MN Landscape Arboretum: Annual Giving Associate

WORKING TITLE: Annual Giving Associate

SUPERVISOR: Annual Giving Officer

CLASSIFICATION: AD Officer 1-Annual Giving - 8341AG

OVERVIEW
The Annual Giving Associate reports to the Annual Giving Officer and supports the Arboretum's annual giving and stewardship programs. As a member of a robust development team, this position will play a key role in meeting annual support fundraising goals and promoting donor engagement.

Annual Support (60%)

1. Support implementation of annual giving strategies.

Annual Giving Associate will provide support by contributing ideas, conducting research on best practices, and executing discrete areas of the Arboretum's annual giving strategy.

Examples: provide input on communications for annual giving calendar; conduct research on marketing best practices for matching gifts; under supervision from Annual Giving Officer, draft and send communications that solicit or steward donors.

2. Collaborate on annual giving solicitations and multi-channel communications.

Examples: partner with Annual Giving Officer to draft and send direct mail solicitations to donor segments; follow procedures to ensure data from marketing efforts is accurately entered into database.

3. Review, analyze, and ensure data quality within complex donor databases and applicable software.

Examples: follow procedures to ensure successful transfer of data between Salesforce Marketing Cloud and Altru database; help Gift Officers review donors lists for upcoming solicitations or communications; ensure data is accurately reflected across multiple systems.

4. Develop and implement routine initiatives to retain, cultivate, solicit, and grow the Arboretum's base of annual supporters.

Examples: identify and solicit additional segments for annual giving appeals; research best practices for recurring giving programs and leverage ideas to increase support from Arboretum recurring donors.

5. Support annual giving campaigns and events, such as Give to the Max Day and Trustee Thank-You-Call Events.

Examples: draft appeals and marketing materials for seasonal fundraising campaigns; coordinate with other departments to successfully implement marketing efforts; track RSVPs, prepare materials, and manage other logistics for fundraising events.

Stewardship and Cultivation (25%)

Develop and implement communications that support donor stewardship and cultivation, such as acknowledging donor milestones and conveying philanthropic impact.

Routinely thank donors for their annual support contributions to the Arboretum.

Support seasonal stewardship efforts to thank Arboretum supporters.

Other (15%)

Provide administrative assistance for annual giving and stewardship efforts.

Examples: monitor inventory of direct mail supplies, such as envelopes and stamps; order supplies for annual giving campaigns; schedule meetings to discuss annual giving initiatives.

Perform additional duties assigned by the supervisor.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS (must be mentioned on application/resume)

BA/BS degree or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least four years.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Demonstration of excellent interpersonal skills with both internal and external stakeholders.

Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, organize work, and follow through independently.

Strong data orientation and aptitude in managing data to achieve objectives.

Strong attention to detail.

PREFERRED SKILLS

Demonstrated experience leveraging the Altru database, University of Minnesota Foundation DMS database, and/or Salesforce Marketing Cloud.

Previous professional experience in a fundraising role.

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a community outreach unit of the University of Minnesota's College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences. The Arboretum is located west of Minneapolis/St Paul and its 1,200 acres traverse the municipalities of Chaska, Chanhassen and Victoria. As a member of the American Public Garden Association and an accredited museum through the American Alliance of Museums, the Arboretum is a tremendous public asset. Visitors engage with gardens, collections, natural areas, a farm, research demonstrations, youth and adult education, events and exhibits. For more information please visit us at: https://arb.umn.edu/

• 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

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 employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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

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.

The 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 the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).