AD Officer 3-Major Gifts

at  University of Minnesota

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS plus at least four years of experience.
• Minimum of four years (4) of professional development experience, with demonstrated ability to promote and successfully solicit major gifts; or four (4) or more years of experience in marketing, consultative sales, public relations, financial advising or related field with emphasis on relationship cultivation and solicitation of individuals/businesses.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate to a wide array of audiences.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Demonstrated history of successful major gift solicitation including:
• identification and qualification of major gift prospects
• portfolio management
• design and implementation of cultivation and solicitation strategies
• oversight of follow-up activities and stewardship in a collaborative environment
• Proficient in the use of PC software, such as Microsoft Office, and database familiarity.
• Strong commitment to the mission of CEHD and a major, land-grant, research, urban university.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with people from a variety of communities, backgrounds, and identities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and maintain a strong sense of urgency coupled with demonstrated success in management of multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated success in working independently and collaboratively in a diverse team setting as a team member, leader, and facilitator.
• Demonstrated knowledge of basic business terminology, financial matters and the ethical, legal, and tax-related issues regarding the solicitation, transfer, and management of charitable gifts.

Position Overview
The College of Education and Human Development Office of External Relations is seeking a full-time Development Officer. This position is responsible for the independent management of a dynamic portfolio of donors. The development officer will identify, cultivate, solicit, close, and steward major gifts, both current and deferred to the College of Education and Human Development. This position reports to the Director of Development and works closely with other development staff, the dean, college faculty, and the U of M Foundation staff. This position will work primarily with individuals to determine their philanthropic passions, and close gifts in support of collegiate and departmental fundraising priorities. The development officer is a significant individual contributor as well as a stellar team member.
The University of Minnesota encourages a healthy work life balance for employees. CEHD is committed to an excellent employee experience, offering a flexible work environment that meets the needs of students, staff, faculty, and the communities we serve. Flexible work arrangements may include flexibility in schedule and/or work location. Please note that 100% remote work requires approval prior to offer.
Priority Deadline: August 23, 2024
Job Responsibilities

Major and Planned Gifts Development (90%)

• Build and manage a portfolio of approximately 75 major gift donors and prospective donors, to ensure that timely and strategic steps are taken in moving prospects through the major gift cycle of identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, gift closure, and stewardship.
• Develop and implement strategies for each potential donor, including ways to increase their involvement in the activities of the college. Utilize both current and planned giving opportunities to best meet donors’ needs, interests, and financial capabilities.
• Meet performance expectations for this level of gift officer. The candidate selected will work closely with prospect management and development leaders to set appropriate annual goals.
• Develop an annual plan of work with an emphasis on achieving standards and metrics in a donor-centered environment. Accomplish these goals in support of collegiate priorities and a comprehensive collegiate fundraising campaign.
• Collaborate with CEHD faculty and staff, collegiate colleagues across campus, and University of Minnesota Foundation (UMF) professionals. Utilize UMF centralized resources to achieve and exceed established standards and metrics for the position.
• Develop and update donor strategies, write timely contact reports, maintain accurate records and provide updated information in the Donor Management System (DMS). Employ discretion while recording information of relevance to appropriate individuals.
• Develop and maintain a thorough working knowledge of CEHD and individual departments/ centers faculty, programs, and research. Develop a thorough understanding of CEHD’s vision, philanthropic priorities, and campaign priorities.
• Clear and coordinate 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.
• Initiate and oversee the development of proposals and written material in support of specific major gift fundraising initiatives.
• Assist development leadership with major donor/campaign strategies and special projects as requested.
• Attend UMF and CEHD development staff meetings as scheduled and provide reports on progress with prospects and gifts as requested.

Other duties as assigned (10%)

• Participate in leadership projects as assigned by the Chief Development Officer and Director of Development.
• Other duties and meeting responsibilities as assigned.

Department Overview
The External Relations Office in the College of Education and Human Development is responsible for fundraising development, alumni relations, and college events. Generating private support through the cultivation and solicitation of major gifts from individuals is a key measurement of our success. The development staff works with donors to engage them in the work of the college, identify their philanthropic interests and determine the appropriate gift vehicles, including cash, securities, real property, estate planning and other types of gifts.
College Overview
The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the third largest college at the University, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of the life span. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That’s why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice. https://www.cehd.umn.edu/
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.
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)

• Participate in leadership projects as assigned by the Chief Development Officer and Director of Development.
• Other duties and meeting responsibilities as assigned