Assistant/Associate Director / Director of Development (AD Officer 3/AD Officer 4-Major Gifts)

OVERVIEW:

Reporting to the Executive Director of Development within the Carlson School of Management, this position is a front-line fundraiser responsible for managing a portfolio of prospects capable of making major gifts, currently defined as $50,000 and above. The individual in this role is expected to devote 80% of work time to major gift fundraising activities and 20% of work time to related responsibilities. This position requires the ability to travel extensively, at times with overnight stays, and by varying modes of transportation.

The salary range for this position is:

• AD Officer 3 (Assistant/Associate Director of Development): $85,000-$95,000 depending on qualifications
• AD Officer 4 (Director of Development): $107,000-$120,000 depending on qualifications

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Major Gift Fund Raising: 80%

• Meet annual goals established with Assistant Dean for metrics including: major gifts closed, major gift solicitations, funds raised, personal face-to-face visits and prospect qualification
• In coordination with Assistant Dean, develop and execute annual strategic work plan designed to achieve both individual metric goals and School-wide priorities
• Serve as the primary contact manager for a portfolio of major gift prospects capable of making gifts of $50,000 and above.
• Responsible for all aspects of the donor continuum, including cultivation, solicitation, closure and stewardship. Build, maintain, and monitor relationships with prospects and benefactors
• Work closely with the Carlson School's advancement team, academic leadership (including Dean and faculty) and University of Minnesota Foundation leadership to create an articulate and compelling case for support for the unit.
• Present timely and strategic gift opportunities to donors for their support. Conduct follow up communications to develop and implement strategies that may involve the University of Minnesota President, School leaders, board members, fellow benefactors, staff, faculty, students and volunteers to participate in the cultivations and solicitations.
• Clears and coordinates prospective donors through the University of Minnesota Foundation's procedures to ensure effective contact/solicitation of the donors which maximizes the gift to the University and the donor's satisfaction with the institution.
• Partners and collaborates with the University of Minnesota Foundation's services, as necessary.

Collaborative Advancement Efforts: 20%

• Perform development-related administrative duties including timely entry of contact reports, DMS updates, budget management, case statement development, and major gift cultivation events
• Provide visible leadership across the entire organization as a member of Institutional Advancement's major gift staff by engaging in organization-wide activities such as development meetings, all-staff meetings, and staff events
• Work closely and effectively with Institutional Advancement's Alumni Relations and Annual Giving staff to expand prospect identification and enhance engagement
• Perform other duties as assigned

*The emplyoer reserves the right to change or assign other duties to this position *

Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• For AD Officer 3: BA/BS degree and at least four years of experience which demonstrates an ability to successfully solicit major gifts; or similar experience in marketing, sales, public relations, financial advisement or related field with emphasis on relationship cultivation and solicitation of individuals/businesses.
• For AD Officer 4: BA/BS degree and at least six years of experience which demonstrates an ability to successfully solicit major gifts; or similar experience in marketing, sales, public relations, financial advisement, or related field with emphasis on relationship cultivation and solicitation of individuals/businesses.
• Strong oral and written communication skills; ability to articulate a strong and compelling case for support.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to demonstrated ability to create strong professional relationships with colleagues at the School, Foundation, and University.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively represent the interests and fundraising priorities of the School, while also maintaining a high degree of enterprise perspective by acting in the best interests of the University and Foundation at all times.
• Strategic, hardworking, and able to work with a high degree of flexibility in a highly-collaborative, fast-paced, and goal-oriented environment.
• Ability to apply creative and entrepreneurial thinking, while applying sound judgment and conducting oneself with integrity.
• Ability to effectively work with volunteer boards to assist with donor relationship development and to advance significant philanthropic support for the college.
• Access to reliable transportation and ability to travel for donor visits
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as necessary

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS

• Significant history (more than five years) of helping individuals with philanthropic giving of $100,000 or more
• Demonstrated experience in benefactor/prospect cultivation and solicitation process vehicles.
• A strong commitment to higher education
• Experience working at a major, public, land grant research university
• Experience advancing philanthropic campaigns

About the Department

Commitment to Institutional Advancement's Mission and Core Values:

The Carlson School of Management strives to have a best-in-class advancement program and be recognized as one of the highest performing fundraising programs in the country. Central to achieving and sustaining this level of success is an individual commitment to our mission and core values. Our unique value proposition is a belief in not only what we do but how we do it. The Institutional Advancement team has developed a set of core values for how we conduct our work and, importantly, how we treat each other.

Our Mission:
Connecting philanthropy, alumni, and friends of the Carlson School to empower students and bring bold ideas to the world.

Our Core Values:

• We create rather than follow
• We lead with confidence and humility
• We trust colleagues to act ethically, work diligently, and support the team
• We share a belief in our mission, value people as people, and express joy in our work
• We demonstrate pride in the University of Minnesota and the Carlson School

Benefits

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).