and database skills
• Outstanding written and communication skills
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Willingness to listen and learn 
• Flexible, persistent, and attentive to detail 
• Enjoys variety and is open to learning new roles

Minimum Requirements: 

• Demonstrated knowledge, experience, and success with grant writing and grant management processes, strategies, and best practices.
• Experience prospecting, developing, and working with funding partnerships.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to articulate desired outcomes, goals, and impacts.
• Demonstrated computer and database management skills. 
• Demonstrated project management skills and ability to independently organize, manage deadlines, and prioritize multiple timelines. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• B.A. or equivalent degree and 3+ years of grant writing, development, or comparable experience; or 5+ years of grant writing, development, or comparable experience. 
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex relationships with funders, partners, and other external stakeholders.
• Experience managing a large portfolio of corporate and foundation funding sources.

Physical Requirements: 

• Must be able to use a telephone and computer. 
• Must be able to lift 15 lbs.
• Must possess a legal driver’s license and ability to drive a car. 
• Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment:

This is a hybrid position which reports to Wilderness Inquiry’s Headquarters in Bloomington, MN. Individuals can expect 2-3 days in-person with opportunities for remote work when responsibilities allow.