Development Officer

The Intercollegiate Athletics (ICA) development team is a high performing, mission driven fundraising enterprise that consistently secures more than $34 million in philanthropic support annually. This dynamic team is composed of skilled, strategic development professionals who advance both college wide priorities and department level initiatives. With a proven record of cultivating meaningful donor relationships, the team plays a pivotal role in driving philanthropic investment that fuels the program’s excellence.

Operating within the University of Minnesota Foundation’s fundraising model—designed to create and ensure the most gratifying gift experience—the ICA team embraces a culture of partnership, collaboration, and shared purpose in pursuit of exceptional outcomes for donors, the University, and the broader community.

The Development Officer is a high performing fundraiser and strategic partner responsible for driving philanthropic growth and securing major gifts for ICA. Reports to the Associate Vice President, Philanthropy for ICA.

• Engage in face-to-face donor work that advances gift conversations and supports a gratifying gift experience for all donors.
• Prospect Management: identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a balanced, healthy portfolio of major gift prospects through consistent outreach and relationship building.
• Serve as the philanthropic advisor and thought partner to donors, translating academic priorities into compelling, fundable initiatives.
• Develop a blended portfolio under leadership direction, breaking down departmental silos to allow for “big idea” gift opportunities in addition to core unit priorities.
• Assist with the operational framework for specific fundraising initiatives, ensuring alignment with University of Minnesota Foundation standards and strategic vision.
• Collaborate with colleagues across disciplines on donor strategies, maintaining timely, accurate reports and information.
• Perform work within a framework of commitment to production, collaboration, innovation, and purpose.
• Develop and maintain a thorough working knowledge of unit priorities.
• Manage and lead specific fundraising projects as assigned.

Other Duties as Assigned (10%)

• Collaborate in the planning and production of fundraising activities to define philanthropic goals, donor engagement targets, and logistical frameworks.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and training to stay current on philanthropic trends and advanced fundraising methodologies.
• Document all donor interactions and touchpoints by entering detailed contact reports to ensure accurate relationship tracking and seamless team-wide communication.

Impact Reporting: review and provide input on specialized impact reports for donors, showing exactly how their funds supported a specific unit or initiative.

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 4 years of fundraising or related experience.
• Ability to lead with an entrepreneurial spirit, constantly pursuing solutions and effective/efficient enhancements.
• Skills in high-standard accountability paired with empathetic mentorship.
• Deep understanding of goal-setting frameworks and performance metrics.
• Ability to maintain a growth mindset in all deliverables.
• Willingness to travel extensively and work occasional evenings and weekends; ability to maintain a valid Minnesota driver’s license.

• 6 or more years of fundraising experience.
• Experience in higher education advancement and nonprofit fundraising.
• Proven success in donor cultivation and donor management systems.

Pay Range: $85,; depending on education/qualifications/experience

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.