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Job description
About the Job
The College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences(CFANS) development team is a strong, high performing, missiondriven fundraising enterprise that consistently secures more than$25 million in philanthropic support annually. This dynamic team is composed of skilled, strategic development professionals who advance both college wide priorities, department level initiatives,and support for the Bell Museum. With a proven record of cultivating meaningful donor relationships, the team plays a pivotal role in driving philanthropic investment that fuels the College’s academic excellence, research innovation, and student success. Uniquely, the Bell Museum is a department within CFANS and the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a partner entity.
Operating within the University of Minnesota Foundation’s fundraising model—designed to create and ensure the most gratifying gift experience—the CFANS team embraces a culture of partnership, collaboration, and shared purpose in pursuit of exceptional outcomes for donors, the University, and the broader community.
Position Focus
The Associate Vice President is a senior leader responsible forleading major gifts strategy, cultivating a culture of philanthropy grounded in production, collaboration, innovation, and purpose across the CFANS. Serves as the key connector between the core fundraising team and alumni relations, stewardship, and annual giving. Reports to the Executive Vice President, Development.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Fundraising & Donor Engagement (75%)
Prospect Management: Actively identify and cultivate, solicit,and steward a portfolio of high-potential gift prospects throughconsistent outreach and relationship building.
Partner closely with senior leadership and UMF to executecomplex, multi-layered solicitation strategies for principal giftdonors.
Serve as the senior philanthropic advisor/thought partner toassigned deans and unit heads, helping translate academicpriorities into compelling, fundable initiatives.
Under the direction of senior leadership, this position willlead the development of blended fundraiser portfolios, breakingdown departmental silos to create "big idea" gift opportunitiesthat span the unit and the system.
Partner with senior leaders and academic leaders to refinetheir roles as champions of fundraising initiatives, providing thedata and strategic framing necessary for their success in donorsettings.
Design and manage the operational framework for unit-specificfundraising initiatives ensuring alignment with University ofMinnesota Foundation standards and unit strategic vision.
Focus on engaging in face-to-face meaningful donor work thatadvances gift conversations and supports the University ofMinnesota, ensuring a gratifying gift experience for alldonors.
Major Gift Adjacent Support (5%)
Act as the primary organizational liaison and bridge to theAlumni Relations, Annual Giving, and Stewardship teams, leading thecollaborative effort to ensure engagement activities are tightlyaligned with fundraising priorities and major gift focus.
Facilitate a high level of integration between disparatereporting lines to ensure the University speaks with one voice toits alumni and donor base.
Serve as a strategic lead for execution, coordinatingpriorities, timelines, and partners to advance fundraisinginitiatives
Ensure that alumni relations and annual giving teams areexecuting programs consistent with building donor pipelines
Team & Talent Development (15%)
Build and lead a high-performing team by aligning individualperformance with the Foundation’s strategic priorities.
Direct unit operations and resource allocation to ensuremaximum efficiency and the successful execution of fundraisinginitiatives.
Oversee the recruitment, selection, and integration of top-tierdevelopment talent, fostering a diverse and inclusive professionalenvironment.
Actively coach and mentor staff, using data-driven performancemetrics to identify and fuel growth opportunities.
Ensure a safe, healthy, and policy-compliant work environment that upholds the reputation of the University and UMF.
Demonstrate commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an equitable and inclusive working and learning environment(exhibit 100% of the time)
PERFORMANCE METRICS: UMFway Guidelines FY27
Qualifications
Required:
Bachelor’s degree and at least 14 years of fundraising orrelated experience.
Ability to lead with an entrepreneurial spirit, constantlypursuing solutions and effective/efficient enhancements.
Skills in high-standard accountability paired with empatheticmentorship
Deep understanding of goal-setting frameworks and performancemetrics.
Ability to maintain a growth mindset in all deliverables.
Willingness to travel and work occasional evenings andweekends. Ability to maintain a valid Minnesota driver’slicense.
Preferred:
16 or more years of fundraising experience.
Experience in higher education advancement and nonprofitfundraising.
Proven success in donor cultivation and donor managementsystems.
About the Department
At the University of Minnesota Foundation (UMF), our mission is to connect passion with possibility, inspire generosity, and support greatness at the University of Minnesota by placing donors at the heart of everything we do and every decision we make. UMF is a nonprofit organization responsible for raising and managing gifts to the University of Minnesota.
For more information about UMF, please visit
Pay and Benefits
Pay Range: $200,000- 230,000 ; depending on education/qualifications/experience
Time Appointment: 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 trainingand degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition BenefitProgram
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 counselingat no cost
Employee TransitPass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metroarea
While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.
Diversity
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:
Employment Requirements
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 Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State ). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence &Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.
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Worksite address
minneapolis, MN, 55400, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.