Strategic Major Gifts Officer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Paid holidays

Tuition assistance

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Life insurance

Wellbeing program

PSLF opportunity

Job summary

University of Minnesota Foundation seeks a Development Officer to drive major gifts and lead donor engagement for the University of Minnesota Duluth. This role reports to the Associate Vice President, Philanthropy for UMD and emphasizes strategic partnership across units.

Responsibilities include managing a donor portfolio, translating academic priorities into fundable initiatives, and meeting performance metrics. Travel and occasional evening/weekend work are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 4+ years of fundraising experience
• Entrepreneurial mindset with ability to lead and drive improvements
• Willingness to travel and work evenings/weekends; valid Minnesota driver's license

Responsibilities

• Engage in face-to-face donor work to advance gift conversations and donor experiences
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a balanced major gifts portfolio
• Translate academic priorities into fundable initiatives as philanthropic advisor
• Develop blended portfolios and break down silos for big idea gift opportunities
• Support fundraising initiatives with aligned operations and reporting
• Collaborate across the development team on donor strategies and timely communications
• Lead fundraising projects with a focus on production, collaboration, and impact
• Document donor interactions and maintain accurate contact reports

Skills

Entrepreneurial spirit

Donor engagement

Accountability

Growth mindset

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

University of Minnesota Foundation seeks a Development Officer to drive major gifts and lead donor engagement for the University of Minnesota Duluth. This role reports to the Associate Vice President, Philanthropy for UMD and emphasizes strategic partnership across units.

Responsibilities include managing a donor portfolio, translating academic priorities into fundable initiatives, and meeting performance metrics. Travel and occasional evening/weekend work are required.