"Development Officer (Major Gifts)"

Overview

The Development Officer (DO) is responsible for the identification and solicitation of major gifts ($50,000+) from identified prospects that represent University of Minnesota alumni, friends, parents and constituents. The DO will collaborate with the University of Minnesota Foundation’s (UMF) Leadership Annual Giving Team (LAG) officers to qualify and solicit individuals from a community of 20,000+ donors capable of making major gifts to the college. A primary emphasis will be placed on developing a strong portfolio of qualified major gift donors in anticipation of our next comprehensive college campaign.

Responsibilities

Prospect Identification, Qualification & Solicitation (90%)

• In collaboration with our prospect development partners at UMF, the position will establish a new portfolio (80-100 households) of qualified donors
• Contact, via telephone, email and other methods, identified prospects to secure 1:1, face-to-face visits
• Conduct personal visits with prospects to present major gift solicitations at $50,000+ utilizing a variety of gift vehicles including multi-year pledges
• Working with the Chief Development Officer, make assessments to qualify prospects as current major gift prospects
• Create a strategy for the portfolio to ensure that timely steps are taken toward solicitation, closure and stewardship.
• Draft and deliver gift proposals at the appropriate time
• Annual performance expectations for this gift officer include 80+ face to face visits, 125 substantive contacts, 25 prospect qualifications, 15 solicitations, 10 funded solicitations, and gift production of $1,000,000+

Program, Stewardship and Data Management (10%)

• Complete development officer onboarding and ongoing training opportunities
• 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
• In partnership with the college stewardship director and UMF, ensure the appropriate cultivation & stewardship process is in place and executed for all donors within assigned portfolio and implement strategy for future engagement
• Participate in special projects, as assigned. Handle other duties and assignments as might be required

Special considerations

• Contribute to the college’s journey in advancing inclusive excellence
• Hybrid work possible; (3 on campus/2 remote) full time on campus preferred
• Attendance at local evening and weekend events
• Occasional national travel
• Participate in appropriate professional and trade association activities that are aligned with the mission of the college

Required

• Bachelor’s degree required, and at least four years demonstrated ability to successfully solicit annual 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 with excellent time management skills.
• Outstanding oral, written, and interpersonal communication 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, experience, information and available resources to resolve issues in a timely manner.
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with client/donors and colleagues.
• Demonstrated ability on client/donor focus and proven adaptability to different personality types.
• Strong commitment to being donor-centered in our approach while sharing the University and unit’s messages.

Preferred

• Four 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