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: The Leadership Annual Giving (LAG) Program is responsible for the identification and solicitation of leadership annual gifts from research identified prospects and a select portfolio of University of Minnesota alumni, friends, parents and constituents. The LAG officers qualify and solicit individuals capable of making leadership gifts of $1000 to $25,000 to the University with a goal of increasing annual giving and developing a strong pipeline of major gift donors. Additionally, this position will work collaboratively with central and unit based development officers on the qualification and referral of current major gift prospects.

What you’ll do:

Prospect Identification, Solicitation and Referral

• Partner with the prospect research department to identify and contact individuals with capacity to make gifts at the leadership annual giving level.
• Build a portfolio of Leadership Annual Giving and Major Gift prospects to ensure that timely steps are taken toward solicitation, closure, referral, and stewardship. Performance expectations for this level of gift officer include approximately 180 personal visits per year, 108 solicitations per year, 4 qualified major gift referrals per year, and gift production of $100,000 per year. 
• Manage long-term major gift prospects who have interests in multiple areas across the institution. 

Program, Stewardship and Data Management

• Complete associate development officer training, achieving benchmarks and progressive professional objectives.
• Ensure the appropriate stewardship process is in place and executed for all donors within assigned portfolio and, in collaboration with development officers, implement strategy for engagement.
• Provide regular progress reports on prospect cultivation and solicitation, and complete and file thorough reports in Donor Management System (DMS) of all contacts in a timely manner.

Other

• Attendance at occasional local evening and weekend events; local travel required.
• Participate in cross functional collaboration in the space of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

We take care of you:

• Comprehensive and competitive benefits package that includes medical, vision, dental, and pharmacy coverage; life insurance; retirement; long-term care insurance; and disability coverage.

• 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.

• 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:

• Minimum of Bachelor’s degree required, and two years demonstrated ability to successfully solicit annual gifts; or experience in marketing, sales, public relations, financial advisement or related field with emphasis on relationship cultivation and solicitation of individuals/businesses.
• Demonstrated success in working independently, but also collaboratively in a team setting, with emphasis on communications, interpersonal skills, and engaged listening. Demonstrated ability on client/donor focus and proven adaptability to different personality types.
• Outstanding oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to communicate clearly and succinctly through strong phone, e-mail and written communications. Demonstrated ability to be effective in a variety of formal presentation settings including one-on-one, small and large groups.

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 University of Minnesota:  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/351888. If you have any difficulties or questions while applying feel free to contact Jeff Karr, Recruiter at karr0097@umn.edu.