Development Officer

We are looking for someone to join our team at the College of Veterinary Medicine who is inspired by our mission to be a vibrant and dynamic College that impacts our communities, our State, and the world.

The College is seeking a full-time Development Officer, who will be responsible for developing, managing, and cultivating a portfolio of prospects capable of making donations of $50,000. Primary responsibilities in this role will include growing the donor pipeline for The Raptor Center and growing the College alumni major gift prospects. Additionally, the College is committed to shaping the future of veterinary medicine through its Community and Belonging vision, and this position will work to expand those efforts through philanthropic opportunities.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Major Gift Fundraising: 90%
Develop and manage a portfolio of major gift prospects capable of making gifts of $50,000 and above, presenting timely and strategic gift opportunities to donors for their support. Primary efforts, approximately 80% of major gift fundraising, will be focused on developing and growing the donor base for The Raptor Center. Other fundraising duties will focus on growing giving through alumni prospects.
Execute an annual strategic fundraising plan designed to achieve both individual metric goals and College-wide priorities
Achieve annual goals for metrics including major gifts closed, major gift solicitations, funds raised, substantive prospect contacts, and prospect qualification
Build, maintain, and monitor relationships with prospects and benefactors.
Responsible for all aspects of the donor continuum, including cultivation, solicitation, closure, and stewardship.
Partnering with the University of Minnesota's prospect research team, and through other means, building a pipeline of major gift prospects through identification and qualification processes
Work closely with the College of Veterinary Medicine development team, academic leadership, and the University of Minnesota Foundation leadership to communicate a compelling case for support for the strategic priorities
Partner and collaborate with the University of Minnesota Foundation's services.

Collaborative and Administrative Efforts: 10%
Perform development-related administrative duties including timely entry of contact reports, Donor Management System (DMS) updates, and effective portfolio management using DMS
Provide visible leadership across the entire organization as a member of development's major gift staff by engaging in organization-wide activities such as development meetings, advancement meetings, all-college meetings, staff events, donor and alumni events
Work closely and effectively with Alumni Relations and Annual Giving staff to expand prospect identification, enhance engagement and develop stewardship strategies
Perform other duties as assigned.

*The employer reserves the right to change or assign other duties to this position*

Required
BA/BS degree and at least four years of experience which demonstrates an ability to successfully solicit and close major gifts; or similar experience in marketing, sales, public relations, or a related field with emphasis on relationship cultivation and solicitation of individuals/businesses.
Strong oral and written communication skills, and an ability to articulate a strong and compelling case for support.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to demonstrate ability to create strong professional relationships with colleagues at the College, Foundation, and University.
Demonstrated ability to effectively represent the interests and fundraising priorities of the College by acting in the best interests of the University and Foundation at all times, while also maintaining an enterprising and innovative perspective to enhance strategies and outcomes.
Strategic, thoughtful, curious, focused, and able to work with a high degree of flexibility in a highly-collaborative, fast-paced, and goal-oriented environment.
Ability to apply creative and entrepreneurial thinking, while applying sound judgment and conducting oneself with integrity.
Ability to effectively work with volunteer boards to assist with donor relationship development and to advance significant philanthropic support for the college.
Access to reliable transportation and ability to travel for donor meetings.
Ability to work evenings and weekends as necessary.

Preferred
Demonstrated history (five years or more) philanthropic gift cultivation and solicitation of $50,000 or more.
A strong commitment to higher education.
A strong interest in the well-being of animals and the veterinary profession
Experience working at a major, public, land grant research university.
Experience advancing philanthropic campaigns.

Established in 1947, the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine is Minnesota's only veterinary college. Fully accredited, the college has graduated nearly 4,000 veterinarians and hundreds of scientists. The college is also home to the Veterinary Medical Center, the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, the Leatherdale Equine Center and The Raptor Center.

The college embraces the "One Health" concept, which aims to transform new knowledge into better health for animals, people, and the environment. The college also plays an important role in the health of the community by assuring food safety, conducting biomedical research, preventing zoonotic diseases, and enhancing our physical and psychological well-being through the care of companion animals and the protection of Minnesota's wildlife natural resources.

Our mission

Our focus is building a globally diverse and inclusive community to improve the health of animals, people, and the environment. This will be accomplished by discovering and disseminating new knowledge and skills, educating current and future veterinarians and scientists, and providing innovative veterinary services.

Pay Range: $82,500 to $95,000; 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).