Development & Donor Relations Associate

​ Austin Area Chamber of Co; Austin, Northern (MN, KY); Hybrid; USD 39,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Work Profile One

Job summary

The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, seeks a Development and External Relations Associate to support fundraising, donor relations, and stewardship. You will coordinate communications, maintain donor data, prepare materials, and support meetings and events to foster donor engagement.

Responsibilities span donor stewardship, communications, and community fundraising, with a flexible work profile allowance and potential on-site duties at the Austin, Minnesota location.

Qualifications

• BA/BS or equivalent education plus related experience.
• Strong organizational and detail-orientation.
• Effective written and interpersonal communication.
• Ability to coordinate multiple assignments and deadlines.
• Collaborative with internal and external partners.
• Interest in fundraising, donor relations, and advancement.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate donor acknowledgment, recognition, and stewardship activities.
• Maintain donor and prospect information and track engagement.
• Assist with donor research and wealth screening basics.
• Prepare materials and support donor meetings and events.
• Coordinate donor communications and materials production.
• Track gifts and ensure timely donor acknowledgments.
• Assist with reports and basic analysis of donor activity.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Written communication

Interpersonal communication

Ability to coordinate multiple tasks

Collaboration with internal/external,

Willingness to learn fundraising and 3

Education

BA/BS or equivalent

Tools

Databases/CRM systems

Job description

About the Job

The Development and External Relations (DER) team at The Hormel Institute builds relationships and secures philanthropic support to advance the Institute's research and education mission. The team works closely with donors, community partners, businesses, foundations, government partners, and others who want to support the Institute and its work.

The Development & Donor Relations Associate provides professional support for fundraising, donor relations, and stewardship activities. This position helps create a positive and meaningful experience for donors by coordinating communications and recognition, maintaining donor and prospect information, preparing materials, supporting donor meetings and events, and ensuring timely follow‑up.

The work of this position involves multiple areas of fundraising and donor relations and works closely with other members of the Institute team and with faculty, staff, University partners, donors, and community members. The employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position as needed.

Focus of Job Responsibilities

Donor Relations & Stewardship – 40%

• Coordinate donor acknowledgment, recognition, and stewardship activities to help provide a positive donor experience from the first gift through continued engagement.
• Maintain donor and prospect information and track engagement activities, follow‑up needs, and relationship‑building efforts.
• Assist with identifying and researching prospective donors, including basic prospect research and wealth screening.
• Gather information about donor interests and help identify connections with Institute research, education, and other funding priorities.
• Support donor cultivation and stewardship plans developed by the DER team.
• Coordinate donor and prospective donor visits and meetings, including scheduling, preparation of materials, and follow‑up.
• Maintain stewardship and donor recognition materials and inventory.
• Work with the Finance team and University partners to track gifts and support accurate and timely donor acknowledgments.
• Assist with reports and basic analysis of donor activity, giving, and engagement.

DER and Donor Communications – 35%

• Coordinate recurring donor communications, including acknowledgments, mailings, invitations, updates, impact of gifts, and other donor touchpoints.
• Draft and prepare donor correspondence and materials using established messaging and templates.
• Gather information from faculty and staff to help communicate the impact of donor support and connect donors with the Institute's research and education mission.
• Prepare and assemble materials for donor meetings, visits, presentations, and fundraising activities.
• Coordinate production and distribution of donor communications with internal partners and external vendors.
• Maintain schedules and project timelines for recurring fundraising and donor communication activities.
• Track response and engagement information to help the DER team evaluate and improve fundraising and communication efforts.

Community Fundraising Support – 20%

• Serve as a point of contact for community members and organizations conducting fundraising activities benefiting The Hormel Institute.
• Maintain a centralized calendar of community fundraising activities, contacts, key dates, and participation needs.
• Provide community organizers with approved Institute information, fundraising resources, branding guidance, and other materials.
• Coordinate participation by Institute leaders, faculty, staff, or grant recipients when appropriate.
• Maintain communication with community fundraising partners and coordinate Institute follow‑up and recognition.
• Maintain and update resources and tools that help community partners successfully organize fundraising activities benefiting the Institute.

Other Duties as Assigned – 5%

• Support other Development and External Relations activities consistent with the responsibilities and level of the position.

Flexible Work Profile

The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) and The Hormel Institute endorses a “work with flexibility” approach that offers a welcoming and flexible work environment where everyone is inspired to do their best.

Work location options include working fully remote, partially remote, or entirely in the office and are based on the work of the position. Some on‑site work may be necessary for certain positions, even those designated as fully remote. Because we are a land‑grant institution that serves the state, the University will continue to ‑ in most cases ‑ expect employees to live in Minnesota.

This position has been designated as eligible for Flexible Work Profile One.

Flexible Work Profile One, Office/Lab‑Based - is expected to work primarily on‑site in the office/lab. Only occasionally and inconsistently working remotely. Your office will be located at The Hormel Institute in Austin, Minnesota. The Hormel Institute management retains the right to modify flexible work arrangement agreements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at any time.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least four years.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Effective written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to coordinate multiple assignments, deadlines, and follow‑up activities.
• Ability to work collaboratively and interact professionally with internal and external partners.
• Ability and interest in learning fundraising, donor relations, and advancement practices.
• Occasional night and weekend work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional, internship, student, or volunteer experience related to fundraising, nonprofit organizations, community engagement, communications, events, customer service, or other relationship‑based work.
• Experience using databases, customer relationship management systems, or similar tools to organize and track information.
• Experience preparing written communications such as letters, emails, invitations, newsletters, or other materials.
• Experience coordinating projects, meetings, events, or activities involving multiple participants.
• Demonstrated ability to provide responsive and professional service to individuals from a variety of backgrounds and organizations.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Able to sit or stand at a computer as needed.
• Must have reliable transportation and the ability to travel between University and off‑site locations, with travel required up to 10% of the time. A valid driver’s license is required when operating a motor vehicle for University business.
• Ability to work occasional evenings, nights, and weekends based on operational needs.

About the Department

Founded in 1942 by Jay C. Hormel and The Hormel Foundation, The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, makes scientific advancements that enhance wellbeing and extend human life. For more than 80 years, we have pursued our mission to conduct research and provide education in the biology sciences with applications in medicine and agriculture. A part of the University of Minnesota's Research and Innovation Office, The Hormel Institute partners with the region's leading biomedical research facilities, including Mayo Clinic.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $28.10-$30.15; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non‑Faculty Labor Represented 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.