Leadership Annual Giving Officer

The Leadership Annual Giving (LAG) Program is responsible for the identification and solicitation of leadership annual gifts from research identified prospects and a select portfolio of University of Minnesota alumni, friends, parents and constituents. The LAG officers qualify and solicit individuals capable of making leadership gifts of $2,500 to $10,000 to the University with a goal of increasing annual giving and developing a strong pipeline of major gift donors. Additionally, this position will work collaboratively with central and unit based development officers on the qualification and referral of current major gift prospects.

Starting salary: $62,000- 68,000 based on experience.

Responsibilities

Prospect Identification, Solicitation and Referral

* Partner with the prospect research department to identify and contact individuals with capacity to make gifts at the leadership annual giving level
* Contact, via telephone, email and other methods, identified prospects to secure 1:1, face-to-face visits
* Conduct personal visits with prospects to present leadership annual gift solicitations ranging from $2,500 - $10,000. Utilize a variety of gift vehicles including multi-year pledges
* Make assessments to qualify prospects as current major gift prospects ($50,000 or more) and collaborate with central and unit development officers to refer prospects

Program, Stewardship and Data Management

* Complete associate development officer training, achieving benchmarks and progressive professional objectives
* Ensure the appropriate stewardship process is in place and executed for all donors within assigned portfolio and, in collaboration with development officers, implement strategy for engagement
* Provide regular progress reports on prospect cultivation and solicitation, and complete and file thorough reports in Donor Management System (DMS) of all contacts in a timely manner
* Participate in special projects, as assigned. Handle other duties and assignments as might be required

Other

* Attendance at occasional local evening and weekend events

Required:

* Minimum of Bachelor's degree required, and two years demonstrated ability to successfully solicit major gifts; or experience in marketing, sales, public relations, financial advisement or related field with emphasis on relationship cultivation and solicitation of individuals/businesses.
* Demonstrated success in working independently, but also collaboratively in a team setting, with emphasis on communications, interpersonal skills, and engaged listening.
* Proven track record as a self-motivated and target driven professional.
* Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and maintain a strong sense of urgency coupled with demonstrated success in management and organization of multiple priorities.
* Outstanding oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including effective presentation skills. Ability to communicate clearly and succinctly through strong phone, e-mail and written communications. Demonstrated ability to be effective in a variety of formal presentation settings including one-on-one, small and large groups.
* Ability to use creativity, reasoning, past experience, information and available resources to resolve issues in a timely manner.
* Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with client/donors and colleagues through influence skills while gaining trust and respect.
* Demonstrated ability on client/donor focus and proven adaptability to different personality types.
* Strong commitment to a major, land-grant, research, urban university.

Preferred:

* Two (2) years of experience calling, conducting face-to-face appointments with an emphasis on building a portfolio of donors or clients and closing gifts or completing a sales cycle.
* Demonstrated knowledge of basic business terminology, financial matters and the ethical, legal, confidential and tax-related issues regarding the solicitation, transfer, and management of charitable gifts.
* Experience working in higher education.

Pay Range: $62,000- 68,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75%-100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A 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

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).