Our Mission

At Explore The Trades our mission is to recruit individuals to the plumbing, heating, cooling and electrical trades. These industries keep our country running. Jobs in these industries are in high demand and come with great pay, career opportunities and job security. We want to help you discover that these careers aren’t just a choice – they’re the best choice.

 

About Us

Founded in 2005, Explore The Trades is committed to developing the next generation of a skilled workforce by changing the perception of the trades. The organization creates awareness of the trades through key industry statistics, career resources and connections with industry-leading residential service companies throughout North America.

Kate C headshot.

Kate Cinnamo

Executive Director

Maddy S headshot.

Maddy Sorenson

Project Coordinator

Explore the Trades employee headshot.

Rosa Dunn

Connections Coordinator

Testimonials

The Nexstar Legacy Foundation provides a channel for people in the home service industry to give back to their community. Businesses in the plumbing, HVACR (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration) and electrical industries provided funding to start the foundation in 2005. The foundation launched a scholarship program attract talent to these industries. We raise funds with events and other activities.

Explore The Trades Board of Trustees

Phil Smitherman (President)
Owner
Aux Home Services
Bessemer, Alabama

Lauren Martin (Secretary/Treasurer)
Co-Owner
Seaside Plumbing
Berlin, Maryland

Mike Bergstrom (Vice President)
General Manager & Partner
Thornton & Grooms
Farmington Hills, Michigan

Matt LaMartina (Trustee)
President & Owner
Tony LaMartina Plumbing Company
St. Louis, Missouri

Bailey Cullen (Trustee)
Financial Planning & Analysis
Any Hour Group Treasurer
Cullens for a Cause Foundation
Garden City, Idaho

Andrew Brown (Trustee)
Founder & Owner, Trades Media
Host,
The Lost Art of the Skilled Trades podcast
Board Member, Skilled Trades Advisory Council (STAC)

Kate Cinnamo (Executive Director)
Explore The Trades
Bloomington, Minnesota
katec@explorethetrades.org

 

Julian Scadden (Trustee, Ex Officio)
Nexstar Network
Bloomington, Minnesota

What We Do

Explore The Trades provides resources about careers in the trades of plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical trades to educators, students, and parents across the country.

Our purpose is to create and build a foundational understanding of these trades for so many. Through classroom posters, trade-specific infographics, and videos, the organization is setting the stage for those who choose to enter the trades after high school.

Together with trades professionals, industry experts, and educators, Explore The Trades is bringing the trades back into the classroom.

Man working with wires.

Position Opening

Donor Engagement Specialist – Apply here

Job Type
Full-time

Description

Explore The Trades – Donor Engagement Specialist

About Explore The Trades

Founded in 2005, Explore The Trades is dedicated to bridging the technical talent gap in the service trades of plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical.

Explore The Trades, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is part of the national conversation to bring the skilled trades back into schools. Through specially designed classroom resources and an equipment program for K-12 schools, Explore The Trades promotes the awareness and importance of skilled trades careers. Explore The Trades is also an industry resource for residential service contractors and industry vendors looking to partner with schools in their communities.

What We Offer  

  • Base salary with performance bonus potential
  • Competitive benefits package (health, dental, vision, life)
  • Company-sponsored 403(b) retirement plan available to eligible employees 
  • Generous PTO plan
  • Fringe benefits including: professional development reimbursement, home service reimbursement, cell phone reimbursement, paid community service day, Sam’s Club/Costco membership
  • Remote eligible


Job Summary:

The Donor Engagement Specialist will create and manage a donor engagement strategy for Explore The Trades, specifically with industry and foundation partner relationships. The position will work in partnership with the Executive Director, Explore The Trades staff, and Board of Trustees (as applicable).

Key Tasks: 

  • Work with Executive Director and trustee committee to create and implement a comprehensive donor strategy
  • Management of donor communications (e-newsletters, website copy, marketing materials as needed)
  • Cultivate and manage donor relationships to meet donation KPIs related to specific donor segments (individual donors and grants)
  • Research, write, and manage grant proposals to corporate and private foundations to sustain the mission of the organization
  • Develop and maintain stewardship opportunities, recognition, and communication
  • Research and identify corporate giving prospects and grant opportunities
  • Track donor metrics, including donor retention, recurring giving, new donors, etc.
  • Collaborate with Executive Director and Explore The Trades staff with donor-related activities
  • Attend industry events and speak on behalf of Explore The Trades in 1:1 conversations with potential donors and partners, as well as large group settings, interviews (podcasts, industry publications, etc.)
  • Establish and manage relationships with new and existing donors (including prospecting, cultivation, stewardship, retention) to Explore The Trades
  • Other responsibilities as assigned by Executive Director


Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

  • Successful track record of grant proposals at both the state and federal levels (three years minimum preferred) 
  • Minimum of three years’ experience in non-profit fundraising and/or sales (preferred)
  • Familiarity and/or experience in the industries of plumbing, HVAC and electrical (preferred)
  • High degree of integrity, ethical decision making and confidentiality
  • Experience with Microsoft 365 applications/SharePoint and donor management software (Donor Perfect) (preferred)
  • Demonstrated ability to present articulately, effectively and succinctly to different audiences (1:1 and large group presentations)
  • Demonstrated ability to build and grow relationships with potential donors and program partners
  • Strong interpersonal skills with a variety of stakeholders
  • Work independently
  • Must be articulate and demonstrate excellent communication skills both verbally and in writing 
  • Must be highly organized with attention to detail.
  • Ability to multi-task, prioritize work and effectively follow through on tasks in a timely manner
  • Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately 
  • Must be responsible, reliable and dependable 


Travel Requirements:

  • 15-20% 


Physical Requirements:

  •  Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs. and sit/stand for long periods of time 


Salary Range: 

  • $60,000-70,000 + bonus pay

 

Learn more about us

If you want to be part of something bigger than just a job – then this may be the job for you! You will work in a place where you will be appreciated and where your work has a direct effect on the success of Explore The Trades. Visit our site at www.explorethetrades.org to learn more about our organization.

Explore The Trades receives administrative support from Nexstar Network, with all pre-employment screenings administered by Nexstar Network.

Employment is contingent on passing a pre-employment drug test and background check. Nexstar Network provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. In addition to federal law requirements, Nexstar Network complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.