Strategic Major Gifts Development Officer

University of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 88,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages and benefits

Tuition and education programs

Retirement plans

Paid holidays and time off

Employee wellness programs

Job summary

The Development Officer at the University of Minnesota Duluth is a high performing fundraiser and strategic partner responsible for driving philanthropic growth and securing major gifts. Reports to the Associate Vice President, Philanthropy for UMD.

Responsibilities include donor engagement, prospect management, and translating academic priorities into fundable initiatives while collaborating with colleagues to achieve unit goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and at least 4 years of fundraising or related experience.
• Entrepreneurial spirit with a drive to pursue solutions and improvements.
• High-standard accountability paired with empathetic mentorship.
• Deep understanding of goal-setting frameworks and performance metrics.
• Growth mindset in all deliverables.
• Willingness to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends; valid Minnesota driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Fundraising & Donor Engagement (90%): engage in face-to-face donor work, advance gift conversations, and ensure a gratifying donor experience.
• Prospect Management: identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects through ongoing outreach and relationship building.
• Serve as philanthropic advisor to donors, translating academic priorities into fundable initiatives.
• Develop a blended portfolio to create big-idea gift opportunities while supporting unit priorities.
• Support operational framework for fundraising initiatives in line with UMF standards and vision.
• Collaborate across disciplines on donor strategies and maintain timely, accurate reports.

Skills

Fundraising

Donor engagement

Portfolio management

Entrepreneurial spirit

Accountability

Mentorship

Goal-setting

Performance metrics

Growth mindset

Travel readiness

Evenings/weekends flexibility

Minnesota driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Donor management systems

Job description

The Development Officer at the University of Minnesota Duluth is a high performing fundraiser and strategic partner responsible for driving philanthropic growth and securing major gifts. Reports to the Associate Vice President, Philanthropy for UMD.

Responsibilities include donor engagement, prospect management, and translating academic priorities into fundable initiatives while collaborating with colleagues to achieve unit goals.