Coordinator of Philanthropy

DICKINSON STATE UNIVERSITY (DSU) is a regional comprehensive institution within the North Dakota University System, whose primary role is to contribute to intellectual, social, economic, and cultural development, especially to Southwestern North Dakota. The University’s mission is to provide high quality, accessible programs; to promote excellence in teaching and learning; to support scholarly and creative activities; and to provide service relevant to the economy, health, and quality of life for the citizens of the State of North Dakota.

The DSU Heritage Foundation stimulates and fosters an active interest from alumni and friends that encourages participation in the support of the University. This is accomplished by creating and maintaining a consistent flow of funds to achieve our vision of being the premier support for the University’s commitment to provide the finest and most invigorating global-learning environment. The DSU Heritage Foundation secures, manages, and disburses these private funds for the benefit of the student and the University.

DSU is looking to hire a Coordinator of Philanthropy. This position provides support for all facets of the DSU Heritage Foundation including but not limited to the Executive Director, Coordinator, Accounting Services and the Director, Alumni Relations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher

• Minimum of one-year experience working in office situations, as an office manager in a complex organization

• Experience with donors and stewardship practices

• In-depth knowledge of databases, preferably Raiser’s Edge and their functions

• Superior time management, organization and planning skills

• Attentiveness to detail

• Committed to providing excellent customer service

• Ability to keep confidential information confidential

• Strong competencies in software applications, especially MS Office Suite

• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing with a broad range of internal and external constituents

• Ability to work independently and as a team member

• Ability to solve problems, handle confidential information and navigate sensitive situations while prioritizing tasks and simultaneously juggling multiple projects and deadlines with frequent interruptions

• Ability to be flexible, adjust to fluctuating priorities and produce reliable work product

• Excel at managing collaborative processes and contractors (freelance writers, designers, photographers, printers and other communication vendors)

• Possess a positive attitude, high energy and goal-orientated

• Ability to be driven to adhere to the Heritage Foundation’s core values

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experienced understanding of non-profit organizations

• Graphic Design experience

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Processing checks, pledges, credit cards, and other gifts
  • Assist in all areas including but not limited to:
    • Provide Separation of Duties for the foundation when processing Checks
    • Input all donor information into RE for proper processing of payments
    • Prepare all Pledges for processing into RE/FE with accounting office
    • Assure all paperwork is completed
    • Assure all checks have proper documentation and donor intent listed
    • Process all credit card payments
    • Assist in all fundraising reports associated with campaign within the DSU HF
    • Each day, prepare and process all contributions, following the prescribed procedure. Prepare and process a Donor Intent Sheet for each donation. Complete other steps of the procedure to ensure proper accounting, as well as checks and balances of funds.
    • Develop and maintain paper and electronic filing systems including all files associated with Annual and Endowed scholarship donors.
    • Enters donor data from checks, correspondence, and online transactions into donor database into Raiser’s Edge maintaining a high degree of accuracy.

• Donor Relations and Stewardship

  • Assist in all areas but are not limited to:
    • Coordinate the day-to-day activities of the DSU Heritage Foundation including answering the phone, taking messages or transferring to appropriate person, opening and distributing mail, ordering office supplies, etc.
    • Proficiency in various computer software programs and ability to adapt to industry specific programs
    • Order flowers and send greeting cards to alumni and friends for significant life events, such as births, marriages or deaths.
    • Assist with tracking RSVP’s and ticket sales for socials, ceremonies and other events promoted through the DSUHF.
    • Participate in the development and implementation of DSUHF goals and objectives.
    • Assist in the development and implementation of DSUHF policies and procedures; financial policies and procedures, and gift acceptance policies and procedures.
    • In the absence of the Executive Assistant to the President, provide assistance as needed.
    • Identify when the Executive Director and the Director of Alumni Events need help with projects, events, etc. and coordinate volunteers to assist them.
    • In all contacts, mail, phone or in person, demonstrate a positive, professional and client-oriented attitude when working with coworkers, clients, faculty, staff, students or the public.
    • Provide a written or electronic thank you note to donor when a gift is received.

• Grant Writing and events

  • Assist in all areas but are not limited to:
    • Assist with annual DSUF fundraising events including Homecoming, Yuletyme, Foundation gatherings, Donor and Graduate Recognitions, Senior Send off, etc. working nights and weekends as needed.
    • Assist the Director of Alumni Relations with annual events such as alumni gatherings, graduate recognition, Senior Send Off, reunions, etc.
    • Prepare 1-2 grants per month for the foundation and the DSU HF. $50,000 or less
    • Research and find new and/or existing grants to apply for.

