Development Associate

Position Overview
The Development Associate implements processes to support the fundraising and organizational strategies for Northrop programs including annual and major gift-giving, fundraising goals, and strategic plan goals. They plan and execute events and activities to engage, cultivate, and steward donors and advance donor fundraising potential. They will manage a donor portfolio and strategize fundraising campaign priorities, and oversee the administrative duties of the department to assist fundraising efforts.

Responsibilities/Duties of Position:
Events (45%):

• Prioritizes, sets goals, and formulates concepts for cultivation and stewardship strategies to attract/advance prospects and donors;
• Plans, coordinates, and executes all aspects of a variety of donor cultivation and stewardship engagements and opportunities including in-person as well as virtual events in collaboration with Northrop colleagues across several departments including Artistic & Community Programs, Front of House, Production, and Business Development & Customer Support;
• Conceptualizes, orchestrates, and implements a major fundraising event each year to support Northrop's programs;
• Manages all aspects of the unit's silent auctions and other fundraising activities including managing the platform, reporting and crediting, and stewardship for in-kind donations;
• Collaborates with other organizations to enhance the donor/prospect experience
• Provides support for the online platform during virtual meetings and events;
• Oversees and engages volunteers;
• Manages vendor relationships (proposals and payments).

Direct Fundraising (35%):

• Manages an active portfolio of prospects and donors; creates strategies to move mid-level donors to major giving level
• Plans and develops cultivation and solicitation strategies for donor prospects
• Supports and advances the department's Planned Giving strategy
• Strategizes with team to set annual giving goals
• Creates and executes donor stewardship plans to actively engage donors
• Cultivates relationships with donors through a wide variety of communication channels
• Plans and leads multiple fundraising campaigns annually including new initiatives (Northrop Centennial Commissions program, Encore Event)
• Partners with Marketing and Communications to produce donor and event-related communications (invitations, solicitation letters, web content, social media) to help cultivate and steward donors.

Administration (20%):

• Oversees the administrative functions and services for the department and Director of Development
• Provides administrative support for the Advisory Board
• Directs the logistical aspects of Northrop's fundraising campaigns including developing and executing direct mail appeals, invitations, communications, donor acknowledgements and web content
• Maintains, reviews, reconciles, and updates the donor database; creates reports for targeted campaigns
• Manages interdepartmental operational systems (TeamGantt, performance overviews, etc.) for project planning and communications
• Assists in the development of fiscal budgets and long-term fiscal planning as well as controls and monitors expenses for the department
• Serves as the supervisor for the Student Development Intern; oversees the posting, interviewing, hiring, and training
• Actively participates on cross-departmental committees that support Northrop's strategic goals

The University of Minnesota is an equal-opportunity educator and employer.

Minimum requirements:

• Bachelor's degree or a combination of related education and fundraising and administrative work experience to equal four years
• Proficiency in database management systems, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Experience handling confidential materials and information with sensitivity and discretion
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability and experience in using independent judgment, decision-making, and self-directing work activities

The ideal candidate will have:

• Demonstrated experience responding to internal and external constituents, establishing positive working relationships, and responding in a timely manner to each specific audience
• Dedication to customer service
• Strong organizational skills and extreme attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize work and manage multiple projects at once
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team

The Organization:
Northrop shapes Minnesota's rich cultural environment through arts presentations that celebrate excellence and innovation, community engagement, and creative exchange. Situated at the heart of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus and a state historic landmark, Northrop has served as the University's primary gathering place for the performing arts, world-renowned dance performances, concerts, academic ceremonies, and major civic events for nearly 100 years. From touring international and favorite local dance companies, musicians, and film screenings to the hottest comedy acts, renowned speakers, celebrated authors, and prestigious UMN lectures, Northrop offers opportunities for all ages to explore, learn, and engage.

Our performances and engagement activities reach far beyond the student body and University community to citizens all across Minnesota and beyond. Programming has focused on bringing world-class artists and thinkers to Northrop, where the arts are incorporated into the student experience and shared with regional audiences. At the heart of our programming is the Northrop Season, presenting a series of extraordinary dance from all over the world since 1970 and a music series centered around our historic pipe organ. Northrop has commissioned new works, and presented scores of premieres, ranging from state and regional to US and world premieres.

The revitalized Northrop has been in operation since the grand reopening in April, 2014. The theater revitalization included re-configuring the existing 4800-seat outmoded auditorium into a new theater of 2687 seats featuring state-of-the-art acoustics, excellent sightlines, cutting-edge technologies, and updated amenities. In addition, the building now boasts the 168-seat Best Buy Theater, expanded lobby areas, The Bistro, and newly incorporated space for three signature academic programs: The Institute for Advanced Study, the Offices of Admissions and Enrollment Management, and the College of Design's Kusske Design Initiative. Several lobby lounges provide spaces for student study and team learning activities.

Northrop is also the business owner and service provider of ticketing, membership, and donation services to the five U of M system campuses and the U of M Twin Cities Campus Events Calendar, listing thousands of campus events showcasing the U of M as a hub of activity in service to the campus and community.

Mission Statement:
Rooted in the belief that the arts are essential to the human experience, we are committed to cultivating intersections between performing arts and education for the benefit of all participants now and for generations to come.

Vision Statement:
Directly aligned with the teaching, research and service mission of the University, Northrop is a catalyst that uses the boundless power of arts and education to ignite transformation in each individual, inspiring positive change in our world.

Organizational Values:
INSPIRATION: We embrace a culture that ignites discovery, bold creativity and transformation.
EXCELLENCE: We deliver programs of the highest quality that advance arts, education and cultural enrichment.
CONNECTIVITY: We foster and illuminate connections that bring meaning and value to our lives.
INCLUSIVITY: We invite, welcome and respect everyone, honoring and celebrating the richness inherent in our differences.
COLLABORATION: We cultivate relationships that create unique opportunities for exponential impact.

Staff Values:
INTEGRITY: We each act according to the highest ethical and professional standards of conduct and serve as positive advocates for Northrop.
RESPECT: We uphold a workplace culture that is collaborative, encouraging and fulfilling.
EMPOWERMENT: We value and trust the skills of our colleagues and empower each individual to do their job, while upholding the mission and furthering the goals of the organization.
ACCOUNTABILITY: We are an outcome based, impact driven, data informed organization. Goals are transparent and each individual has ownership in successes and challenges.
BALANCE: We recognize the ebb and flow of our workloads and are committed to helping one another find and maintain sustainable work / life balance.

Pay Range: $49,000 - $57,000 annually, depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented 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).