Development Manager
Montessori Center of Minnesota
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Commute Time
Join Us in Changing the Shape of Education: Development Manager, Montessori Center of Minnesota
Are you a fundraising professional who brings a mix of strategy, detail-orientation, and heart to your work? Do you enjoy stewarding donor relationships, supporting events, managing data, and contributing to a mission that changes lives? The Montessori Center of Minnesota (MCM) is seeking a Development Manager to support the growth and sustainability of our high-impact programs and community partnerships. This is a collaborative and multifaceted role within a small but mighty Advancement teamperfect for someone who enjoys both the systems side and the relational side of fundraising.
About MCM
The mission of Montessori Center of Minnesota (MCM) is to transform lives and society by broadening access to the power of Dr. Maria Montessori's proven method of education. MCM's work is centered on the core values of transformation, work, community, intentionality, and civility. MCM has trained the world's leading Montessori teachers through rigorous, high-quality, hands-on training since 1973.
Located on the East Side of Saint Paul, MCM operates a premier training center for Montessori teachers that offers Primary (for ages 3-6) and Elementary (for ages 6-12) Diploma Courses, as well as a range of Orientation Courses. All training courses are accredited by the Association Montessori International (AMI), the organization founded by Dr. Maria Montessori. To meet learners' needs and remove barriers, MCM offers in-person and blended course options, tuition assistance, living stipends, housing support, job placement services, and mentorship.
MCM operates a 4-star Parent Aware-rated on-site early childhood program, Cornerstone Montessori School (CMS) that serves 72 children each year, ages 16 months to 6 years. CMS strives to create a broad community of multicultural and economically diverse families who share the mission to nurture the child's natural desire to learn and grow through quality Montessori environments. Need-based tuition assistance is offered to remove barriers for families.
MCM's outreach programs include Montessori Partners Serving All Children (MPSAC), a working collaborative of people and programs committed to increasing access to early childhood Montessori education. There are currently 11 MPSAC Partner Programs in Minnesota and South Dakota. MCM provides MPSAC Partners financial support, technical assistance, and access to mentorship for teachers and social work support for school staff and families. The goal of these services is to support MPSAC Partners in building and managing their educational programs and offerings. Partner schools enhance the lives of children and families by providing much-needed high-quality early childhood education to under-resourced children and families through their unique mission, independent funding, and staffing. These programs influence the educational landscape at MCM and in the greater community, and assist and empower each other and MCM via participation in quarterly MPSAC collaborative meetings. A second, but equally impactful initiative is MCM's Birth to Five Early Childhood Program, a free program for young children and their caregivers in partnership with and located at Ames Lake Community Center. Birth to Five provides developmental support rooted in Montessori principles and supports positive parenting practices.
About Staff
Rooted in Montessori pedagogy that honors the individual and encourages independence as well as the interdependence created when groups work collaboratively, MCM staff engage in teamwork and celebrate employees' distinct skill sets and competencies. Our collaboration is deliberate and regular, and individual voices are listened to and valued. Ideas are exchanged with respect. We recognize that we best serve the organization's collective goals through a combination of individual and group work. We support professional goals and growth, and honor families, mental health, and wellbeing in consideration of the whole person.
Your Role: Development Manager
The Development Manager plays an integral role in MCM's fundraising efforts, supporting donor engagement, events, campaigns, grants, and database management. Reporting to the Director of Advancement, this person helps build meaningful donor relationships, ensure data integrity, and bring our fundraising strategies to life. The ideal candidate is highly organized, adaptable, and passionate about educational equity.
Your Responsibilities
Donor Systems & Data Management: You'll serve as MCM's primary user of Bloomerang, our donor database and email platform. In this role, you'll enter and acknowledge gifts, maintain accurate donor records, track engagement, and generate reports that support informed decision-making and stewardship
Fundraising & Donor Engagement: You'll support the cultivation and stewardship of individual donors by drafting personalized acknowledgments, outreach materials, and follow-up communications. You'll collaborate with the Director of Advancement on annual campaigns and appeals, and help conduct donor research to inform portfolio development and engagement strategies.
