Careers
.Apply by noon on Monday, April 10
Community Philanthropy Manager
The Community Philanthropy Manager directs and develops the Initiative Foundation’s Partner Fund program, which features more than 130 hosted component funds. The funds are hosted on behalf of families, businesses, nonprofit organizations and volunteer-led groups that want to energize grantmaking and elevate generosity across Central Minnesota. This position is centered on relationship-building and provides internal and external oversight while serving as a guide to those who want to live generously.
We’re looking for a team member who …
- Has a passion for cultivating meaningful relationships and a desire to partner with donors to advance their generous intent.
- Thinks creatively to develop win-win outcomes for donors and the philanthropic needs of the wider Central Minnesota region.
- Is a trainer at heart who can coach, teach and mentor Partner Fund advisory team members as they work to bring greater good to the region.
Development Officer
The Development Officer—a new position at the Initiative Foundation—advocates for donors by guiding them on a path to creative giving options. The relationships you build support donors’ passions and interests while fortifying the Initiative Foundation’s programs and strategies to empower the people of Central Minnesota. This position also fills a key role in shaping strategic communications and outreach materials to bolster fundraising and development goals.
We’re looking for a team member who …
- Has a passion for cultivating meaningful relationships and a desire to guide donors who aspire to live generously.
- Is committed to creative and equitable rural prosperity.
- Is deeply interested in organizing and shaping timely and meaningful donor communications.
Program Specialist for Entrepreneurship
The Program Specialist for Entrepreneurship serves a critical role in the Initiative Foundation’s growing suite of programs and services to support diverse and underserved entrepreneurs. This position provides a unique opportunity to develop nonprofit and small business program skills, deliver key administrative support to program team members and the entrepreneurs they serve, and to influence special projects and initiatives while building inclusive economies and communities in Central Minnesota.
We’re looking for a team member who …
- Brings a mix of learned and lived experience to the role.
- Has a sincere passion for supporting the success of rural Minnesota social entrepreneurs and small business owners.
- Has prior experience or who is new to the field with an interest in working at the intersections of entrepreneurship, economic development and philanthropy.
Apply by noon on Monday, April 10. All three positions are based at the Initiative Foundation's Little Falls headquarters at 405 First St. SE and require a portion of work time in the office. As a hybrid workplace employer, these positions allow for some Central Minnesota-based remote work as well as access to our St. Cloud satellite office.
The Initiative Foundation has been recognized as a Well Workplace Gold winner by the Wellness Council of America (WELCOA). Well Workplace Gold organizations are recognized for having built exceptional and comprehensive worksite wellness strategies grounded in WELCOA’s 7 Benchmarks. Well Workplace Gold organizations have demonstrated that they have a clear and unique business case for wellness and have created appropriate wellness initiatives and strategies to achieve that vision.
What if you could feel good about your daily work?
What if your career complimented your life's purpose?
What if you could contribute daily to the growth, resiliency and vibrancy of Central Minnesota?
If you believe growing the economy, building community and a culture of generosity are important to Central Minnesota, then we have a lot in common. At the Initiative Foundation, our team works with a diverse range of donors, funding programs and broadly cultivated partnerships to ensure that Central Minnesota is economically prosperous and richly vibrant. Now, and for future generations.
If you have a strong sense of teamwork and a desire to contribute, you’ll fit right in at the Initiative Foundation.
It's always a good day when the ice cream truck comes your way!
Staff members discuss what they love about supporting the Central Minnesota region and the community-building work they do at the Initiative Foundation.
The Initiative Foundation has been recognized as a Well Workplace Gold winner by the Wellness Council of America (WELCOA). Well Workplace Gold organizations are recognized for having built exceptional and comprehensive worksite wellness strategies grounded in WELCOA’s 7 Benchmarks. Well Workplace Gold organizations have demonstrated that they have a clear and unique business case for wellness and have created appropriate wellness initiatives and strategies to achieve that vision.
Our Mission
To empower people throughout Central Minnesota to build a thriving economy, vibrant communities and a lasting culture of generosity.
Our Vision
Central Minnesota is recognized as the ideal place where people choose to live, work, give and play.
Our Values
- Our primary resources are local people who invest their time, talent and assets.
- A shared vision among many partners is the best way to achieve lasting change.
- Inclusiveness and respect for diversity enriches communities and the region.
- We embrace our responsibility to introduce, promote and defend pioneering ideas—even when they incur risk.
- We will remain responsive, nimble and ready to adapt to emerging needs and opportunities.
The Initiative Foundation has been recognized as a Well Workplace Gold winner by the Wellness Council of America (WELCOA). Well Workplace Gold organizations are recognized for having built exceptional and comprehensive worksite wellness strategies grounded in WELCOA’s 7 Benchmarks. Well Workplace Gold organizations have demonstrated that they have a clear and unique business case for wellness and have created appropriate wellness initiatives and strategies to achieve that vision.
In addition to rewarding and challenging career opportunities, the Initiative Foundation offers a robust benefit package that includes: health, dental, life, short- and long-term disability, a 401(k) plan with match, paid holidays, paid time off and tuition reimbursement.
The Initiative Foundation pays 100 percent of eligible employee's health and dental premiums and 70 percent of the employee's eligible dependents' coverage.
The Initiative Foundation offers a 401(k) plan with an employer match and access to a free financial planner for all eligible employees. The 401(k) match is fully vested immediately.
The Initiative Foundation provides multiple opportunities for staff to give back to the organizations, causes and community organizations that they love and support.
The Initiative Foundation is committed to developing a high-performing staff and encourages its employees to continue to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to provide exemplary service to our constituents and partners.
A Strong Commitment to Staff Wellbeing
The Foundation's Wellbeing Team provides training, tools and resources in the areas of purpose, social, financial, community and physical wellbeing.
- Purpose—Liking what you do each day and being motivated to achieve your goals.
- Social—Having supportive relationships and love in your life.
- Financial—Managing your economic life to reduce stress and increase security.
- Community—Liking where you live, feeling safe and having pride in your community.
- Physical—Having good health and enough energy to get things done daily.
The Initiative Foundation has been recognized as a Well Workplace Gold winner by the Wellness Council of America (WELCOA). Well Workplace Gold organizations are recognized for having built exceptional and comprehensive worksite wellness strategies grounded in WELCOA’s 7 Benchmarks. Well Workplace Gold organizations have demonstrated that they have a clear and unique business case for wellness and have created appropriate wellness initiatives and strategies to achieve that vision.
