Required:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum of five years professional development experience, with demonstrated ability to promote and successfully solicit major gifts of $50,000 or more; or seven or more years of experience in marketing, consultative sales, public relations, financial advisement or related field where you were responsible for cultivating/soliciting and maintaining long-term, trusting client relationships (either individual or business) for provision of services.
• Demonstrated knowledge of basic business terminology, financial matters and the ethical, legal, and tax-related issues regarding the solicitation, transfer, and management of charitable gifts.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and maintain a strong sense of urgency coupled with demonstrated success in management of multiple priorities
• Demonstrated success in working independently but also collaboratively in a team setting
• Solid relationship-building skills with a diverse constituency of donors, faculty, strategic partners, volunteers and UMF staff.
• Experience in coordinating volunteers; demonstrated ability to motivate and lead people and to work collaboratively
• Outstanding oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including effective presentation skills.
• Ability to maintain confidential information; knowledge of healthcare regulations helpful.
• Proficient in the use of PC software, such as Microsoft Office, and current technology

Preferred:

• Advanced degree – law degree, Masters in Philanthropy and Development or Masters in Public Administration preferred,
• Development experience, including capital campaign experience, in higher education, health, or disease-related institution.
• Knowledge of planned giving programs.
• Knowledge of healthcare regulations.
• Strong commitment to a major, land grant/research university in an urban environment.
• Experience managing and coordinating volunteers.

Overview:

This position is responsible for securing significant philanthropic support in support of neurosciences-related research, education and care for the University of Minnesota Medical School and M Health Fairview health system. As a member of the Neurosciences team, this individual is responsible to cultivate and solicit major gifts with prospects primarily including individuals, foundations, and corporations. This position will serve as a liaison for the Departments of Psychiatry, Neurology, Neuroscience and Neurosurgery faculty and the broader neuro-related specialty areas across the health system including the Neuroscience and Mental Health and Addiction service lines. Areas of focus will include Parkinson’s disease, addiction, neuromodulation, muscular dystrophy, muscular sclerosis and the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain and related areas.

Responsiblities:

Major Gifts (85%)

• Identify, cultivate, and solicit prospective donors with a specific focus on securing major gifts from prospects in assigned focus areas and provide stewardship for assigned donors and secured gifts. Take timely and strategic steps in moving prospects through the major gift cycle of identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Lead the fundraising initiatives in Neuroscience working closely with faculty and serviceline leadership to define and articulate priorities, identify prospective donors including grateful patients, strategically engage and cultivate prospects and steward past donors.
• Develop an annual plan of work, including specific fundraising, prospect development, and programmatic goals with an emphasis on achieving established standards and metrics.
• Builds and maintains a portfolio of approximately 125 major gift prospects to ensure that timely steps are taken toward solicitation, closure, and stewardship. Performance expectations for this level of gift officer include approximately 15 solicitations per year at $50,000 or more and 3 at $250,000. Utilize various giving methods such as current, deferred giving, and non-cash gifts.
• Total annual gift production expectations for this level of position range from approximately $750,000 to $2 million. Works closely with prospect management and development leaders to set appropriate annual goals.
• Work strategically with UMF prospect development team to identify potential major gift prospects.
• Manage and lead specific fundraising projects pertaining to areas of focus as assigned.
• Serve as a member of the overall development team by collaborating with colleagues across disciplines on donor strategies, maintaining timely, accurate reports and information.
• Develop and maintain a thorough working knowledge of the vision and philanthropic priorities to effectively and compellingly present its case to prospects and donors.
• Working in conjunction with UMF central services staff, initiate and oversee the development of proposals and written material in support of specific major gift fundraising initiatives. Collaborate with faculty and administration as necessary to inform donor strategies.
• Recruit, organize, train and work with volunteers as needed in support of fundraising and closely related activities.
• Strategically leverage the Neurosciences, Medicine and Health, and community partner events to engage and cultivate donors.

Organizational (15%)

• Develop an annual plan of work, including specific fundraising, prospect development and programmatic goals with an emphasis on achieving established standards and metrics for the position. Prepare reports and other required information as requested.
• Attend University of Minnesota, UMF events, as well as external functions as recommended.
• Accept and implement other specific assignments as directed.
• Ability to travel and work evenings and weekends, as necessary.
• Must have access to reliable transportation as this position requires regular travel on behalf of the Foundation.

Demonstrate commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an equitable and inclusive working and learning environment (exhibit 100% of the time)

• Continuous learning in diversity, equity and inclusion for oneself and team via training, podcasts, articles, etc.
• Seek to explore and understand cultural differences and create a culture of belonging.
• Develop and employ anti-racist practices and principles to accomplish work.
• Advocate for employees of all ethnicities, genders, ages and backgrounds
• Cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with employees, colleagues, stakeholders, etc.

Starting Pay Information:

• Base Pay: $95,000 - $105,000/year based on experience.
• Incentive: 10% annual incentive opportunity starting in FY24.

At the University of Minnesota Foundation (UMF), our mission is to connect passion with possibility, inspire generosity, and support greatness at the University of Minnesota by placing donors at the heart of everything we do and every decision we make. UMF is a nonprofit organization responsible for raising and managing gifts to the University of Minnesota.

For more information about UMF, please visit https://give.umn.edu/about/about-umf.

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-UOHR (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.

Please note: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to comply with the University’s Administrative Policy: COVID-19 Vaccination and Safety Protocol by either providing proof of being fully vaccinated on their first day of employment, or complete a request for an exemption for medical exemption or religious reasons. To learn more please visit: https://safe-campus.umn.edu/return-campus/get-the-vax

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.