Ballinger|Leafblad is proud to present the following information on behalf of our client, GiveMN and a

retained search for their next Executive Director.

Presents

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

www.giveMN.org

www.ballingerleafblad.com

GiveMN
Executive Director

PRESENTING OUR CLIENTGiveMN

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW
GiveMN is a nationally recognized leader in e-philanthropy. GiveMN launched in 2009 as a
collaborative venture led by Minnesota Community Foundation and many other organizations
committed to helping make Minnesota a better place.
To generate excitement, it started with a little something called Give to the Max Day. That spark
touched off a blast of online giving $14 million in 24 hours. Since that trial run in 2009, Give to the
Max Day has become an annual tradition. Every year thousands of organizations raise money to
improve the quality of life in Minnesota and communities around the world with more than $18M
raised on 2014s Give to the Max Day. But GiveMN is more than a one-day giving extravaganza.
GiveMN is a giving website available year-round to link people with nonprofits and schools and make
giving soar.
MISSION
We ignite generosity and grow giving. We link donors with organizations that are working to make
Minnesota a better place. By using new technologies and by providing creative ideas, we make giving
simple, rewarding and fun.
VISION
We envision an unparalleled state of giving a Minnesota where innovative technology and creative
ideas help each persons generosity soar to its full potential.
CORE VALUES
We grow giving Everything we do aims to increase the number of donors and the total value of
donations in the state. We endeavor to grow the pie for organizations that rely on charitable
giving. Pie is good. A bigger pie is even better.
We simplify giving Giving should never be a hassle. Raising money doesnt have to be a headache.
We provide the tools and resources to make charitable giving a smooth and simple process, for both
donors and the organizations that need their support. Because giving shouldnt hurt.
We help make giving fun Donating to a cause you love should be a joy ride, not a guilt trip. We help
organizations engage donors by shaking up traditional approaches to fundraising. Our Give to the
Max Day connects more givers with more causes than any other fundraising event. We work to
extend that energy and spirit into a year-round celebration of giving, all without serving a single
rubber chicken dinner.
We partner with the nonprofit community We provide tools, leadership and creativity to help
organizations generate the resources they need to fulfill their missions. We help build the engines
that power philanthropy in Minnesota. We support the nonprofit sector and the broader community
with continued innovations.

GiveMN
Executive Director

We try new things We are not set in our ways. We have helped create tools and new ways to give
in Minnesota. But, we are not resting on our laurels. We will push boundaries and challenge donors,
nonprofit organizations and ourselves to continually grow giving in Minnesota.
PRESENTING THE POSITION OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
In support of the vision set forth by the board of directors for GiveMN, the Executive Director will
develop and drive the organizational strategy, manage partnerships and advisory boards, represent
GiveMN locally and nationally, and grow philanthropy in support of GiveMN.
The Executive Director reports to the GiveMN Board of Directors and supervises a Director of
Development, Operations & Product, Marketing and Communications Manager, Community
Outreach Specialist, and an Outreach and Partnership Coordinator.
GiveMN believes that the face of philanthropy in MN is diverse. We are seeking a candidate who can
help us advance diversity among our donors, our leadership and our staff. Cross-cultural
competence and experience building and working with diverse teams will be essential.
THE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR:

This leader will be responsible for continuing to grow GiveMN into the best place-based giving
platform in the country and will be a catalyst in developing and executing innovative models for
building trust-based user engagement and partnerships.
o Position GiveMN to serve as driving force for philanthropy in MN
o Inspire philanthropy and connect causes to make MN a better place
Develop and lead marketing and fundraising strategy for GiveMN
o Cultivate and maintain relationships with institutional and individual donors
o Develop earned revenue streams
Manage all aspects of GiveMN operations
o Manage GiveMN operating partnerships and advisory councils for
nonprofits and donors
o Manage and develop staff, key vendor relationships and an organizational
budget of approximately $1M
Promote GiveMN
o Raise GiveMN visibility and active participation among MN nonprofits and donors
o Serve as national spokesperson for GiveMN
Lead and manage product development
o Ensure site content is engaging and effective at educating donors and encouraging giving
o Continually develop new products and offers (e.g. e-campaigns) to inspire donors and
nonprofits to actively use the site
Governance and Board Management
o In concert with the board, implement the recently adopted Strategic Framework: 20142016
o Work in partnership with the Board Chair on agenda planning, board evaluation and
board learning initiatives
o Engage the board in development of metrics and dashboards to evaluate performance
against measureable targets

GiveMN
Executive Director

THE DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

The Executive Director will be a creative and strategic leader, effectively managing the organization
and identifying key opportunities to strengthen operations and grow and diversify revenue streams.
They will:

Possess a minimum of five years leadership experience with experience successfully executing
strategies in partnership with the stakeholders, funders, and donors;
Show a track record of innovation and success in business development, revenue diversification
and marketing;
Bring a passion and experience in fundraising and advancement including having met and
exceeded fundraising goals;

Specific attributes of the Executive Director include:

Strategic thinker equally energized by envisioning future & implementing action towards it
Experience creating and successfully executing a development plan, advocacy initiative and/or
fundraising campaign
High-energy, entrepreneurial self-starter with an inclusive and participatory leadership style
Great communicator
o Excellent written and oral communicator, including public speaking
o Connects across generations, cultures and sectors
Easily builds trust-based relationships
o Cultivates and manages effective partnerships with funders and operating partners
o Comfortable working with all types of people at all levels of organizations, including
working as a peer to the leaders of other major philanthropic institutions
Visionary leader
o Able to create a compelling vision for GiveMN and excite others to join
o Able to meaningfully include donors and nonprofits in the creation and execution of the
vision
Tech savvy
o Energized by technological change and able to see new possibilities
o Able to use social media effectively and in innovative ways
o Understands technology concepts and technology product development
Understanding of trends in e-philanthropy
Proficient in vendor management and negotiation
Strong budget management skills, including ability to use resources creatively for maximum
impact
Able to develop and effectively manage and build strong teams

GiveMN
Executive Director

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
GiveMN is committed to hiring individuals who contribute to the cultural diversity of their workplace
and hiring decisions are guided by an equity value: embracing differences, seeking to eliminate
racism and other forms of discrimination, and striving to create a workplace in which everyone
matters.
The compensation package is based on experience and includes participation in the GiveMN benefits
plan.

TO APPLY:
Interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume to BALLINGER|LEAFBLAD. All
inquiries will be treated as confidential. Review of materials will begin immediately.
Lars Leafblad, MBA
Co-Founder
612-598-7547

lars@ballingerleafblad.com

Marcia Ballinger, PhD

Co-Founder
651-341-4840
marcia@ballingerleafblad.com

Civic Search. Reimagined.

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