Events Support: You'll play a key role in executing MCM's fundraising and stewardship eventsincluding our signature Montessori All Stars galaby managing timelines, coordinating vendors, supporting guest communications, and ensuring smooth logistics. You'll also assist with post-event tracking and donor follow-up.
Grants & Institutional Giving: You'll help maintain the grants calendar and contribute to the preparation of proposals and reports. By gathering program data and impact stories, you'll support compelling submissions that reflect MCM's mission and outcomes.
Communications & Collaboration: You'll partner closely with MCM's Marketing & Communications Manager and other program leadership to develop donor-facing content that aligns with our brand and message. You'll contribute stories and campaign language that inspire support and highlight impact, while also collaborating with leadership and program teams to align fundraising efforts across the organization.
Who We're Looking For
You are a well-rounded fundraising professional who brings a balance of strategic thinking, attention to detail, and mission alignment. You thrive in a collaborative environment, enjoy building relationships with donors and colleagues, and take pride in maintaining organized systems that support long-term success. You're passionate about educational equity and excited to support MCM's mission through thoughtful, hands-on development work.
Experience & Skills: You bring 3-5+ years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, development operations, or donor engagement. You have worked across individual giving, events, and/or grants, and are confident juggling multiple priorities and deadlines.
Systems-Oriented & Detail-Driven: You're highly organized and comfortable managing data and processes. You've worked with donor databases (Bloomerang preferred), are adept with tools like Google Workspace and WordPress, and value accuracy and follow-through in everything you do.
Collaborative & Communicative: You're a strong communicator who enjoys being part of a team and knows how to build rapport with colleagues, donors, and partners alike.
Mission-Aligned: You care deeply about equity in education and are inspired by the Montessori approach to child development and community transformation.
Creative Contribution: You bring ideas, initiative, and insight to donor communications, events, and campaigns. You understand how to connect messaging with mission to deepen engagement.
Why MCM?
By joining MCM, you become part of an organization doing powerful, life-changing work. You will have the opportunity to engage with a passionate community of educators, parents, and donors who are united in their commitment to shaping a brighter future for children and families.
Competitive Salary & Benefits: Salary commensurate with experience (range: $55,00-$60,000); health, dental, and retirement benefits, long-and short-term disability, paid vacation and holidays, reduced tuition for children enrolled at Cornerstone Montessori School
Inspiring Work: Be part of a social justice movement that can transform lives through Montessori education
A Collaborative Team: Work with a dedicated and passionate group of colleagues and board members who are deeply committed to MCM's mission
Professional Growth: Ongoing opportunities for learning, development, and leadership
Work Environment: This role is based at MCM's vibrant campus on the East Side of St. Paul. You'll work closely with teammates, leadership, and program staff who are passionate about MCM's mission and committed to shared success. While our work is primarily in-person, we recognize that personal and professional needs can change. We strive to offer flexibility for remote work when appropriate, and are committed to supporting a healthy balance that allows our team members to thrive both in their roles and in their lives.
The Montessori Center of Minnesota is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and value the unique contributions of each individual, and all applicants will be considered without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual or affectional orientation, age, marital or familial status, disability (visible or invisible), or status with regard to public assistance.
MCM is deeply committed to building and sustaining a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community. We strongly encourage individuals from historically marginalized and underrepresented groups including, but not limited to, people of color, Indigenous individuals, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and those who are gender fluid or gender nonconforming to apply.
You are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet 100% of the technical requirements.
How to Apply
If you are ready to bring your expertise and passion to MCM's mission, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your resume and a thoughtful cover letter to:
Jessica Hennek
Director of Advancement
Montessori Center of Minnesota
1611 Ames Avenue E, St. Paul, MN 55106
Email: ...
Subject: Development Manager Application
The position will be open until filled. We will begin reviewing applications as they are received.
