Fund Utilization Analyst

Overview

The University of Minnesota Foundation (UMF), a separate 501(c)3 organization, manages approximately 12,000 funds designated for specific uses at the University of Minnesota, most of which are governed by donor agreements. This position is responsible for reviewing and interpreting donor agreements and other governing documents. In addition, this position will prepare and present data analysis regarding utilization of funds to leaders and partners across the University system. Success in this role requires strategic thinking, attention to detail, effective communication skills, and interaction with staff at all levels of the University system.

Starting salary: $77,000- 87,000 based on experience.

Responsibilities

Lead all aspects of the fund revision process (30%)

* Evaluate and triage revision requests.
* Research and synthesize information from multiple sources to identify pertinent decision-making criteria.
* Apply knowledge and interpretations of laws, policies, and precedents to determine fund change options.
* Navigate ambiguity and adapt to changes in policies and practices.
* Present findings and recommendations clearly and concisely to the committee that includes finance department leadership.
* Communicate committee decisions and action items to interested parties in a clear and timely fashion.
* Coordinate completion of fund revisions and follow up as needed.
* Maintain record of historical committee decisions.

Develop and present materials for fund utilization review sessions with University and Foundation partners (20%)

* Lead review sessions with partners in University leadership, finance, and development roles to build broader awareness of fund utilization resources.
* Develop impactful presentation materials including data visualizations and information on Foundation policies and principles regarding fund utilization.
* Determine when to present high level summary information or detailed information based on the target audience with consistent quality and clarity.
* Document action items discussed and take responsibility for follow up.
Serve as liaison to Academic leaders, development, finance, and other staff on fund utilization (20%)
* Address questions regarding the Foundation's fund administration policies including fund utilization and compliance, fund policies, and investment performance.
* Assist University partners with navigating the donor management system, fund database, and change request forms.
* Update and maintain fund utilization information stored in the fund database.

Assist with special projects (20%)

* Partner with Manager of Financial Analysis and/or others in the finance department to identify special projects.
* Gather data with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
* Prepare and present project data in both summary and detail formats in a way that is easy to understand for the intended audience.
* Participate in fund database enhancement projects.

Data Analysis (10%)

* Develop and maintain dashboards of metrics that display both current data and enable progress tracking over time.
* Generate reports for the UMF CFO, AVP, Finance & Fund Administration, and Manager, Financial Analysis on fund utilization metrics, trends and progress toward improving utilization.
* Analyze data and identify opportunities to improve fund utilization by prioritizing specific units to work with across the University.

Demonstrate commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an equitable and inclusive working and learning environment (exhibit 100% of the time)

* Continuous learning in diversity, equity and inclusion for oneself and team via training, podcasts, articles, etc.
* Seek to explore and understand cultural differences and create a culture of belonging.
* Develop and employ anti-racist practices and principles to accomplish work.
* Advocate for employees of all ethnicities, genders, ages and backgrounds
* Cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with employees, colleagues, stakeholders, etc.

Required qualifications:

* Bachelor's degree in business, finance, communications, or related field and at least 4 years of work experience in charitable gift administration or financial analysis; OR a combination of education and related experience in charitable gift administration or financial analysis equal to 8 years
* Demonstrated ability to deliver excellent customer service including high quality deliverables and timely responses
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills
* Strong reading comprehension and critical thinking
* Ability to research and synthesize various sources of information, analyze alternative solutions and make well-reasoned recommendations
* Ability to gather, organize and present data in a concise and meaningful way
* Ability to present in front of audiences of any size including leadership team members
* Intermediate level proficiency with Microsoft Office suite including Word, Excel and PowerPoint
* Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain relationships at all organizational levels
* Ability to manage conflicting priorities and exercise authority to ensure deadlines are met
* Ability to take initiative and function independently and as part of a team
* Ability to handle information with discretion and confidentiality

Preferred qualifications:

* Bachelor's degree in business, finance, communications or related field
* Advanced level proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint
* Experience with Tableau or other data analytics tools
* Experience working in a non-profit or higher education environment
* Knowledge of IRS rules and regulations, federal and state laws and industry standards related to charitable donations
* Inquisitive nature

At the University of Minnesota Foundation (UMF), our mission is to connect passion with possibility, inspire generosity, and support greatness at the University of Minnesota by placing donors at the heart of everything we do and every decision we make. UMF is a nonprofit organization responsible for raising and managing gifts to the University of Minnesota.

For more information about UMF, please visit https://give.umn.edu/about/about-umf.

• 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).