Lead Development Officer

About the Job

Position Overview

The Lead Development Officer (LDO) of the College of Biological Sciences (CBS) advances the College's student-focused, discovery-driven and community-engaged efforts through creating and implementing a comprehensive development and alumni relations plan. The LDO is a key member of CBS leadership, working cooperatively and strategically with the Dean, Associate Deans, field station directors, department heads and other CBS leaders. Key responsibilities include leading and managing the CBS Advancement team and identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding major and principal gifts from alumni, select individuals, foundations, corporations and industry partners.

This position is expected to operate as part of a hybrid team with a mostly on-campus presence.

Starting Salary Range: dependent upon selected candidate's relevant qualifications and internal equity: $145,000 - $160,000 base, with a 15% annual incentive opportunity through the University of Minnesota Foundation (UMF) Annual Incentive Program (AIP).

30% - Strategic Leadership of the Advancement Team

• As part of the CBS leadership, lead the planning, implementation and assessment of a comprehensive long-range advancement program for the College of Biological Sciences.

Develop and maintain a thorough working knowledge of the strategic priorities of the College of Biological Sciences to effectively and compellingly present the College's case to prospects and donors.

• Consult with the Dean, Associate Deans, field station directors and other academic and administrative leaders to identify fundraising priorities and translate them into donor priorities.

• Work with all CBS units (e.g., marketing and communications, alumni relations, and collegiate leadership) to ensure a coordinated, unified approach to relationships with all constituents.

• Provide leadership in developing corporate and alumni relations strategies that create greater involvement and participation as well as greater awareness of the College.

• Develop innovative methods to identify and engage in new relationships (both alumni and non-alumni) that will support the advancement goals of the college.

• Develop and implement the College's participation in University-wide fundraising initiatives including any University-wide campaign planning, feasibility study assessment and case development.

• Manage the budgeting process for the Advancement team by anticipating costs and prioritizing needs.

50% - Major and Principal Gifts Development

• Build and maintain a portfolio of major, leadership and principal gift donors and prospects.

• Take timely and strategic steps in moving prospects through the major gift cycle of identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship. Total annual individual gift production expectations for this level of position range from approximately $2.5 million to $4 million. Work closely with prospect management and development leaders to set appropriate annual goals.

• Work with UMF staff, and other key University staff, to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward major gifts from individuals, corporations and foundations.

• Develop active and cooperative relationships with development staff in other University units to strengthen support for emerging interdisciplinary efforts.

• Continually update and utilize knowledge of traditional and emerging giving methods, such as current, deferred giving and non-cash gifts

• Incorporate inclusive fundraising practices that take into account the changing landscape of philanthropy.

• File timely contact reports, maintain accurate records and provide updated information in the donor management system, employing discretion while recording information of relevance to appropriate individuals.

20% - Management of Development and Alumni Relations/Annual Giving Team

• Effectively manage, mentor and train the College's Advancement team including recruitment, retention, performance management and coaching of team members. The Advancement team currently consists of one other Development Officer, a Alumni Relations and Annual Giving Manager, and a Advancement Associate and Campaign Logistics Coordinator

• Set clear direction, priorities and benchmarks for the Advancement team. Promote excellence through well-defined and measurable goals.

• Lead staff, promoting a culture of excellence, collaboration and professional growth. Foster a work environment that recognizes and rewards team-based efforts.

• Represent the Advancement team and College donors to appropriate levels of leadership within the College, Foundation and University.

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required, and five years of demonstrated ability to successfully solicit major gifts; or experience in marketing, sales, public relations, financial advisement or related field with emphasis on relationship cultivation and solicitation of individuals/businesses.

• Experience leading, supervising, or managing development teams or programs.

• Solid relationship-building skills with a diverse constituency of donors, faculty, strategic partners, volunteers and colleagues.

• Demonstrated success in working independently but also collaboratively in a team setting.

Access to reliable transportation and ability to travel for donor visits.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree

• Strongly prefer at least seven years of professional development experience. Successful major campaign and planned giving experience in higher education.

• Strong commitment to a major land-grant/research university.

Benefits

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

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

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.

Priority Application Deadline: Thursday, June 20 2024.

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.

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 U: 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.

About the U of M

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).