Associate Director of Development - College of Science and Engineering

University of Minnesota

Full-time - Mid Level

Educational Services

About the position

The Associate Director of Development for the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with major gift donors. This role involves strategic collaboration with university leadership and various teams to enhance fundraising efforts and support the college's philanthropic priorities. The position requires effective communication and the ability to inspire donors about new initiatives, while also ensuring compliance with donor engagement processes.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain a portfolio of approximately 100 individuals for major gifts.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of the College of Science and Engineering's vision and philanthropic priorities.
• Involve leadership and staff in development strategy and donor cultivation.
• Craft and present compelling cases for support to prospects and donors.
• Educate donors about new initiatives and ensure alignment with internal collaborators.
• Follow standard processes for donor engagement and data security.
• Collaborate with University of Minnesota Foundation teams on fundraising efforts.
• Assist colleagues with major gift work across departments.
• Travel across the Twin Cities metro area and to key geographic areas as assigned.
• Serve as the strategic lead for assigned departments in the Advancement Team.
• Develop an annual plan of work with specific fundraising and programmatic goals.
• Use the Donor Management System to maintain prospect information and activity reports.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and a minimum of four years of professional development experience or equivalent experience in marketing, sales, PR, or related fields.
• Willingness to work in a collaborative, fast-paced, goal-oriented environment.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills.
• Experience working with individuals from diverse communities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Google applications, with familiarity in databases or CRM programs.
• Access to reliable transportation for local travel.

Nice-to-haves

• Fundraising campaign experience and proven history of successful major gift solicitation.
• Previous higher education development experience.

Benefits

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off.
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs.
• 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.