Development Officer at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine

About the Job

Position Overview
The development officer for the Lewis Small Animal Hospital is responsible for securing significant philanthropic support to advance canine and feline health care, education, and clinical research at the Veterinary Medical Center (VMC). This position will focus on the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors through the assessment of potential cash and planned giving for the VMC. As a member of the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) development team, this position is responsible for securing philanthropic support from key audiences including grateful clients, friends, alumni, and foundations; communicating regularly and effectively with VMC leadership, faculty, staff, and prospects; and collaborating with the College of Veterinary Medicine communications, research, and departmental teams–as well as the University of Minnesota Foundation (UMF) advancement services–as appropriate, to ensure cohesive, organized fundraising-related activities and
messaging.

This position follows university and college guidelines related to a flexible work schedule. Per the CVM pet policy, CVM employees are able to bring their pets to work in approved CVM buildings following an approved application.

Development/Fundraising (85%)
● Work with Director of Development and CVM development team, UMF prospect
research team, faculty, and VMC leaders to identify appropriate prospects to qualify for
all related VMC initiatives.
● Qualify, cultivate, and solicit prospective donors with a specific focus on major gift
prospects in assigned focus areas; provide stewardship for assigned donors and
secured gifts. Take timely and strategic steps in moving prospects along the
development continuum of identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation and
stewardship.
● Develop and implement strategies for each prospect, including ways to increase
involvement of donors and prospects in the activities of the VMC and the University.
● Serve as a member of the overall development team by collaborating with colleagues
across the College of Veterinary Medicine and University of Minnesota Foundation on
donor strategies, maintaining timely, accurate reports and information.
● Develop and maintain a thorough working knowledge of the VMC's Lewis Small Animal
Hospital, related clinical research (both at the CVM and in comparative medicine
programs), and other philanthropic priorities to effectively and compellingly present a
case to prospects and donors.
● Build and independently manage a portfolio at or near 100 major gift prospects (giving
capacity of $50,000 and above). Work with the UMF prospect research team to identify
potential major gift prospects.
● Working in conjunction with CVM development team, initiate and oversee the
development of proposals, reports, and written material in support of specific major gift
fundraising initiatives. Work with faculty and administration as necessary to inform donor
strategies and collateral.
● Develop and coordinate proposals for major gifts individually and in coordination with
CVM and university development officers.

Organizational (15%)
● Develop an annual plan of work, including specific fundraising, prospect
development, and programmatic goals with an emphasis on achieving established
standards and metrics for the position. Prepare reports and other required
information as requested.
● Completes and files timely reports. Maintains accurate and relevant records within
the University of Minnesota Foundation database.
● Participate in special projects, as assigned. Handle other duties and assignments
as might be required.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:

● Bachelor’s degree and three years demonstrated ability to successfully solicit major
gifts; or experience in marketing, sales, financial advisement or related field with
emphasis on relationship cultivation and solicitation of individuals.
● Demonstrated success in working independently but also collaboratively in a team
setting.
● Solid relationship-building skills with a diverse constituency of donors, faculty, strategic
partners, volunteers, and colleagues.
● Demonstrated knowledge of basic business terminology, financial matters and the
ethical, legal, and tax-related issues regarding the solicitation, transfer, and
management of charitable gifts.
● Outstanding oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including effective
presentation skills.
● Ability to maintain confidential information.
● Proficient in the use of Google workspace, PC software, such as Microsoft Office, and
adaptable to current technologies.
● Ability to work evenings and weekends, as necessary.
● Must have access to reliable transportation, as this position requires regular local travel
on behalf of the CVM.

Preferred:

● Five or more years demonstrated ability to successfully solicit major gifts; or experience
in marketing, sales, financial advisement or related field with emphasis on relationship
cultivation and solicitation of individuals.
● Development experience, including campaign experience, in higher education, health
care and/or research, or disease-related institutions.
● Demonstrated experience in identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of
major gifts prospects and donors. Quantifiable summary of major gifts productivity.
● Knowledge of, or experience with, planned giving programs.

● Knowledge of, or experience with, grateful clients, patients, and/or families.
● Experience working with faculty, clinicians and/or medical personnel, or program
administration.

About the Department
The University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) affects the lives of animals and people every day through educational, research, service, and outreach programs. We are dedicated to the education of future and current veterinarians and biomedical scientists and the discovery of new knowledge and skills. It is home to the Veterinary Medical Center's four hospitals (Lewis Small Animal Hospital, Piper Equine Hospital, Large Animal Hospital, and West Metro Equine Practice), as well as a number of nationally recognized programs that further animal health and advance the One Health concept.

The University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center's (VMC) hospitals have served Minnesota's dogs, cats, horses, and farm animals for more than a century. With the largest team of board-certified specialists in the Upper Midwest, animals benefit from our collaborative, complete-care approach and latest research and technologies. VMC’s hospitals provide quality care in cutting-edge facilities, delivering veterinary services in a teaching environment that is continuously shaping the future of veterinary medicine.

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.

Benefits
Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you’ll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also 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 Scholarship
• 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

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

How To Apply
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-UOHR (8647).

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: http://diversity.umn.edu.

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.

Please note: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to comply with the University’s Administrative Policy: COVID-19 Vaccination and Safety Protocol by either providing proof of being fully vaccinated on their first day of employment, or complete a request for an exemption for medical exemption or religious reasons. To learn more please visit: https://safe-campus.umn.edu/return-campus/get-the-vax

About the U of M

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.