Sr. Corporate & Foundation Engagement Officer

Carlson School of Management (Minnesota Carlson) development team is a high-performing, mission-driven fundraising enterprise that consistently secures more than $24 million in philanthropic support annually. This dynamic team advances both college-wide priorities and department-level initiatives, cultivating meaningful donor relationships to drive investments that fuel academic excellence, research innovation, and student success. Minnesota Carlson is consistently ranked among the top business schools nationally and globally, with highly ranked undergraduate and graduate programs, and averages more than $5M annually in corporate and foundation support.

The University of Minnesota Foundation’s fundraising model ensures a gratifying gift experience, fostering a culture of partnership, collaboration, and shared purpose. This position supports Minnesota Carlson’s corporate and foundation partnerships as part of the central Corporate and Foundation Engagement team at the University of Minnesota Foundation (UMF), with frequent collaboration with the Dean of Minnesota Carlson.

About the role

The Senior Corporate and Foundation Engagement Officer is a high-performing fundraiser and strategic partner responsible for driving investment growth and securing major investments for the Carlson School of Management, with a focus on corporate and foundation partners. This role collaborates with the Dean, key school partners, and internal stakeholders to develop and execute the corporate and foundation engagement strategy. The officer will manage a portfolio of corporate and private foundations, identify opportunities for philanthropic or sponsorship discussions, and represent Minnesota Carlson on the Corporate Engagement Center Leadership Council.

Responsibilities

• Fundraising & Donor Engagement (75%)
  • Engage in face-to-face donor work to advance gift conversations and ensure a gratifying gift experience.
  • Actively identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a balanced portfolio of major gift prospects through consistent outreach and relationship building.
  • Serve as a philanthropic advisor to corporate partners, translating academic priorities into compelling, fundable initiatives.
  • Develop a blended portfolio to enable "big idea" gift opportunities alongside core unit priorities.
  • Assist with the operational framework for fundraising initiatives, ensuring alignment with UMF standards and strategic vision.
  • Collaborate with colleagues across disciplines on donor strategies, maintaining timely and accurate reports.
  • Perform work within a framework of production, collaboration, innovation, and purpose.
  • Develop a thorough working knowledge of unit priorities and manage specific fundraising projects as assigned.
• Team & Talent Development (15%)
  • Build and lead a high-performing team by aligning individual performance with the Foundation’s strategic priorities.
  • Direct unit operations and resource allocation to ensure efficiency and successful execution of fundraising initiatives.
  • Oversee recruitment, selection, and integration of development talent, fostering a diverse and inclusive environment.
  • Actively coach and mentor staff using data-driven performance metrics to identify growth opportunities.
  • Provide leadership to establish individual goals and metrics for team members.
  • Ensure a safe, healthy, and policy-compliant work environment.
• Other Duties as Assigned (10%)
  • Collaborate in planning and producing fundraising activities, defining philanthropic goals and donor engagement targets.
  • Participate in professional development to stay current on philanthropic trends and fundraising methodologies.
  • Document donor interactions and touchpoints with detailed contact reports for accurate relationship tracking.
  • Review and provide input on specialized impact reports for donors, demonstrating fund usage.

Qualifications

• Required:
  • Bachelor’s degree and at least 6 years of fundraising or related experience.
  • Entrepreneurial spirit with a focus on solutions and efficiency.
  • Skills in high-standard accountability paired with empathetic mentorship.
  • Deep understanding of goal-setting frameworks and performance metrics.
  • Growth mindset in all deliverables.
  • Willingness to travel occasionally and work evenings/weekends.
  • Valid Minnesota driver’s license.
• Preferred:
  • 8 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

The University of Minnesota Foundation (UMF) connects passion with possibility, inspiring generosity to support greatness at the University of Minnesota. UMF is a nonprofit organization responsible for raising and managing gifts to the University. Learn more about UMF.

Pay

Pay Range: $105,000–120,000, depending on education, qualifications, and experience.