University of Minnesota

Development Officer

University of Minnesota$90K — $105K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree and at least 4 years of fundraising or related experience.
  • Entrepreneurial spirit with a focus on solutions and enhancements.
  • Strong accountability skills coupled with empathetic mentorship.
  • Understanding of goal-setting frameworks and performance metrics.
  • Growth mindset in all deliverables.
  • Willingness to travel extensively and work odd hours; valid driver's license required.
  • Preferred: 6+ years of fundraising experience and knowledge of nonprofit fundraising, especially in higher education.

Responsibilities

  • Engage in face-to-face donor interactions to advance major gift discussions.
  • Identify, cultivate, solicit, and maintain a healthy portfolio of major gift prospects.
  • Serve as a philanthropic advisor to donors, aligning their goals with fundable initiatives.
  • Develop blended fundraising portfolios, encouraging cross-departmental collaboration.
  • Ensure fundraising initiatives align with University standards and strategic vision.
  • Collaborate on donor strategies and maintain accurate reports as part of the development team.
  • Lead and manage specific fundraising projects as assigned.

Benefits

  • Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off.
  • Continuous learning through professional training and tuition support.
  • Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans.
  • Disability and employer-paid life insurance.
  • Excellent retirement plans with employer contributions.
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunities.
  • Employee Assistance Program offering counseling sessions at no cost.
Full Job Description
Position Focus

The Development Officer is a high performing fundraiser and strategic partner responsible for driving philanthropic growth and securing major gifts for ICA. Reports to the Associate Vice President, Philanthropy for ICA.

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.

Performances Metrics: UMFway Guidelines FY27

Qualifications

Required qualifications
  • 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 extensively and work occasional evenings and weekends. Ability to maintain a valid Minnesota driver's license.

Preferred qualifications
  • 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 Benefits

Pay Range: $90,000-105,000; 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 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 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 [email protected] or call (612) 624-8647.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota is a public research university located in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota. It is the flagship institution of the University of Minnesota System, and is one of the largest universities in the United States. The university offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs in a wide range of fields, including agriculture, engineering, business, law, medicine, and the arts and sciences. The University of Minnesota is committed to providing high-quality education and research opportunities to its students, and has a strong reputation for academic excellence and innovation.
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