Development Officer

About the Job

The Development Officer is an accomplished and results-driven fundraiser, serving as a strategic partner in advancing philanthropic growth for the University of Minnesota Foundation. In this role, you will lead efforts to secure transformative major gifts in support of key University Enterprise Units—areas that sit at the very heart of the student experience. This dynamic portfolio includes fundraising for the Office of Undergraduate Education, the Office of Student Affairs, and Boynton Health, along with critical support for the Office of Equity and Diversity and the Alumni Association. Together, these units power initiatives that expand access to higher education, provide vital resources for student well-being, and foster a vibrant, inclusive campus where every student can thrive.

This position reports to the Lead Development Officer for University Enterprise Units and offers the opportunity to be part of a collaborative, mission-driven team dedicated to shaping the future of the University.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Fundraising & Donor Engagement (90%): Focus on engaging in face-to-face meaningful donor work that advances gift conversations and supports the University of Minnesota ensuring a gratifying gift experience for all donors.
• Prolonged Outreach & Relationship Building: Actively identify and cultivate, solicit, and steward a balanced, healthy portfolio of major gift prospects through consistent outreach and relationship building.
• Philanthropic Advisor: Serve as the philanthropic advisor/thought partner to donors, helping translate academic priorities into compelling, fundable initiatives.
• Portfolio Development: Under the direction of leadership, develop a blended portfolio, breaking down departmental silos to allow for "big idea" gift opportunities in addition to core unit priorities.
• Operational Framework: Assist with the operational framework for specific fundraising initiatives ensuring alignment with University of Minnesota Foundation standards and strategic vision.
• Maintain Development Team Collaboration: Serve as a member of the overall development team by collaborating with colleagues across disciplines on donor strategies, maintaining timely, accurate reports and information.
• Unit Priorities Management: Develop and maintain a thorough working knowledge of unit priorities.
• Project Leadership: Manage and lead specific fundraising projects as assigned.
• Other Duties as Assigned: Collaborate in the planning and production of fundraising activities to define philanthropic goals, donor engagement targets, and logistical frameworks.
• Professional Development: Participate in ongoing professional development and training to stay current on philanthropic trends and advanced fundraising methodologies.
• Impact Reporting: Review and provide input on specialized impact reports for donors, showing exactly how their funds supported a specific unit or initiative.

Performance Metrics

• UMFway Guidelines FY27

Qualifications

• Required qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree and at least 4 years of fundraising or related experience.
• Ability to lead with an entrepreneurial spirit, constantly pursuing solutions and effective/efficient enhancements.
• Skills in high-standard accountability paired with empathetic mentorship.
• Deep understanding of goal-setting frameworks and performance metrics.
• Ability to maintain a growth mindset in all deliverables.
• Willingness to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends. Ability to maintain a valid Minnesota driver’s license.
• Preferred qualifications:
• 6 or more years of fundraising experience.
• Experience in higher education advancement and nonprofit fundraising.
• Proven success in donor cultivation and donor management systems.

About the Department

At the University of Minnesota Foundation (UMF), our mission is to connect passion with possibility, inspire generosity, and support greatness at the University of Minnesota by placing donors at the heart of everything we do and every decision we make. UMF is a nonprofit organization responsible for raising and managing gifts to the University of Minnesota.

For more information about UMF, please visit https://give.umn.edu/about/about-umf.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $88,000- 100,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience
Time Appointment: 100% Appointment