Senior Director of Development

Job Summary:

The Senior Director of Development for Gopher Athletics will be responsible for securing major gifts in support of the department's top priorities. This role requires collaboration with various teams, including the Golden Gopher Fund, the University of Minnesota Foundation, and other development partners across the University. The role will have a significant presence at athletic events and external functions throughout the year to accomplish department fundraising goals.

The Senior Director will work under the guidance of the Senior Associate Athletic Director/Development and will play an essential role in driving private support for Gopher Athletics. This role will be pivotal in increasing revenue to ensure the department's success in the Big Ten Conference, helping to provide the necessary resources to achieve athletic excellence.

Appointment

This is a full-time, 100%, annually renewable, academic professional position.

Portfolio Management and Engagement (90%)

• Manages a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects ($50,000 and above).
• Builds and maintains a portfolio of 75-100 major gift donors and prospects to ensure that timely steps are taken towards moving prospects through the major gift cycle of identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Utilizes various giving methods such as current, deferred giving, and non-cash gifts.
• Meets annual productivity goals for major gift solicitations funded (10), major gift solicitations delivered (15), annual gift production ($2M), prospect qualifications (25), and substantive visits (125) (subject to change).
• Collaborates with University of Minnesota Foundation (UMF) professionals and utilizes UMF centralized resources to achieve and exceed established standards and metrics for the position.
• Effectively utilizes UMF's Donor Management System (DMS) to review relevant information on assigned and prospective donors and completes timely contact reports.
• Assists with the overall Golden Gopher Fund fundraising strategies, including support through major gifts, annual giving, endowments, planned giving and premium seating.
• Secure support for Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) on behalf of the department.

Development Related Administrative Duties (10%)

• Complete, file and maintain accurate, relevant and timely reports and records of donor/prospect contacts by utilizing database, employing discretion while recording information of relevance to appropriate individuals.
• Attend University and external major gift cultivation events.
• Have a significant presence at athletics events throughout the year.
• Assist with budget management as needed.
• Prepare reports and other required information as requested.
• Assist development leadership with major donor/campaign strategies and special projects as requested.

Required Qualifications:

• Completed Bachelor's Degree
• 5-8 years of demonstrated ability to successfully solicit major gifts or other professional experience in areas related to development/fundraising which may include stewardship and annual giving; OR related experience in marketing, sales, public relations or financial advisement; OR experience in a related field with emphasis on relationship cultivation and solicitation of individuals/businesses.
• Ability to work nights and weekends as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Completed Master's Degree
• Prior professional experience at an NCAA member institution.
• College athletics fundraising experience.
• Experience in a large, complex university setting is desired.
• Thorough knowledge of NCAA and Big Ten rules and regulations.

Other Key Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities/Competencies

• Experience writing and preparing fundraising solicitations and gift proposals.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills, to include the ability to prioritize projects and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated success in working in a team setting.
• Ability to interact effectively with coaches, administrators, student-athletes, perspective donors, external constituencies, and vendors.
• Proficient computer skills including word processing, spreadsheets, Paciolan or similar ticketing platforms and other software necessary to the development operation.

With more than 140 years of tradition, Gopher Athletics is one of the oldest and most decorated athletics departments in the country. Minnesota was a charter member of the Big Ten Conference - our teams have won more than 200 conference titles to go with 26 national titles - and is currently home to 22 programs, the fourth-most in the league. There are more than 600 student-athletes and nearly 300 full-time employees in our athletics department. That community has built Minnesota into a nation's top- ranked public school with respect to student athlete academic performance in each of the past four years, a span of time during which the Gophers have won 13 conference team titles and a collection of individual conference and national crowns. Housed in the historic Dinkytown neighborhood on the northern edge of the University campus, Gopher Athletics is succeeding against a backdrop unique in college athletics, nestled at the heart of a bustling, modern metro area. We are proud of our decorated history, but we are prepared to achieve even greater success in the years to come. Ski-U-Mah!

Pay Range: $100,000 - $115,000 depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75%-100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

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

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• 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 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

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).