Senior AVP, Major Gifts & Philanthropy

University of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 200,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Generous paid holidays

Professional development

Retirement plans

PSLF opportunity

Transit benefits

Job summary

The University of Minnesota Foundation (UMF) seeks an Associate Vice President to lead major gifts strategy for CFANS and to collaborate with alumni relations, stewardship, and annual giving. You will cultivate, solicit, and steward a high-potential donor portfolio, partnering with senior leaders to translate academic priorities into fundable initiatives.

You will build and guide a high-performing team, align fundraising priorities with unit goals, and drive donor engagement with data-driven

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and at least 14 years fundraising or related experience.
• Ability to lead with an entrepreneurial spirit, constantly pursuing solutions and effective/efficient enhancements.
• Skills in high-standard accountability paired with empathetic mentorship.
• Deep understanding of goal-setting frameworks and performance metrics.
• Ability to maintain a growth mindset in all deliverables.
• Willingness to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends. Ability to maintain a valid Minnesota driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Lead major gifts strategy and donor engagement across CFANS.
• Cultivate and solicit a portfolio of high-potential gift prospects with consistent outreach.
• Partner with senior leadership and UMF to execute complex, multi-layered solicitation strategies for principal gift donors.
• Design and manage the operational framework for unit-specific fundraising initiatives with alignment to UMF standards.
• Act as liaison to Alumni Relations, Annual Giving, and Stewardship to align programs with fundraising priorities.
• Coach and mentor staff, using data-driven performance metrics to fuel growth opportunities.

Skills

Entrepreneurial mindset

Accountability

Mentorship

Growth mindset

Travel flexibility

Education

Bachelor's degree and 14 years fundraising or related experience

Job description

The University of Minnesota Foundation (UMF) seeks an Associate Vice President to lead major gifts strategy for CFANS and to collaborate with alumni relations, stewardship, and annual giving. You will cultivate, solicit, and steward a high-potential donor portfolio, partnering with senior leaders to translate academic priorities into fundable initiatives.

You will build and guide a high-performing team, align fundraising priorities with unit goals, and drive donor engagement with data-driven