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Foundation Manager
Walser Automotive Group
Bloomington, MN
Full-time
Corporate
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Are you passionate about making a difference in the community? The Walser Foundation seeks a dynamic and strategic Foundation Manager to lead the philanthropic efforts of the Walser Automotive Group.  

At the Walser Foundation, we’re driven by our mission to build strong communities through grants, scholarships, volunteer initiatives, and partnerships that create real, lasting impact on behalf of Walser Automotive Group. This role offers the unique opportunity to shape the future of Walser’s giving programs, inspire employee engagement, and foster meaningful connections with local organizations that align with our core values.  

Walser Automotive Group commits 5% of all pre-tax earnings to the Walser Foundation, funding nonprofits focused on areas of education and workforce development in the areas in which we do business. 

Primary Responsibilities: 

1. Strategic Leadership: 
- Develop and execute the foundation’s strategic vision and operational plans. 
- Identify areas of need within the foundation’s focus areas and lead initiatives that align with the foundation’s mission. 
- Lead the development of programs and partnerships that effectively address community and organizational priorities. 

2. Program Management: 
- Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of all foundation programs and initiatives. 
- Establish goals, objectives, and outcome measures for each program to ensure impact and effectiveness. 
- Ensure programs are aligned with best practices and industry standards. 

3. Financial Oversight: 
- Develop and manage the foundation’s budget, ensuring financial sustainability. 
- Work with General Counsel/CFO to manage grants, donations, and investment portfolios. 
- Oversee grant application process, including identifying potential grantees, reviewing proposals, making recommendations to Walser Foundation board, and tracking fund allocation and usage. 

4. Stakeholder Engagement and Communications: 
- Serve as the primary spokesperson for the foundation, articulating its mission and goals to stakeholders both internal and external to Walser (General Managers/Directors/Employees/External organizations) 
- Develop communication strategies, including public relations efforts and marketing campaigns, to enhance the foundation’s image. 
- Deliver annual Foundation Report and ongoing quarterly updates to the company, constituents and the board. 
- Engage with community leaders, and other foundations to foster collaborations and partnerships. 

5. Team Leadership and Development: 
- Identify, train, and oversee volunteers for specific events 
- Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability within the teams that are volunteering. 
- Conduct regular information sessions with broader HR team to ensure knowledge and understanding of all Foundation programs 

6. Board Review: 
- Provide updates to the Board of Directors on the foundation’s progress, challenges, and achievements. 
- Work with the Board to develop policies, approve budgets, and guide strategic decisions. 
- Prepare and present reports on financials, program outcomes, and strategic initiatives. 

7. Compliance and Reporting: 
- Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements related to nonprofit and philanthropic activities. 
- Develop and oversee reporting mechanisms to track program progress, financial status, and donor engagement. 
- Maintain transparent, accurate, and timely records for audits, annual reports, and grant-related documentation. 

We're Looking For


    • Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree preferably in nonprofit management or development, business administration, public administration, public health, social sciences, human resources, or any related field; Master’s degree preferred. 
  • Minimum of 5-10 years of relevant experience in nonprofit or foundation management, with a demonstrated track record of successful program and financial management. 
  • Strongly preferred: Strong understanding of the existing nonprofit community in the areas where Walser does business, including the Minneapolis/St. Paul greater metro area and Wichita, Kansas. 

    • Skills: 
  • Strong leadership and team management skills. 
  • Excellent strategic planning and organizational abilities. 
  • Proven experience in fundraising and grant management. 
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills for engaging with diverse stakeholders. 
  • Familiarity with budgeting, financial planning, and compliance standards in the nonprofit sector. 

    • Competencies: 
  • Mission-Driven: Commitment to advancing the foundation’s goals and values. 
  • Innovative Thinking: Ability to identify creative solutions to challenges and develop impactful programs. 
  • Accountability: Maintains high standards of integrity and transparency. 
  • Adaptability: Willingness to adjust strategies based on evolving needs and feedback. 

    • Reports To: Director, DE&I, Foundation & Communication 
  • The Foundation Manager role is essential for steering the foundation towards meaningful impact and long-term success through strategic leadership, efficient program management, and strong stakeholder relationships 

What we offer

  • Medical, Dental, Vision coverage & HSA/FSA 
  • Paid Parental Leave (Maternity, Paternity, Adoption) 
  • Adoption Assistance Program  
  • Life Insurance and 401K with Employer Match 
  • Pet insurance and Employee discounts 
  • Access to our Employee Resource Groups, such as: Women of Walser, Drive with Pride and Asian Hmong Alliance 
  • The opportunity to volunteer through the Walser Foundation -The Walser Foundation: Our Community Mission - YouTube