• Assist the Executive Director

  • Assist Director with the following:
    • Presentation reports
    • Pledge packets
    • Scheduling meetings
    • Social invites
    • Other duties as assigned.

COMPENSATION PACKAGE:

• Salary range of $40,000-45,000/contract, commensurate with qualifications and experience

• Comprehensive fringe benefits, including, but not limited to:

  • 100% employer-paid health insurance (family or single coverage)

  • TIAA retirement

  • Tuition waiver benefits

• Possible eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program with the US Department of Education.

View https://www.dickinsonstate.edu/about/employment/ for information on the above and other benefits offered.

MAIN OFFICE/WORKING LOCATION: Dickinson, ND

STARTING DATE: May 18, 2026

POSITION DETAILS:

• 3210 Public Information Professional

• 12-month term (July 1- June 30)

• Full-time (100%)

• Exempt from FLSA Overtime

• Benefited

DISCLAIMER CLAUSE:

This job announcement is not intended, and should not be construed, to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of those principal job elements essential to making fair pay decisions and determining job performance.

For more information about the position, contact the direct supervisor Executive Director Ty Orton

PREFERENCE DATE: March 30, 2026

APPLICATION INFORMATION: Applications received by the preference date will be given first consideration, the position will remain open until filled.

• Complete the online application at https://dickinsonstate.edu/jobopenings/postings.aspx

• Provide three (3) references contact information

• Upload a letter of application/cover letter

• Upload a curriculum vitae

• Upload graduate transcripts

Applicants should fully describe qualifications and experience, with specific reference to each of the qualifications and responsibilities listed above as minimum/required/preferred because this is the information on which the initial review of materials will be based. Only applicants who appear best qualified based on this review will be contacted for an interview. The submission of all required materials by the preference date is the responsibility of the applicant. (Note: incomplete applications may not be considered).

Unofficial, or copies of official, transcripts are acceptable at the time of inquiry, but official transcripts will be required if hired. If you need to order transcripts you can have them emailed to DSU.HR@dickinsonstate.edu, faxed to 701-483-2574, or mailed DSU Human Resources, 291 Campus Drive, Dickinson, ND 58601.

Both internal and external applicants are eligible to apply if they are legally authorized to work in the United States. Federal USCIS I-9 employment certification is required at hire. Employer Sponsorship will not be considered.

ND Veteran’s Preference laws apply to this position. Applicants who are eligible to claim veteran’s preference must provide proof of eligibility by the preference date.

Due to access to restricted information, the successful candidate will be required to complete a satisfactory criminal history record check before beginning employment.

Pursuant to N.D.C.C. 44-04-18.27, applications and any records related to the applications that identify an applicant are confidential, except records related to the finalists of the position, which are open to the public after the search committee has identified the finalists.

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. 23-12-10.

Dickinson State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action institution that does not discriminate based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, national origin, age, religion, gender identity, creed, marital status, veteran’s status, political belief or affiliation, information protected by the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (“GINA”), or disability in its admissions, student aid, employment practices, educational programs, or other related activities. Pursuant to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Dickinson State University does not discriminate based on sex in its educational programs, activities, or employment opportunities as required by Title IX. Dickinson State University complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act. Dickinson State University encourages applications from diverse candidates and candidates who support diversity. Inquiries concerning Title VI, VII, ADA, ADEA, Title IX, and Section 504 may be referred to either the Title IX Coordinator, Dr. Kathy Geisen, Dickinson State University, 291 Campus Drive, May Hall, Room 226, Dickinson, ND 58601 (701) 502-2081, dsu.titleix@dickinsonstate.edu or to the Affirmative Action Officer, Krissy Kilwein, Dickinson State University, 291 Campus Drive, May Hall, Room 309, Dickinson, ND 58601, (701) 502-4304, dsu.equalopportunity@dickinsonstate.edu.

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, Dickinson State University publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The report includes the University’s policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, as well as three years of crime statistics for our campus. As a prospective employee, you are entitled to a copy of this report. The report and statistical data can be found here.

For more information about Dickinson State University, please visit https://dickinsonstate.edu/visit. You can also visit this site https://findthegoodlife.com/ for resources and details about North Dakota!