Development Officer, Intercollegiate Athletics

About the Job

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 Development Director for ICA.

Fundraising & Donor Engagement (90%)

• Focus on engaging in face-to-face meaningful donor work that advances gift conversations and supports the University of Minnesota ensuring a gratifying gift experience for all donors.
• Prospect Management:
  Actively identify and cultivate, solicit, and steward a balanced, healthy portfolio of major gift prospects through consistent outreach and relationship building.
• Serve as the philanthropic advisor/thought partner to donors, helping translate academic priorities into compelling, fundable initiatives.
• Under the direction of leadership, develop of blended portfolio, 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.
• Serve as a member of the overall development team by collaborating with colleagues across disciplines on donor strategies, maintaining timely, accurate reports and information.
• Perform one's 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.

Performances Metrics: UMFway Guidelines FY27

Required qualifications

• 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.

Preferred qualifications

• 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: $88,; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• 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…