The Bush Foundation is seeking a highly skilled and strategic Communications Officer to help strengthen and expand the organization’s storytelling, audience engagement, and public communications efforts across the region. Based in Saint Paul, this position offers an exciting opportunity for communications professionals passionate about social impact, philanthropy, community engagement, and mission-driven work. The role is presented in partnership with Ballinger | Leafblad, a civic-focused executive search firm specializing in leadership recruitment for nonprofit and mission-oriented organizations. Applications for the position will be accepted until: 28 May 2026 at 12:00 PM CST About the Bush Foundation Founded in 1953 by Archibald and Edyth Bush, the Bush Foundation was created to invest in ideas and people that strengthen communities and improve quality of life throughout the region. Over the decades, the foundation has evolved into one of the region’s leading philanthropic institutions, supporting innovation, leadership development, and collaborative problem-solving. The foundation currently: Operates with a staff of 36 Manages an endowment valued at approximately $1.5 billion Oversees a combined operating and philanthropic budget of $72.8 million for 2026 The organization focuses its work across: Minnesota North Dakota South Dakota The 23 Native nations sharing the region Organizational Purpose and Mission The Bush Foundation exists to inspire and support creative problem-solving that improves communities for everyone. The foundation advances this mission by investing in: Great ideas Community innovation Leadership development Organizations supporting social problem-solvers Individuals creating transformative impact The foundation supports initiatives spanning diverse sectors and themes, including: Agricultural innovation Indigenous tourism Telehealth accessibility Rural entrepreneurship Native leadership development Community-based innovation About the Communications Officer Role The Communications Officer will serve as a strategic communications lead and creative producer responsible for managing campaigns, content development, brand stewardship, and audience engagement initiatives. This role is less focused on traditional content production and more centered on: Cross-functional project leadership Strategic communications coordination Brand and messaging management Campaign implementation Stakeholder collaboration The position reports directly to the Communications Director and operates within a three-person communications team consisting of: Communications Associate Communications Officer Communications Director Although the role carries managerial-level responsibilities, it does not include direct staff supervision. Key Responsibilities The Communications Officer will contribute to a broad range of strategic communication activities designed to increase awareness of the foundation’s impact and opportunities. Content and Campaign Management Responsibilities include: Leading communications campaigns and storytelling initiatives Amplifying the impact of grantees, fellows, and community partners Managing messaging across grantmaking programmes Developing content for: Websites Newsletters Social media Print materials Supporting staff presentations and public-facing communications Reviewing and editing written materials for consistency and quality Brand and Audience Strategy The role will also involve: Managing and protecting the Bush Foundation brand Developing audience engagement strategies Supporting fellows and grantees with communication tools and resources Maintaining brand usage guidelines Coordinating with consultants, media partners, and creative vendors Training staff and stakeholders on brand standards Cross-Organizational Collaboration The Communications Officer will: Partner with teams across the foundation Support organizational learning and strategic priorities Participate in events, committees, and community engagement initiatives Strengthen public understanding of the foundation’s mission and impact Desired Qualifications The Bush Foundation is seeking candidates with substantial communications experience and strong project leadership capabilities. Minimum qualifications include: At least five years of communications experience within a complex organization Strong project management and organizational skills Excellent editing and copy-editing abilities Adaptable and audience-focused writing skills Experience managing evolving workflows and timelines Strong relationship-building and collaboration skills Familiarity with: WordPress or other CMS platforms Social media management tools Email marketing platforms such as MailChimp and Salesforce Additional preferred qualities include: Awareness of emerging communications trends and technologies Commitment to equity, inclusion, and relationship-building across diverse communities Alignment with the Bush Foundation’s operating values Bush Foundation Operating Values The organization emphasizes several core values that shape its internal culture and external work: Spread Optimism Work Beyond Ourselves Everybody Matters Steward Well More Good. Every Year. These principles guide decision-making, collaboration, and community engagement across all levels of the organization. Working Conditions and Hybrid Structure The position is based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, within a hybrid work environment that combines remote flexibility with in-person collaboration. Work expectations include: On-site attendance one day per week for Twin Cities-based staff One additional designated in-person collaboration day each month Quarterly in-person attendance for staff located outside the Twin Cities Occasional travel within the region, estimated at up to 10% Compensation and Benefits The annual salary for the Communications Officer position is: $127,733 per year The Bush Foundation also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: Health insurance Dental insurance Life and disability coverage Generous retirement contributions Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML) Professional development opportunities Vacation, sick leave, and holiday benefits Application Process Applicants must submit: A current resume A cover letter Strong writing skills are considered essential for success in this role. The recruitment process includes: Initial application review Exploratory conversations Formal interviews Ongoing communication with candidates Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submissions are encouraged. Advancing Community Impact Through Strategic Communications The Communications Officer position offers an opportunity to contribute to meaningful philanthropic and social impact work while shaping how communities engage with innovation, leadership, and problem-solving across the region. Professionals passionate about mission-driven storytelling, public engagement, and strategic communications are encouraged to apply and become part of the Bush Foundation’s ongoing efforts to create positive regional change. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.