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.

Candidates must be located in the Twin Cities metro area.

Priority Deadline: August 23, 2024

Salary Range: $80,000-$95,000

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 CEHDâ™s vision, philanthropic priorities, and campaign priorities. 
• Clear and coordinate prospective donors through the University of Minnesota Foundationâ™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.

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.

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

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