Job Description

Job duties:
Major gifts (80%)
• Build and maintain a portfolio of approximately 100 individuals, ensuring timely steps are taken toward solicitation, closure and stewardship of major gifts.
• Develop and maintain a thorough working knowledge of the vision, impact and philanthropic priorities of the College of Science and Engineering (CSE) and assigned focus areas (i.e. departments, impact themes, and/or geographic regions).
• Involve CSE leadership, department heads, faculty, staff and volunteers in development strategy, case development, and the identification and cultivation of prospects.
• Effectively craft and present compelling cases for support to prospects and donors.
• Inspire and educate donors about potential new initiatives and programs, identifying and ensuring alignment with internal collaborators.
• Ensure standard processes are followed with regards to donor engagement, confidentiality, and data security.
• Work strategically and collaboratively with University of Minnesota Foundation (UMF) teams, including Prospect Development, Gift Planning, Principal Gifts, Corporate and Foundation Relations, Regional Development, and Leadership Annual Giving.
• Collaborate in raising private gift support for CSE’s strategic campaign initiatives. All Advancement Team members play a role in the aspirational goal of garnering a transformational campaign gift to CSE.
• Assist fellow CSE development colleagues with major gift work across departments and impact themes, including the donor identification and engagement process.
• Travel across the Twin Cities metro area and to key geographic areas as assigned.

Organizational (20%)
• Serve as the Advancement Team’s strategic lead for assigned department(s), facilitating broader development and engagement work in partnership with other advancement colleagues at CSE and UMF.
• Develop an annual plan of work, including specific fundraising, prospect development, and programmatic goals with an emphasis on exceeding established standards and metrics.
• Effectively use UMF’s Donor Management System (DMS) to review prospect information, file timely and detailed contact reports, and maintain updated solicitation plans and activity.
• Other duties and meeting responsibilities as assigned.


Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree and minimum of four (4) years of professional development experience; or same respective number of years of experience in marketing, sales, PR or related field.
• Willingness to enter a highly-collaborative, fast-paced, goal-oriented environment.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills with the ability to communicate to a wide array of audiences.
• Experience working with individuals from diverse communities.
• Proficient in the use of software and applications such as Microsoft Office Suite and Google. Familiarity with databases and/or Customer Relationship Management programs.
• Access to reliable transportation for local travel. Willingness to staff occasional evening and weekend events and travel nationally several times per year.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Fundraising campaign experience and proven history of successful major gift solicitation.
• Previous higher education development experience.


About the Department
The College of Science and Engineering (CSE) Advancement Team maximizes philanthropic investment in people and ideas in CSE by fostering lifelong, trust-based relationships with alumni and friends. We champion the rich history and forward vision of CSE, serving as strategic partners in advancing impact across the state, nation and world.

Benefits
Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you’ll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
University HSA contributions
Disability and employer-paid life insurance
Employee wellbeing program
Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
Financial counseling services
Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area