Position Focus: The Development Officer is a high performing fundraiser and strategic partner responsible for driving philanthropic growth and securing major gifts for the Carlson School of Management. Reports to the Associate Vice President, Philanthropy for CSOM.
Responsibilities:
Fundraising & Donor Engagement (90%)
- 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 donors, helping translate academic priorities into compelling, fundable initiatives.
- Under the direction of leadership, develop of blended portfolio, breaking down departmental silos to allow for "big idea" gift opportunities in addition to core unit priorities.
- Assist with the operational framework for specific fundraising initiatives ensuring alignment with University of Minnesota Foundation standards and strategic vision.
- Serve as a member of the overall development team by collaborating with colleagues across disciplines on donor strategies, maintaining timely, accurate reports and information.
- Perform one's work within a framework of commitment to production, collaboration, innovation and purpose.
- Develop and maintain a thorough working knowledge of unit priorities.
- Manage and lead specific fundraising projects as assigned.
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.
Performance Metrics: UMFway Guidelines FY27
QualificationsRequired:
- Bachelor's degree and at least 4 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 and work occasional evenings and weekends. Ability to maintain a valid Minnesota driver's license.
Preferred:
- 6 or more years of fundraising experience.
- Experience in higher education advancement and nonprofit fundraising.
- Proven success in donor cultivation and donor management systems.
Pay and BenefitsPay Range: $88,000 to $100,000 depending on education/qualifications/experience
Time Appointment: 100% Appointment
Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff
Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.
The University 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
While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.
How To ApplyApplications 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 may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.
About University of MinnesotaThe University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)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.
At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.