Job Information
Montessori Center of Minnesota
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Commute Time
Join Us in Changing the Shape of Education: Development Manager, Montessori Center of Minnesota
Are you a fundraising professional who brings a mix of strategy, detail-orientation, and heart to your work? Do you enjoy stewarding donor relationships, supporting events, managing data, and contributing to a mission that changes lives? The Montessori Center of Minnesota (MCM) is seeking a Development Manager to support the growth and sustainability of our high-impact programs and community partnerships. This is a collaborative and multifaceted role within a small but mighty Advancement teamperfect for someone who enjoys both the systems side and the relational side of fundraising.
About MCM
The mission of Montessori Center of Minnesota (MCM) is to transform lives and society by broadening access to the power of Dr. Maria Montessori's proven method of education. MCM's work is centered on the core values of transformation, work, community, intentionality, and civility. MCM has trained the world's leading Montessori teachers through rigorous, high-quality, hands-on training since 1973.
Located on the East Side of Saint Paul, MCM operates a premier training center for Montessori teachers that offers Primary (for ages 3-6) and Elementary (for ages 6-12) Diploma Courses, as well as a range of Orientation Courses. All training courses are accredited by the Association Montessori International (AMI), the organization founded by Dr. Maria Montessori. To meet learners' needs and remove barriers, MCM offers in-person and blended course options, tuition assistance, living stipends, housing support, job placement services, and mentorship.
MCM operates a 4-star Parent Aware-rated on-site early childhood program, Cornerstone Montessori School (CMS) that serves 72 children each year, ages 16 months to 6 years. CMS strives to create a broad community of multicultural and economically diverse families who share the mission to nurture the child's natural desire to learn and grow through quality Montessori environments. Need-based tuition assistance is offered to remove barriers for families.
MCM's outreach programs include Montessori Partners Serving All Children (MPSAC), a working collaborative of people and programs committed to increasing access to early childhood Montessori education. There are currently 11 MPSAC Partner Programs in Minnesota and South Dakota. MCM provides MPSAC Partners financial support, technical assistance, and access to mentorship for teachers and social work support for school staff and families. The goal of these services is to support MPSAC Partners in building and managing their educational programs and offerings. Partner schools enhance the lives of children and families by providing much-needed high-quality early childhood education to under-resourced children and families through their unique mission, independent funding, and staffing. These programs influence the educational landscape at MCM and in the greater community, and assist and empower each other and MCM via participation in quarterly MPSAC collaborative meetings. A second, but equally impactful initiative is MCM's Birth to Five Early Childhood Program, a free program for young children and their caregivers in partnership with and located at Ames Lake Community Center. Birth to Five provides developmental support rooted in Montessori principles and supports positive parenting practices.
About Staff
Rooted in Montessori pedagogy that honors the individual and encourages independence as well as the interdependence created when groups work collaboratively, MCM staff engage in teamwork and celebrate employees' distinct skill sets and competencies. Our collaboration is deliberate and regular, and individual voices are listened to and valued. Ideas are exchanged with respect. We recognize that we best serve the organization's collective goals through a combination of individual and group work. We support professional goals and growth, and honor families, mental health, and wellbeing in consideration of the whole person.
Your Role: Development Manager
The Development Manager plays an integral role in MCM's fundraising efforts, supporting donor engagement, events, campaigns, grants, and database management. Reporting to the Director of Advancement, this person helps build meaningful donor relationships, ensure data integrity, and bring our fundraising strategies to life. The ideal candidate is highly organized, adaptable, and passionate about educational equity.
Your Responsibilities
Donor Systems & Data Management: You'll serve as MCM's primary user of Bloomerang, our donor database and email platform. In this role, you'll enter and acknowledge gifts, maintain accurate donor records, track engagement, and generate reports that support informed decision-making and stewardship
Fundraising & Donor Engagement: You'll support the cultivation and stewardship of individual donors by drafting personalized acknowledgments, outreach materials, and follow-up communications. You'll collaborate with the Director of Advancement on annual campaigns and appeals, and help conduct donor research to inform portfolio development and engagement strategies.
