Mission Edge is posting on behalf of Native Ways Federation.
Position: Development Associate (Full time, non-exempt)
Reports To: Executive Director
Job Type: Remote or Hybrid Twin Cities, MN preferred
Compensation: $45,000-$55,000 depending on experience
We recognize that we are all related, interdependent, and that our collective voice is powerful and necessary to ensure a world where our future generations can thrive. We believe that Indigenous knowledge and ways of being must guide us in developing and implementing solutions to address the issues our communities currently face. Visit our website to learn more about our values.
We are seeking a Development Associate to support and grow Native Ways Federation’s development and fundraising efforts. With guidance from Senior Leadership, this position will collaborate across teams - including communications, programs, and executive leadership - to coordinate and implement development activities. We understand the development work has historically been a highly specialized skill set with limited training and educational opportunities available to all. Native Ways Federation seeks to hire an individual who thinks creatively about how to fund and support our work and is willing to learn or unlearn best practices for philanthropic finance.
This role supports a variety of Native Ways Federation’s development activities, including grant procurement and management, individual giving, evaluation and reporting, and partner relationship management. This position would offer administrative support and take on increasing responsibility to help ensure Native Ways Federation’s sustainability and impact as we grow.
ABOUT US
In 2008, several national Native-led nonprofit organizations founded Native Ways Federation (NWF) to activate and expand informed giving to nonprofits in Indian Country through donor education and advocacy. In March of 2020, Native Ways Federation hired its current Executive Director and has since grown to a team of six. Our active founding organizations (whose leadership makes up our Board) are: American Indian College Fund, American Indian Science and Engineering Society, Association on American Indian Affairs, First Nations Development Institute, National Indian Child Welfare Association, and Native American Rights Fund.
Native Ways Federation is positioned at the forefront of change. Our relationships with Native-led non-profits, philanthropy, philanthropy-serving organizations, and others allow us to influence and bridge the gap between these stakeholders and disrupt the “business as usual” models embedded in this sector.
We recognize that everything and everyone comes into this world with gifts to contribute. We honor those gifts by acting responsibly toward one another. For our employees, this means offering generous and comprehensive benefits, including medical and dental insurance for individuals or families, paid time off through personal time, retirement plan with employer contributions and matching, health and wellness time, holidays, and 6 weeks of paid medical or family leave. We also offer professional and cultural development opportunities to strengthen skills and cultural connections.
Learn more about joining our team at Native Ways Federation, including current openings, employee
benefits, and background on our organization at www.nativeways.org/careers
Native Ways Federation is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination or harassment against current or potential employees.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND EXPECTATIONS
Maintain Native Ways Federation’s funding calendar, tracking deadlines and deliverables to ensure all expectations are met.
Support the grant procurement process, including compiling supporting materials and drafting sections of grant applications, as appropriate.
Research prospective grant funders and philanthropic trends relevant to Native nonprofits to inform organizational strategic planning.
Support individual giving donor database management and ensure accurate gift entry.
Assist with individual giving donor acknowledgments, thank-you letters, stewardship touches, and other supports as necessary for this community.
Contribute to annual appeals, Giving Days, and other fundraising campaigns.
Support evaluation and funder reporting by collecting and compiling program and outcome data from staff and partners, tracking key metrics, and drafting portions of funder reports.
Support meetings with funders, donors, and other partners by coordinating logistics and preparing written materials, as needed.
Represent the organization at community and philanthropic events when appropriate.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Demonstrated interest in philanthropy, Native communities, and nonprofit development.
Experience working with Native-led organizations, Tribes or businesses.
Intimate knowledge of Native communities and culture.
Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
(Required Qualifications Continue on Page 3)
Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and willingness to learn new digital platforms (e.g., Zoom, Neon CRM, Canva).
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
1-2 years of experience in nonprofit development, philanthropy, and/or fundraising. Native Ways Federation recognizes volunteerism and unpaid work, in addition to paid work.
Relevant college degree or certification (e.g., grant writing certification).
Experience writing or managing grant proposals.
Familiarity with donor databases or CRMs and supporting individual donors.
Experience in research, writing, or project coordination.
Ability to work independently in a remote/hybrid environment.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
This position requires extended periods of computer and screen use.
Occasional travel may be required for meetings and events in alignment with organization health and safety policies.
HOW TO APPLY
Submit an application with the following:
Up-to-date resume
Brief cover letter describing your interest and relevant experience
Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians are strongly encouraged to apply.
Mission Edge provides comprehensive nonprofit services focused on helping organizations grow sustainably by relieving administrative burdens and strengthening operational capacity. Their key nonprofit services include:
• Fiscal Sponsorship: Offering Model A and Model C fiscal sponsorships that allow nonprofits or charitable projects to operate under Mission Edge’s 501(c)(3) status, enabling faster launch, tax-exempt donations, grant eligibility, and access to Mission Edge’s accounting, HR, and operational infrastructure.
• Nonprofit Accounting: Tailored outsourced accounting services including payroll, grant and fund accounting, financial reporting, audit support, and compliance to ensure financial health and transparency.
• Nonprofit HR Services: Specialized HR support such as executive search, compliance with regulations (e.g., COVID-19, AB5), organizational development, leadership consulting, and handbook creation, all designed for the nonprofit sector.
• Nonprofit Executive Search: Connecting nonprofits with experienced leaders to expand organizational capacity and impact through streamlined hiring processes.
• Corporate Social Responsibility Programs: Helping nonprofits and businesses collaborate on community-aligned volunteer and giving programs.
Mission Edge also recently integrated with Nonprofit Solutions to expand their financial operations, fiscal sponsorship, and strategic advisory services, enhancing their ability to support nonprofits at all stages of growth.
