Development Officer

About the Job

The College Biological Sciences (CBS) development team is a tight, mission-driven fundraising enterprise that consistently secures approximately $4 million in philanthropic support annually. This team is composed of a skilled, strategic development leader and development officer who advance both college-wide priorities and department-level initiatives. With a proven record of cultivating meaningful donor relationships, the team plays a pivotal role in driving philanthropic investment that fuels the College’s academic excellence, research innovation, and student success.

Operating within the University of Minnesota Foundation’s fundraising model—designed to create and ensure the most gratifying gift experience—the CBS team embraces a culture of partnership, collaboration, and shared purpose in pursuit of exceptional outcomes for donors, the University, and the broader community.

Position Focus

The Development Officer is a high-performing fundraiser and strategic partner responsible for driving philanthropic growth and securing major gifts for the College of Biological Sciences. Reports to the Lead Development Director for CBS.

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.
  • Prospect Management: Actively identify and cultivate, solicit, and steward a balanced, healthy portfolio of major gift prospects through consistent outreach and relationship building.
  • Serve as the philanthropic advisor/thought partner to donors, helping translate academic priorities into compelling, fundable initiatives.
  • Under the direction of leadership, develop of blended portfolio, breaking down departmental silos to allow for "big idea" gift opportunities in addition to core unit priorities.
  • Aid in the operational framework for specific fundraising initiatives ensuring alignment with University of Minnesota Foundation standards and strategic vision.
  • Serve as a member of the overall development team by collaborating with colleagues across disciplines on donor strategies, maintaining timely, accurate reports and information.
  • Perform one’s work within a framework of commitment to production, collaboration, innovation and purpose.
  • Develop and maintain a thorough working knowledge of unit priorities.
  • Manage and lead specific fundraising projects as assigned.
• Other Duties as Assigned (10%):
  • Collaborate in the planning and production of fundraising activities to define philanthropic goals, donor engagement targets, and logistical frameworks.
  • Participate in ongoing professional development and training to stay current on philanthropic trends and advanced fundraising methodologies.
  • Document all donor interactions and touchpoints by entering detailed contact reports to ensure accurate relationship tracking and seamless team-wide communication.
  • Impact Reporting: Review and provide input on specialized impact reports for donors, showing exactly how their funds supported a specific unit or initiative.

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 extensively 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
Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

How To Apply

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

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.

Request Accommodations

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

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.

Employment Requirements

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.