NOW HIRING -
VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVANCEMENT

ABOUT US

Civic Bridgers strengthens American democracy by preparing emerging leaders to bridge divides. We call these leaders Civic Bridgers—people who consistently engage in the public sphere and model humanity, humility, and accountability. They recognize the limits of "winner-takes-all" leadership. They don't wield power over people. Instead, they leverage collective power and viewpoint diversity to solve some of our nation's greatest challenges.

We're not just building programs. We're catalyzing a movement. We envision a revival of pluralism led by Civic Bridgers who transform conflict into connection.

We are at a pivotal moment. Serving over 300 leaders annually in 2026, we are poised to scale this movement and deepen our impact in Minnesota and across the country.

POSITION OVERVIEW

American democracy is at a crossroads, and philanthropy is waking up to an essential truth: democracy isn't just a political issue — it's infrastructure. The next decade will determine whether we revive pluralism or fracture further. This is a once-in-a-generation moment to shape how our society approaches bridging divides.

We are seeking a passionate, entrepreneurial founding Vice President of Advancement to build our fundraising program from the ground up and help scale a movement. This is not a role for someone looking to manage an established donor portfolio. This is for someone who wants to be part of something historic, someone energized by the challenge of making the case that bridging divides is not optional, it's essential.

You will be the architect of our development strategy, the relationship-builder who translates our mission into compelling cases for support, and a key thought partner to our Executive Director and Board. You'll have the autonomy to design systems, test approaches, and build a sustainable funding base that will fuel this movement for decades to come.

This role reports to the Executive Director and is a key member of our leadership team.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Build the Foundation

  • Design and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that positions Civic Bridgers as a leader in the rapidly growing democracy and bridging field

  • Refine and expand a donor prospect pipeline, identifying individuals and institutions who understand that bridging divides is the work of our generation

  • Create compelling cases for support, grant proposals, and donor communications that make bridge-building impossible to ignore

  • Set and achieve ambitious revenue goals, with a target of raising $750,000+ within 2-3 years as the field matures

Cultivate Relationships

  • Build meaningful relationships with individual donors, foundation program officers with diverse giving priorities

  • Partner with the Executive Director and Board members to identify, cultivate, and solicit major gift prospects who want to be part of something historic

  • Represent Civic Bridgers at conferences, funder convenings, and community events—positioning us as thought leaders in the bridging movement

  • Educate prospective donors about why bridge-building isn't soft skills training—it's the hard infrastructure work of democratic renewal

Lead With a Strategic Vision

  • Serve as a key member of the leadership team, contributing to organizational strategy and the roadmap for growth

  • Track fundraising metrics and provide regular reports to the Executive Director and Board

  • Stay at the forefront of trends in democracy funding, bridging philanthropy, and the broader movement for democratic renewal

  • Adapt strategies based on what's working, learning quickly in a field that's evolving in real-time

Execute on Fundraising Tasks

  • Find, write and submit grant proposals

  • Maintain accurate CRM records on all donors and prospects

  • Effectively leverage CRM and other fundraising tools for pipeline management and reporting

  • Identify, cultivate, and steward prospects

  • Acknowledge all contributions in a timely manner

  • Collaborate with communications teammates to foster a positive brand among donors and prospects

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

Essential Qualifications

  • Significant fundraising experience, with at least 2 years in a leadership role

  • Proven track record of securing five- and six-figure gifts from multiple types of donors

  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills — you can make the case for why bridging divides is the work of our generation

  • Experience building fundraising programs or systems from scratch (start-up nonprofit experience is a major plus)

  • Entrepreneurial mindset — you see this moment in history clearly and are energized by the challenge of building something that matters

  • Deep, lived commitment to democracy, pluralism, and bridging divides across difference

  • Ability to work independently while also collaborating closely with leadership and board members

  • Strong project management and organizational skills

  • Proficiency with CRM systems (Salesforce, Bloomerang, DonorPerfect, or similar)

You’ll Thrive Here If You…

  • Believe that bridging divides is not optional — it's a defining challenge of our democracy

  • Are energized by building at the forefront of a movement rather than managing established infrastructure

  • Have successfully cultivated donor relationships in mission-driven, values-based organizations where the "why" matters as much as the "what"

  • Bring networks or experience in democracy, civic engagement, bridging, or social change philanthropic spaces

  • Are motivated by impact and legacy more than title or hierarchy

  • Think strategically but can also roll up your sleeves to write the grant, make the call, or send the thank-you note

  • Have a track record of meeting ambitious goals even with limited resources—and see constraints as creative fuel, not roadblocks

  • Want to look back in 20 years and know you were part of building the next generation of American democracy

Nice to Have

  • Experience fundraising for democracy, civic engagement, bridging, depolarization, or democratic renewal organizations

  • Existing relationships with Minnesota or national philanthropists or foundations investing in democracy and pluralism

  • Track record of positioning emerging organizations for rapid growth in expanding philanthropic fields

  • Deep knowledge of the democracy reform, bridging, or pluralism movements

  • Experience securing multi-year or capacity-building grants that fuel organizational infrastructure

  • Fundraising success in other "emerging" fields that later became mainstream (you've ridden a wave before)

WHAT WE OFFER

Compensation & Benefits

  • Salary: $80,000 - $90,000 annually, commensurate with experience

  • $500 / month healthcare cost reimbursement (pre-tax)

  • $500 annual home office fund

  • Flexible work arrangements

  • $1,500 annual professional development budget

WHY THIS ROLE IS DIFFERENT

We want to be transparent: this role requires building a fundraising program in an emerging—but rapidly growing—philanthropic field. You won't inherit a donor database or a list of warm leads. You'll be making the case for why bridge-building and pluralism matter to donors and foundations who are just beginning to understand democracy as essential infrastructure. The field is expanding. Major foundations are launching democracy initiatives. Individual donors are seeking organizations that can credibly address polarization. Corporate funders are recognizing that a fractured society is bad for business.

This is challenging work. But for the right person, it's the opportunity of a lifetime. You'll have the chance to shape an emerging field, connect with visionary funders and practitioners, and grow at the forefront of a movement to build the future of a plural, participatory society.

If you're the kind of fundraiser who sees this moment in history clearly, who wants to build something that matters, and who is ready to take a bet on the most important work of our generation—this role is for you.

LOCATION & WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position is based in the Twin Cities metro area, Minnesota. Employees work remotely but must be available for in-person meetings in the Twin Cities several times per week and be available for in-person team meetings in the Twin Cities at events throughout Minnesota. Out-of-state travel is expected between ~3-6x annually.

Please submit the following via the application form:

  • Resume or CV

  • Cover letter that addresses: (1) Why you believe bridging divides is the work of our generation, and (2) A specific example of how you've built fundraising infrastructure, secured funding for an emerging cause, or positioned an organization for rapid growth in an expanding field

  • Three professional references (we'll contact only finalists)

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Priority consideration given to applications received by January 2, 2026.

TO APPLY

Equal Opportunity Employer

Civic Bridgers is an equal-opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind in any part of our business and partnerships. Building an inclusive team is key central to our values and mission, and essential for our success. We humbly strive to ensure that the Civic Bridgers team environment is intentionally inclusive and reflective of the communities we serve. We hire talent with a transparent and equitable process for all who apply. All employment decisions are made without regard to age, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, medical history, or any other protected status. We believe our differences make us stronger and encourage all interested candidates to apply.

APPLY NOW

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please contact info@civicbridgers.org.