Sr. Corporate & Foundation Engagement Officer
About the Job
The 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 is composed of skilled, strategic development professionals 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 investments that fuel the College’s 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. The college averages more than $5M annually in corporate and foundation support, benefiting from Minnesota's strong corporate presence, including 17 Fortune 500 companies and many large private corporations.
Operating within the University of Minnesota Foundation’s fundraising model—designed to create and ensure the most gratifying gift experience—the CSOM 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 University of Minnesota, a top 3 institution in the Big 10 for philanthropic corporate production, is a national model in corporate engagement, and is uniquely comprehensive among R1 universities. This position will support Minnesota Carlson’s corporate and foundation partnerships and will be a part of the central Corporate and Foundation Engagement team at the University of Minnesota Foundation (UMF) with meaningful and frequent partnership with the Dean of Minnesota Carlson.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Fundraising & Donor Engagement (75%):
- 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 corporate partners, helping translate academic priorities into compelling, fundable initiatives.
- 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.
- Auxiliary Functions: Assist with 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.
- 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 maximum efficiency and the successful execution of fundraising initiatives.
- Oversee the recruitment, selection, and integration of top-tier development talent, fostering a diverse and inclusive professional environment.
- Actively coach and mentor staff, using data-driven performance metrics to identify and fuel growth opportunities. Provide leadership with each team member to establish individual goals and metrics.
- Ensure a safe, healthy, and policy-compliant work environment that upholds the reputation of the University and UMF.
- 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 6 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 occasionally and work occasional evenings and weekends. Ability to maintain a valid Minnesota driver’s license.
- Preferred qualifications:
- 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
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: $105,000-120,000; 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.
About University of Minnesota
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.