Events Support: You'll play a key role in executing MCM's fundraising and stewardship eventsincluding our signature Montessori All Stars galaby managing timelines, coordinating vendors, supporting guest communications, and ensuring smooth logistics. You'll also assist with post-event tracking and donor follow-up.
Grants & Institutional Giving: You'll help maintain the grants calendar and contribute to the preparation of proposals and reports. By gathering program data and impact stories, you'll support compelling submissions that reflect MCM's mission and outcomes.
Communications & Collaboration: You'll partner closely with MCM's Marketing & Communications Manager and other program leadership to develop donor-facing content that aligns with our brand and message. You'll contribute stories and campaign language that inspire support and highlight impact, while also collaborating with leadership and program teams to align fundraising efforts across the organization.
Who We're Looking For
You are a well-rounded fundraising professional who brings a balance of strategic thinking, attention to detail, and mission alignment. You thrive in a collaborative environment, enjoy building relationships with donors and colleagues, and take pride in maintaining organized systems that support long-term success. You're passionate about educational equity and excited to support MCM's mission through thoughtful, hands-on development work.
Experience & Skills: You bring 3-5+ years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, development operations, or donor engagement. You have worked across individual giving, events, and/or grants, and are confident juggling multiple priorities and deadlines.
Systems-Oriented & Detail-Driven: You're highly organized and comfortable managing data and processes. You've worked with donor databases (Bloomerang preferred), are adept with tools like Google Workspace and WordPress, and value accuracy and follow-through in everything you do.
Collaborative & Communicative: You're a strong communicator who enjoys being part of a team and knows how to build rapport with colleagues, donors, and partners alike.
Mission-Aligned: You care deeply about equity in education and are inspired by the Montessori approach to child development and community transformation.
Creative Contribution: You bring ideas, initiative, and insight to donor communications, events, and campaigns. You understand how to connect messaging with mission to deepen engagement.
Why MCM?
By joining MCM, you become part of an organization doing powerful, life-changing work. You will have the opportunity to engage with a passionate community of educators, parents, and donors who are united in their commitment to shaping a brighter future for children and families.
Competitive Salary & Benefits: Salary commensurate with experience (range: $55,00-$60,000); health, dental, and retirement benefits, long-and short-term disability, paid vacation and holidays, reduced tuition for children enrolled at Cornerstone Montessori School
Inspiring Work: Be part of a social justice movement that can transform lives through Montessori education
A Collaborative Team: Work with a dedicated and passionate group of colleagues and board members who are deeply committed to MCM's mission
Professional Growth: Ongoing opportunities for learning, development, and leadership
Work Environment: This role is based at MCM's vibrant campus on the East Side of St. Paul. You'll work closely with teammates, leadership, and program staff who are passionate about MCM's mission and committed to shared success. While our work is primarily in-person, we recognize that personal and professional needs can change. We strive to offer flexibility for remote work when appropriate, and are committed to supporting a healthy balance that allows our team members to thrive both in their roles and in their lives.
The Montessori Center of Minnesota is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and value the unique contributions of each individual, and all applicants will be considered without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual or affectional orientation, age, marital or familial status, disability (visible or invisible), or status with regard to public assistance.
MCM is deeply committed to building and sustaining a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community. We strongly encourage individuals from historically marginalized and underrepresented groups including, but not limited to, people of color, Indigenous individuals, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and those who are gender fluid or gender nonconforming to apply.
You are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet 100% of the technical requirements.
How to Apply
If you are ready to bring your expertise and passion to MCM's mission, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your resume and a thoughtful cover letter to:
Jessica Hennek
Director of Advancement
Montessori Center of Minnesota
1611 Ames Avenue E, St. Paul, MN 55106
Email: ...
Subject: Development Manager Application
The position will be open until filled. We will begin reviewing applications as they are received.
Job Information
Job ID: 482841272
Originally Posted on: 6/26/2025
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