Program Director- Foundation Relations

Company: Essentia Health
Location: Duluth
Posted on: February 2, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description: The Director of Foundation Relations will lead and grow a comprehensive foundation fundraising program to advance Essentia Health’s mission of providing high-quality, compassionate care, especially in rural communities across the upper Midwest. This position is responsible for designing and implementing a strategic grants and foundation relations plan, cultivating relationships with private and public foundations, managing a robust grants pipeline, and partnering across departments to align philanthropic opportunities with organizational priorities.This leader will collaborate closely with program staff, the Finance team, and senior Foundation leadership to ensure successful proposal development, stewardship, and impact reporting. The Director will also play a critical role in campaign readiness and sustainability, contributing to long-term revenue growth and mission-aligned institutional investment. Education Qualifications: Key Responsibilities: Strategy and Leadership: Lead the implementation of Essentia’s Grants and Foundation Relations Plan, with clear milestones and metrics for success. Maintain an in-depth knowledge of institutional funding priorities, needs and accomplishments, collaborating with leadership to prioritize projects and build a system-wide pipeline of fundable initiatives. Foundation Portfolio Management: Identify, qualify, and cultivate relationships with local, regional, and national foundation funders aligned with Essentia’s mission (e.g., workforce development, rural health, behavioral health, innovation). Build and manage a diverse portfolio of 40-60 active and high-potential foundations; ensure timely submission of letters of inquiry, proposals, and reports. Lead the development of customized, compelling proposal content in collaboration with clinical and administrative staff. Internal Coordination and Collaboration: Partner with Finance to ensure grant proposals and budgets are accurate, compliant, and aligned with financial systems. Serve as a liaison to clinical and operational leaders to surface project needs, align funding priorities, and communicate grant expectations. Grants Management and Reporting: Oversee centralized tracking of grant deadlines, submissions, outcomes, and funder stewardship activities using a CRM or grant management platform. Implement quarterly reporting on performance, grant revenue, and portfolio diversification for internal stakeholders and the Essentia Health Leadership Team (EHLT). Ensure compliance with grant terms and timely submission of required documentation and impact reports. Education Requirement: Bachelor's degree Required Qualifications: Minimum 3-5 years of experience in grant writing and institutional fundraising, with a successful track record of securing six- and seven-figure gifts Demonstrated success cultivating and stewarding relationships with foundation program officers Proven experience developing and executing strategic fundraising plans tied to measurable outcomes Preferred Qualifications: Deep understanding of the philanthropic landscape in healthcare, rural health, or public health preferred Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) certification Master’s degree in public health, Public Policy, Nonprofit Management, or related field Employee Benefits at Essentia Health: At Essentia Health, we’re committed to supporting your well-being, growth, and work-life balance. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, along with supplemental options to fit your needs. We offer a 401(k) plan with employer contributions to help you plan for the future, and we invest in your professional development through training, tuition reimbursement, and educational programs. To help you thrive both at work and at home, we provide flexible scheduling, generous time off, and wellness resources focused on your physical, mental, and emotional health. Please note that benefit eligibility may vary. For full details, refer to your benefit summary or contact our HR Service Center at (218) 576-0000. Job Location: Building D - Miller Dwan Medical Center - EH Duluth Shift Rotation: Day Rotation (United States of America) Shift Start/End: / Hours Per Pay Period: 80 Compensation Range: $76315 - $114483 / year Union: FTE: 1 Weekends: Call Obligations: Sign On Bonus:

Keywords: Essentia Health, Duluth , Program Director- Foundation Relations, PR / Public Relations , Duluth, Minnesota