Associate Director of Development - College of Science and Engineering

Position Overview:
The Associate Director of Development identifies, cultivates, solicits and stewards prospective donors with a specific focus on securing major gifts ($50,000+). The ideal candidate for this position should have a strong belief in higher education and the power of science and engineering to change lives.

Job duties:
Major gifts (80%)
* Build and maintain a portfolio of approximately 100 individuals, ensuring timely steps are taken toward solicitation, closure and stewardship of major gifts.
* Develop and maintain a thorough working knowledge of the vision, impact and philanthropic priorities of the College of Science and Engineering (CSE) and assigned focus areas (i.e. departments, impact themes, and/or geographic regions).
* Involve CSE leadership, department heads, faculty, staff and volunteers in development strategy, case development, and the identification and cultivation of prospects.
* Effectively craft and present compelling cases for support to prospects and donors.
* Inspire and educate donors about potential new initiatives and programs, identifying and ensuring alignment with internal collaborators.
* Ensure standard processes are followed with regards to donor engagement, confidentiality, and data security.
* Work strategically and collaboratively with University of Minnesota Foundation (UMF) teams, including Prospect Development, Gift Planning, Principal Gifts, Corporate and Foundation Relations, Regional Development, and Leadership Annual Giving.
* Collaborate in raising private gift support for CSE's strategic campaign initiatives. All Advancement Team members play a role in the aspirational goal of garnering a transformational campaign gift to CSE.
* Assist fellow CSE development colleagues with major gift work across departments and impact themes, including the donor identification and engagement process.
* Travel across the Twin Cities metro area and to key geographic areas as assigned.

Organizational (20%)
* Serve as the Advancement Team's strategic lead for assigned department(s), facilitating broader development and engagement work in partnership with other advancement colleagues at CSE and UMF.
* Develop an annual plan of work, including specific fundraising, prospect development, and programmatic goals with an emphasis on exceeding established standards and metrics.
* Effectively use UMF's Donor Management System (DMS) to review prospect information, file timely and detailed contact reports, and maintain updated solicitation plans and activity.
* Other duties and meeting responsibilities as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
* Bachelor's degree and minimum of four (4) years of professional development experience; or same respective number of years of experience in marketing, sales, PR or related field.
* Willingness to enter a highly-collaborative, fast-paced, goal-oriented environment.
* Outstanding oral and written communication skills with the ability to communicate to a wide array of audiences.
* Experience working with individuals from diverse communities.
* Proficient in the use of software and applications such as Microsoft Office Suite and Google. Familiarity with databases and/or Customer Relationship Management programs.
* Access to reliable transportation for local travel. Willingness to staff occasional evening and weekend events and travel nationally several times per year.

Preferred Qualifications:
* Fundraising campaign experience and proven history of successful major gift solicitation.
* Previous higher education development experience.

The College of Science and Engineering (CSE) Advancement Team maximizes philanthropic investment in people and ideas in CSE by fostering lifelong, trust-based relationships with alumni and friends. We champion the rich history and forward vision of CSE, serving as strategic partners in advancing impact across the state, nation and world.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also 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

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

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).