Overview
The Regional Development team is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding major gifts from alumni and friends through extensive field contact nationwide. The work supports education, research, people, and programs across the University of Minnesota system. As part of a creative and highly collaborative group advancing relationships institution-wide, the RDO will effectively partner with unit- and centrally-based development colleagues in a dynamic, fast-paced, and flexible environment.

Responsibilities
Major Gift Fundraising (75%)

• Qualify, cultivate, and solicit prospective donors with a specific focus on securing major gifts from prospects living in assigned markets outside of Minnesota. Take timely and strategic steps in moving prospects through the major gift cycle including identification and stewardship.
• Build and manage a portfolio of 100-125 major gift ($50,000+) prospects in assigned markets.
• Develop and implement a strategy for each prospect in partnership with unit-based and/or central development colleagues. Serve as “Manager” (lead) or “Team Member” (support) as appropriate.
• Engage prospects via substantive in-person visits and remote contact, leveraging video technology to enhance connections back to Minnesota.
• Present the case for philanthropic support of the University and explain gift opportunities, targeting 15+ solicitations annually. Develop proposals and written materials for specific major gift opportunities. 
• Utilize both current and planned gift strategies to best meet donors’ needs, interests, and financial capabilities, with an emphasis on gifts of $50,000+.
• Effectively utilize the Foundation’s Donor Management System to review relevant information on assigned and prospective donors and prospects. Provide regular progress reports on prospect cultivation and solicitation, and file thorough, timely reports of all contacts.

Market Leadership (15%) 

• Orchestrate market-specific events and small group engagements in partnership with central and unit-based colleagues that support donor cultivation and qualification efforts. 
• Build comprehensive knowledge of top donors, prospects, University/unit activity, and development opportunities in assigned markets.
• Leverage travel to the assigned region by University leadership, including the President and other senior executives and key volunteers

Travel, Logistics, and Additional Activities (10%)

• Schedule visits and arrange national travel (flights, local transportation, accommodations, etc.) to meet prospects – generally targeting 10 in-person, one-one meetings per month.
• Maintain oversight of travel budget and adhere to the Foundation’s Travel and Expense Policy; compile and submit trip expense reports in a timely manner.
• Participate in team meetings and strategy sessions
• Participate in or lead special projects, as assigned. 
• Handle other duties and assignments as might be required (for example, serving on development search committees and process improvement committees).

Demonstrate commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an equitable and inclusive working and learning environment (exhibit 100% of the time)

• Participate in continuous learning in diversity, equity and inclusion for oneself and team via trainings, podcasts, articles, etc.
• Seek to explore and understand cultural differences and create a culture of belonging.
• Develop and employ anti-racist practices and principles to accomplish work.
• Advocate for employees of all ethnicities, genders, ages and backgrounds.
• Cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with employees, colleagues, stakeholders, etc.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree and three years of professional development experience, with demonstrated ability to promote and successfully solicit major gifts; or related experience in marketing, sales, public relations or related field with an emphasis on relationship cultivation and solicitation of individuals, foundations and/or corporations.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, a team-forward approach, political acumen and integrity
• Desire and ability to establish strong professional relationships with central and unit-based colleagues.
• Ability to travel nationally 5+ days per month; comfort with navigating assigned markets via multiple modes of transportation.
• Strong oral and written communication skills; ability to articulate a clear, compelling case for support.
• Willingness to enter a highly-collaborative, fast-paced, goal-oriented environment.
• Aptitude to apply creative and entrepreneurial thinking while presenting sound judgment.
• Willingness to work evenings and occasional weekends when traveling.

Preferred:

• Three years of professional development experience, with demonstrated ability to promote and successfully solicit major gifts.
• Significant history of helping individuals with philanthropic giving of $50,000+.
• Experience with planned giving programs.
• Experience working at a higher education institution.
• Capital Campaign experience.