Regional Development Officer

About The Job

The Regional Development team builds lasting relationships with alumni, donors, and friends of the University of Minnesota to inspire meaningful philanthropic support. This work includes identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major and principal gifts through personal engagement with individuals in assigned regions. Regional Development Officers partner closely with unit-based development staff, central advancement colleagues, and other University leaders to align donor interests with University priorities. The Regional Development Officer is a high-performing fundraiser and strategic partner responsible for driving philanthropic growth and securing major gifts for the University of Minnesota. Reporting to the Associate Vice President, Central Development Programs, this role plays a critical part in connecting donors' passions with the University's highest priorities. By building authentic relationships and inspiring transformative philanthropy, the Regional Development Officer advances groundbreaking research, expands educational opportunities, and strengthens the University's impact on communities locally and globally.

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.
  • 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.
  • Collaborate with colleagues across disciplines on donor strategies, maintain timely, accurate reports and information.
• 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 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.