Development Officer, Neurosciences - Military Veterans

This position is responsible for securing philanthropic support for the University of Minnesota from several different constituencies across the Neurosciences including key departments within the Medical School as well as the M Health Fairview Neuro and Mental Health and Addiction Service Lines. Key disease areas include: Parkinson's disease, ALS, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, Ataxia, Stroke, Sleep, Rehabilitation Medicine, and Mental Health and Addiction. Constituencies include: grateful patients and their families; annual donors; community partners; corporations; private foundations; and others who support research and care across the neurosciences.

The primary responsibilities of the Development Officer includes cultivating and securing significant philanthropic support for basic and clinical research, assisting in the ongoing grateful patient and family giving in several clinical divisions, and developing a pipeline of new donors through the discovery and cultivation of annual donors with the goal of increasing giving to a major gift level. The Development Officer works closely with staff and faculty members as well as administration and development colleagues across the University of Minnesota.

Starting salary: $85,000- 100,000 based on experience.

Responsibilities

Major Gifts (85%)

• Qualify, cultivate, and solicit prospective donors with a specific focus on securing major gifts from prospects in assigned focus areas and provide stewardship for assigned donors and secured gifts.
• Build and manage a portfolio of 125 major gift prospects with a giving capacity of $50,000 and above. Take timely and strategic steps in moving prospects through the major gift cycle of identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Manage and lead specific fundraising projects pertaining to areas of focus in research and clinical care across the neurosciences.
• Serve as a member of the overall development team by collaborating with colleagues across disciplines on donor strategies, maintaining timely, accurate reports and information.
• Develop and maintain a thorough working knowledge of the varied opportunities across the University and M Health Fairview service lines with regard to philanthropic priorities to effectively and compellingly present its case to prospects and donors.
• Working in conjunction with UMF central services staff, initiate and oversee the development of proposals and written material in support of specific major gift fundraising initiatives.
• Recruit, organize, train and work with volunteers as needed in support of fundraising and closely related activities.
• Strategically leverage Neuro and Mental Health and Addiction events to engage and cultivate donors.

Organizational (15%)

• Develop an annual plan of work, including specific fundraising, prospect development and programmatic goals with an emphasis on achieving established standards and metrics for the position. Prepare reports and other required information as requested.
• Provide fundraising support to the Bob Alison Ataxia Research Center via Diamond Awards and volunteer management.
• Attend University of Minnesota and UMF events, as well as external functions as recommended.
• Accept and implement other specific assignments as directed.
• Ability to travel and work evenings and weekends, as necessary.
• Must have access to reliable transportation as this position requires regular travel on behalf of the Foundation.

Demonstrate commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an equitable and inclusive working and learning environment (exhibit 100% of the time)

• Continuous learning in diversity, equity and inclusion for oneself and team via training, podcasts, articles, etc.
• Seek to explore and understand cultural differences and create a culture of belonging.
• Develop and employ anti-racist practices and principles to accomplish work.
• Advocate for employees of all ethnicities, genders, ages and backgrounds
• Cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with employees, colleagues, stakeholders, etc.

Required:

• Bachelor's degree & minimum of four years professional development experience, with demonstrated ability to promote and successfully solicit major gifts; or related experience in marketing, sales, public relations or related field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of basic business terminology, financial matters and the ethical, legal, and tax-related issues regarding the solicitation, transfer, and management of charitable gifts.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and maintain a strong sense of urgency coupled with demonstrated success in management of multiple priorities
• Demonstrated success in working independently but also collaboratively in a team setting
• Solid relationship-building skills with a diverse constituency of donors, faculty, strategic partners, volunteers and UMF staff.
• Experience in coordinating volunteers; demonstrated ability to motivate and lead people and to work collaboratively
• Outstanding oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including effective presentation skills.
• Ability to maintain confidential information; knowledge of healthcare regulations helpful.
• Proficient in the use of PC software, such as Microsoft Office, and current technology

Preferred:

• Development experience, including capital campaign experience, in higher education, health, or disease-related institution.
• Demonstrated experience in identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major gifts prospects and donors. Quantifiable summary of major gifts productivity.
• Knowledge of or experience with planned giving programs.
• Knowledge of or experience with grateful patients and/or families or alumni.
• Experience working with faculty, physicians and/or medical personnel, or program administration.
• Strong commitment to a major, land-grant/research university in an urban environment.