Senior Development Officer, College of Liberal Arts

The Senior Development Officer is responsible for securing significant philanthropic support for the College of Liberal Arts (CLA). As a member of the Office of Institutional Advancement (OIA) team, this position identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards donors with a specific focus on securing major gifts ($50,000+) in support of education, research and outreach. In a collaborative team environment, this individual will be expected to coordinate efforts with OIA colleagues, CLA faculty and staff, and partners at the University of Minnesota Foundation (UMF) and across the University development community where appropriate.

The ideal candidate for this position should have a strong belief in higher education and the power of the liberal arts to change lives.

Duties:

1) Major Gifts Development (85%)

• Develop and maintain a thorough working knowledge of the vision, impact, and philanthropic priorities of the College and assigned focus areas (i.e. departments and/or geographic regions).
• Build and maintain a portfolio of approximately 100 major gift prospects to ensure that timely steps are taken toward solicitation, closure, and stewardship. Utilize various giving methods such as current and deferred giving and non-cash gifts.
• Exceed annual performance expectations including a minimum of 15 delivered solicitations at the $50,000 gift level and total gift production of $2 million. The candidate selected will work closely with prospect management and development leaders to set appropriate annual goals.
• Involve CLA leadership, department heads, faculty, and staff in development strategy, case development, and the identification and cultivation of prospects.
• Effectively craft and present compelling cases for support to prospects and donors.
• Ensure standard processes are followed with regards to donor engagement, confidentiality, and data security.
• Develop an annual plan of work, including specific fundraising, prospect development, and programmatic goals with an emphasis on exceeding established standards and metrics.
• Effectively use Donor Management System to review prospect information, file timely and detailed contact reports, and maintain updated solicitation plans and activity, employing discretion while recording information of relevance to appropriate individuals.
• Travel across the Twin Cities metro area and to key geographic areas as assigned.
  

2) Serve as a member of the Office of Institutional Advancement team (10%)

• Participate fully in the OIA meetings and activities, working from on-campus offices in Johnston Hall as required (currently one day per week).
• Assist development leadership with major donor/principal gift strategies and special projects as requested.
• Attend University, CLA, and UMF events and external functions as recommended. Serve on committees as appropriate.
• Work strategically and collaboratively with University of Minnesota Foundation teams, including Prospect Development, Gift Planning, Principal Gifts, Corporate and Foundation Relations, Regional Development, and Leadership Annual Giving.

3) Other duties and meeting responsibilities as assigned (5%)

• This position requires some travel along with evening and weekend work at various University and CLA functions, as necessary.
  

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum of six (6) years of professional fundraising experience; or same respective number of years of experience in marketing, sales, PR, or related field.
• 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 but also collaboratively in a team setting. Ability to act as a leader, participant, and facilitator in a team setting.
• Demonstrated ability to independently develop and analyze alternative solutions and make recommendations; strategic thinker with ability to translate to operational objectives; ability to manage multiple priorities and exercise authority to meet goals.
• Solid relationship-building skills with a diverse constituency of individuals (donors, faculty, strategic partners, volunteers and colleagues). Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with groups across large organizations.
• Outstanding oral, written, and interpersonal communications skills, including effective presentation skills.
• Thorough understanding and appreciation of the role of liberal arts in higher education.
• Strong commitment to a major, land-grant/research university in an urban environment.
• Proficient in the use of software and applications such as Microsoft Office Suite and Google. Familiarity with databases and/or Customer Relationship Management programs.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Ability and experience working effectively with individuals from diverse communities and cultures.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree
• Professional fundraising experience in higher education, with demonstrated ability to solicit and steward major gifts of $50,000 or more.
• Knowledge of planned giving programs.
• Campaign experience.
• Demonstrated experience in recruiting, training and managing activities of volunteers in major gift work including front line solicitation experience.
• 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.
  
  

The College of Liberal Arts is the largest college in the University of Minnesota system with 31 academic departments, 10 research centers, and 7 administrative units including 500 faculty, 800 staff, and 14,000 undergraduate and 1,600 graduate students in the arts, social sciences and humanities, with an annual (all-funds) budget of over $240 million.

The Office of Institutional Advancement comprises development, marketing and communications, and alumni relations. We support the college by growing a base of committed donors, enriching CLA's engagement with alumni and the public, and enhancing the overall reputation of the college through the stories of faculty recognition, research discoveries, student experiences, and alumni success. We bring the CLA strategic plan to life through a powerful, credible, and aligned narrative and brand. We are optimistic, team-oriented, and innovative. We are committed to hiring individuals who will contribute to the cultural diversity of our work place. Our hiring decisions are guided by the principal value that diversity enriches our environment. We embrace differences, seek to eliminate racism and other forms of discrimination and strive to create a workplace in which everyone matters.

Pay Range: $103,000 - $113,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 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

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

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.

A resume and cover letter are required for consideration.

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).