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Association TRENDS

Director of Development

Association TRENDS, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, 55400


The Director of Development is responsible for all aspects of planning, implementing, evaluating, and growing a comprehensive development program for the University of Minnesota’s Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs. This position leads efforts to build relationships with a broad range of individuals and organizations, ensuring fundraising efforts advance the School’s mission and strategic goals.Reporting to the Dean of the Humphrey School and the Associate Vice President for College and Campus Programs at the University of Minnesota Foundation (UMF), the Director provides regular reports to the Dean and senior leadership, advising on the Dean’s donor portfolio and advancing key strategic initiatives. The Director is expected to embody the mission and values of both the Humphrey School and the University of Minnesota in all external and internal interactions.

Key Responsibilities:

External Relations and Fundraising (40%)Collaborate with the Dean and senior leadership to identify philanthropic opportunities aligned with the School’s mission and strategic goals.Lead the direction of the Public Leadership Awards fundraising efforts, developing a fundraising strategy in line with the selected awardees to secure sponsorships and drive table sales.Advise on attendees for key events and lead follow-up efforts to cultivate relationships that align with strategic goals.Represent the Humphrey School to external stakeholders, including business leaders, government officials, nonprofit organizations, and community members.Communicate effectively the School’s vision, mission, and priorities to prospects and donors, ensuring alignment with the University’s values.Develop and implement innovative strategies to identify and engage new donors, both alumni and non-alumni.Partner with the Associate Director of Strategic Engagement and Alumni Relations to develop alumni-specific engagement and fundraising strategies that advance the School's mission.Develop relationships with members of the Dean's Advisory and Honorary Councils to secure major gifts, as appropriate.Provide analysis and reports evaluating fundraising performance and progress, ensuring alignment with both School needs and University-wide initiatives.Major Gifts Portfolio (30%)Manage a portfolio of 100 donor prospects, focusing on major gifts that support the School’s strategic priorities.Establish and maintain relationships with donors and prospects through personal visits, meetings with the Dean, event attendance, and strategic communications.Develop methodologies to grow the major gifts pipeline, ensuring continued engagement with donors.Supervision (20%)Lead and manage the Associate Director for Stewardship and Annual Giving employee.Provide overall direction and training to staff, ensuring their work supports development and donor relations goals.Oversee the planning and execution of the departmental budget, ensuring resources are allocated strategically to advance the School’s priorities.Advancement Strategy and Reporting (10%)Provide comprehensive reports to the Dean and leadership team on fundraising progress, strategic initiatives, and the Dean’s donor portfolio.Serve as a key advisor to the Dean on donor engagement and strategy, ensuring alignment with the School’s fundraising objectives.Collaborate with UMF colleagues on University-wide fundraising campaigns and interdisciplinary initiatives.Work with the Dean’s leadership team to prioritize resources, key messages, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring goals are met for events and development projects.Represent the School in University-wide development initiatives and contribute to case development for fundraising campaigns.Working Conditions:This position is based primarily in a general office setting, with regular travel required within the Twin Cities metro area, throughout Minnesota, and occasionally out of state to advance the School’s development goals.Pay Rate Range: $130,000 - $145,000Required Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree and eight years of demonstrated ability to successfully solicit major gifts, or experience in marketing, sales, public relations, financial advisement, or related field with an emphasis on relationship cultivation and solicitation.Proven strategic leadership and management skills in a comprehensive development environment.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively represent the School and University to prospects, donors, and stakeholders.Ability to lead and develop advancement teams, driving results that align with the School’s mission and goals.Demonstrated commitment to diversity and building relationships with diverse communities and individuals.Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise good judgment, and work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends.Preferred Qualifications:Master’s degree in a related field.Technical expertise in financial, estate, and tax planning strategies as they relate to gift giving.Experience building a development operation and advising senior leadership on fundraising strategy.Familiarity with donor relations, stewardship, and alumni engagement in a higher education setting.

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