Director of Corporate & Foundation Engagement, College of Food, Agricultural & Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS)

The Director of Corporate and Foundation Engagement will drive corporate and foundation engagement strategy for the College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) as well as other key schools focused on science and agriculture. They will manage a portfolio of corporate and private foundations to drive research, sponsorships, and philanthropy.

The University of Minnesota, a top 3 institution in the Big 10 for philanthropic corporate production, is a national model in corporate engagement, and is uniquely comprehensive among R1 universities. CFANS includes twelve academic departments and 10 research and outreach centers, along with the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the Bell Museum, and dozens of interdisciplinary centers. This position will report to the Senior Director of Corporate and Foundation Engagement at the University of Minnesota Foundation (UMF) with a dotted line to the College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences.

Starting salary: $100,000- 115,000 based on experience. This role is also eligible for a 10% annual incentive opportunity.

Responsibilities:

Manage a portfolio of corporate and foundation prospects (70%):

• Build and manage a portfolio of approximately 60-75 corporate and foundation partners focused on the agriculture, food, and natural resources.
• Effectively present the case for engagement, research collaboration, and philanthropic support.
• Create and maintain strategies to secure investments of $50,000+ through sponsored research proposals, philanthropy, and sponsorships.

Drive Corporate and Foundation Strategy for the College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences (15%):

• In partnership with the Dean and the CFANS leadership team, work to engage key corporate prospects in research and collegiate priorities.
• Advance the Dean's vision for the college with key corporations and foundations (Research investments and partnerships, technology transfer, philanthropic support).
• Engage key private sector leaders with academic leaders, faculty and students to advance partnerships.

Liaison and coordinate across development programs and services (5%):

• Collaborate with prospect development department to meet research needs in support of CFE prospects.
• Collaborate with donor relations to create stewardship reports and events/activities aimed at ensuring a high level of stewardship.
• Work with development staff, technology commercialization partners, faculty, and leaders across campus to advance strategic partnerships.

Collaborate and/or Lead campus partnerships (5%):

• Represent CFANS on the Corporate Engagement Center Leadership Council.
• Lead and/or participate on university-wide strategy teams to manage corporations in the strategic portfolio.
• Lead and participate on campus-wide work groups to drive campus collaboration around corporate engagement and investment.

Partner with the VP for Corporate and Foundation Engagement on Research and Innovation Office (RIO) partnerships and strategic initiatives (5%):

• Lead strategy for corporate engagement in RIO workshops, events, or special initiatives.
• Liaison with RIO on behalf of CEC leadership and represent CEC on various work groups or committees with RIO.

Required:

• Bachelor's degree and six years' demonstrated ability to successfully solicit and close investments from corporations and foundations or private industry experience in marketing, sales, relationship management or related fields with an emphasis on cultivation and solicitation of organizations.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of business and financial terminology.
• High degree of computer proficiency, including proficient use of software applications for word processing, financial spreadsheets, and electronic databases.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
• Experience with project management and the handling of multiple tasks with multiple deadlines.
• Demonstrated success in working independently but also collaboratively in a team setting.
• Solid relationship building skills with a diverse constituency.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, especially Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Preferred:

• Five (5)+ years of successful experience in corporate and foundation engagement work in higher education and/or an agricultural or science related organization.
• Experience working with faculty and academic leaders to engage corporations through research and/or philanthropy.
• Demonstrated success in managing a portfolio of donors and strong understanding of the four core phases of development, identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship.
• Previous campaign experience.
• Ability to design/assist in the development of project budgets.

Pay Range: $100,000- 115,000 based on experience; 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).