About Us:

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.

About the role:

This position will focus on making a compelling case for philanthropic giving by writing specialized materials for prospective high-level donors in partnership with development officers across the University. Key responsibilities include writing case statements for University of Minnesota units and programs, as well as major initiatives within units, and gift proposals that will be presented to specific major gift prospective donors, both individuals and organizations. Thorough understanding of the goals and priorities of the University’s fundraising campaigns and initiatives will be essential to reflecting broad philanthropy messaging in each of these case statements and proposals. This position is best suited for a highly collaborative critical thinker with superior writing, project management, and interpersonal skills.

What you’ll do:

Serve as the lead writer for a portfolio of designated U-wide units and programs for case statements and gift proposals. (90%)

• Build collaborative relationships with development professionals and marketing and communications colleagues to develop a thorough understanding of the University’s fundraising campaigns, initiatives, and priorities, and stay current with trends in giving.
• Partner with development teams to create communications strategies and messages for compelling cases for giving.
• Conduct background research and interviews, and write the text for these case statements and proposals.
• Work with designers to fit copy to layout and visually present critical information.
• Manage a schedule of multiple writing projects so that deadlines are met, keeping development and University unit partners and others involved and informed throughout the production process, and ensure timely completion of top-quality work.
• Work with others in Development Communications to build a toolkit of materials that can be shared with development and communications colleagues to help them produce high-quality case statements or proposals on their own, as appropriate.

Write copy for other Development Communications projects as assigned. (10%)

• Write other case statements and proposals outside of regular portfolio as needed to back up other members of the team and provide coverage during busy times.
• Help to develop campaign materials that build a general case for giving as needed.
• Share in team responsibility for editing and proofreading, following the UMF style guide and inclusive language practices.

Demonstrate commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an equitable and inclusive working and learning environment (exhibit 100% of the time)

We take care of you:

1. Comprehensive and competitive benefits package that includes medical, vision, dental, and pharmacy coverage; life insurance; retirement; long-term care insurance; and disability coverage.
2. Come. Work. Stay. Play. The U of M is conveniently accessible by light rail, bus, and bike. And we offer discounted bus transportation through our “U-Pass” program.
3. The University of Minnesota embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree with at least four years of professional writing experience.
• Experience writing for a variety of media, such as print, web, and presentations, translating content from one to the other.
• Demonstrated ability to offer strategic communications direction
• Strong journalistic abilities, demonstrated through research and writing, that explore unique angles and editorial approaches to make stories stand out, and strong interviewing skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish and maintain relationships at all organizational levels and to work collaboratively.
• Demonstrated project management skills.

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.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.

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.

Please note: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to report complete vaccination against COVID-19 or submit documentation requesting a medical or religious exemption on their first day of employment. To learn more, please visit the University's COVID-19 Response webpage.

How to Apply:

Applications must be submitted online through the U of M Careers site. To submit your application, please follow this link: https://hr.myu.umn.edu/jobs/ext/364865. If you have any difficulties or questions while applying feel free to contact Maggie Runciman at maggie@umn.edu.