Strategic Major Gifts Officer

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

Job summary

University of Minnesota Foundation in collaboration with the University of Minnesota Duluth fundraising team seeks a Development Officer to advance major gifts and donor engagement. You will translate academic priorities into fundable initiatives, manage donor portfolios, and partner across units to achieve philanthropic goals.

We look for an entrepreneurial fundraiser with at least 4 years of experience, strong accountability, relationship skills, and a growth mindset, willing to travel and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and at least 4 years of 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

• Fundraising & Donor Engagement (90%)
• Prospect Management: Actively identify and cultivate, solicit, and steward a balanced, healthy portfolio of major gift prospects through consistent outreach and relationship building.
• Serve as the philanthropic advisor/thought partner to donors, helping translate academic priorities into compelling, fundable initiatives.
• Under the direction of leadership, develop a blended portfolio, breaking down departmental silos to allow for "big idea" gift opportunities in addition to core unit priorities.
• Assist with the operational framework for specific fundraising initiatives ensuring alignment with University of Minnesota Foundation standards and strategic vision.
• Serve as a member of the overall development team by collaborating with colleagues across disciplines on donor strategies, maintaining timely, accurate reports and information.
• Perform one's work within a framework of commitment to production, collaboration, innovation and purpose.
• Develop and maintain a thorough working knowledge of unit priorities.
• Manage and lead specific fundraising projects as assigned.
• Other Duties as Assigned (10%)
• Collaborate in the planning and production of fundraising activities to define philanthropic goals, donor engagement targets, and logistical frameworks.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and training to stay current on philanthropic trends and advanced fundraising methodologies.
• Document all donor interactions and touchpoints by entering detailed contact reports to ensure accurate relationship tracking and seamless team‑wide communication.
• Impact Reporting: Review and provide input on specialized impact reports for donors, showing exactly how their funds supported a specific unit or initiative.

Skills

Fundraising experience

Entrepreneurial mindset

Accountability & mentorship

Goal setting & metrics

Growth mindset

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

University of Minnesota Foundation in collaboration with the University of Minnesota Duluth fundraising team seeks a Development Officer to advance major gifts and donor engagement. You will translate academic priorities into fundable initiatives, manage donor portfolios, and partner across units to achieve philanthropic goals.

We look for an entrepreneurial fundraiser with at least 4 years of experience, strong accountability, relationship skills, and a growth mindset, willing to travel and