Development Officer (Major Gifts)

Overview
The Development Officer (DO) is responsible for the identification and solicitation of major gifts ($50,000+) from identified prospects that represent University of Minnesota alumni, friends, parents and constituents. The DO will collaborate with the University of Minnesota Foundation's (UMF) Leadership Annual Giving Team (LAG) officers to qualify and solicit individuals from a community of 20,000+ donors capable of making major gifts to the college. A primary emphasis will be placed on developing a strong portfolio of qualified major gift donors in anticipation of our next comprehensive college campaign.

Responsibilities
Prospect Identification, Qualification & Solicitation (90%)

• In collaboration with our prospect development partners at UMF, the position will establish a new portfolio (80-100 households) of qualified donors
• Contact, via telephone, email and other methods, identified prospects to secure 1:1, face-toface visits
• Conduct personal visits with prospects to present major gift solicitations at $50,000+ utilizing a variety of gift vehicles including multi-year pledges
• Working with the Chief Development Officer, make assessments to qualify prospects as current major gift prospects
• Create a strategy for the portfolio to ensure that timely steps are taken toward solicitation, closure and stewardship.
• Draft and deliver gift proposals at the appropriate time
• Annual performance expectations for this gift officer include 80+ face to face visits, 125 substantive contacts, 25 prospect qualifications, 15 solicitations, 10 funded solicitations, and gift production of $1,000,000+

Program, Stewardship and Data Management (10%)

• Complete development officer onboarding and ongoing training opportunities
• Provide regular progress reports on prospect cultivation and solicitation, and complete and file thorough reports in Donor Management System (DMS) of all contacts in a timely manner
• In partnership with the college stewardship director and UMF, ensure the appropriate cultivation & stewardship process is in place and executed for all donors within assigned portfolio and implement strategy for future engagement
• Participate in special projects, as assigned. Handle other duties and assignments as might be required

Special considerations

• Contribute to the college's journey in advancing inclusive excellence
• Hybrid work possible; (3 on campus/2 remote) full time on campus preferred
• Attendance at local evening and weekend events
• Occasional national travel
• Participate in appropriate professional and trade association activities that are aligned with the mission of the college

Required:

• Bachelor's degree required, and at least four years demonstrated ability to successfully solicit annual gifts; or experience in marketing, sales, public relations, financial advisement or related field with emphasis on relationship cultivation and solicitation of individuals/businesses.
• Demonstrated success in working independently, but also collaboratively in a team setting, with emphasis on communications, interpersonal skills, and engaged listening.
• Proven track record as a self-motivated and target driven professional with excellent time
  management skills.
• Outstanding oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to communicate
  clearly and succinctly through strong phone, e-mail and written communications. Demonstrated ability to be effective in a variety of formal presentation settings including one-on-one, small and large groups.
• Ability to use creativity, reasoning, experience, information and available resources to resolve issues in a timely manner.
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with client/donors and colleagues.
• Demonstrated ability on client/donor focus and proven adaptability to different personality types.
• Strong commitment to being donor-centered in our approach while sharing the University and unit's messages.

Preferred:

• Four years of experience calling, conducting face-to-face appointments with an emphasis on building a portfolio of donors or clients and closing gifts or completing a sales cycle
• Demonstrated knowledge of basic business terminology, financial matters and the ethical, legal, confidential and tax-related issues regarding the solicitation, transfer, and management of charitable gifts

About the University of Minnesota Foundation
The University of Minnesota Foundation is a key partner with the University in building and sustaining excellence among students and faculty, and fueling discovery in important areas. The Foundation accomplishes this by raising gifts and other private resources, investing and managing endowed funds for long-term growth, and stewarding gifts to ensure they are used as donors intend. For more information, visit www.give.umn.edu.

The CFANS Development department is responsible for securing >$20M in donations for the college annually, stewarding all gifts to the college past and present ($260M in total) and setting/executing the fundraising strategy in partnership with the CFANS leadership council.

Pay Range: $85,000 - $93,000 annually, depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 75%-100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 100% appointment.)

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

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

The University 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

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.

Please include a cover letter and a 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.

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

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.

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).