The Annual Giving Officer is a key member of the Law School’s Office of Advancement.  The Annual Giving Officer will plan and execute a complex multi-segment, multi-channel annual giving program, including solicitations in partnership with the Foundation, and affinity group giving including leadership annual giving, reunion giving, and current student philanthropy.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated success in managing projects and/or programs, robust writing and communications skills, strong attention to detail, and an interest in philanthropy and creating messages and communications strategies that engage and educate the Law School community.

The position reports to the Assistant Director of Annual Giving, Lizzy Beghelli. For additional information, please contact Lizzy at [email protected].

Annual Giving Program – Fundraising, Strategy, and Stewardship (35%)

• Develop both annual and long term strategy and goals that grow retention, activation, and dollars raised for the Law School’s annual giving program using strategic input and partnering with the Assistant Director of Annual Giving.
  • Create and execute a complex multi-segment, multi-channel annual giving program.
  • Write and edit targeted solicitation and stewardship copy.
  • Work with UMF staff to manage project deadlines, mailing list segments, printing, and centralized mailings.
  • Create and oversee the production of supplemental Law School solicitations
  • Responsible for key giving and stewardship efforts including Give to the Max Day, Gopher Gratitude Day, and other events as needed

• Provide leadership and vision for the Law School Annual Fund, positioning it as an essential and integrated component of the Law School advancement strategy.
• Execute “best practice” fundraising through careful management, reporting, backtesting, and analysis.
• Execute and evaluate programs that create a culture of giving amongst Law School students, faculty/staff and alumni with a special focus on increasing alumni and donor participation
• Execute and evaluate overall stewardship program for annual giving donors in conjunction with the Office of Advancement staff and UMF stewardship plan.

Alumni Volunteer Management (35%)

• Identify, cultivate, and recruit successful alumni and annual giving volunteers in the Twin Cities and around the country. Responsible for multiple volunteer groups including reunion committees, annual fund chair, and other volunteer-focused annual giving initiatives.
• Train and steward alumni volunteers to ensure that they are successful and understand the value of their service.
• Work closely with alumni volunteers to set specific goals, lead meetings, and ensure execution of plans that enhance fundraising and alumni engagement.
• Prepare and provide regular reports, communications, and collateral materials, to ensure volunteers’ success.

Relationship Management and Individual Solicitation (25%)

• Build and manage a small portfolio of annual giving prospects; cultivate relationships with alumni and assigned annual giving prospects and donors through one-on-one visits and digital platforms (email, social media, phone calls).
• Actively solicit annual fund gifts for the Law School from current donors and prospects.
• Serve as the primary relationship manager for key annual giving volunteers as appropriate. Follow up with personal correspondence, phone calls and additional visits as appropriate to close and to steward gifts.
• Provide regular progress reports on both personal and volunteer-led prospect cultivation and solicitation, and complete and file thorough contact reports in Donor Management System (DMS) of all contacts in a timely manner.

Other Duties (5%)

• As an integral part of the Office of Advancement, assist as needed in other core program areas, including managing additional volunteer committees, assisting with and attending donor and alumni events, and other duties as assigned.

Required:

• BA/BS degree and three years of experience in areas such as fundraising, annual giving, communications, alumni relations, event management, stewardship, or related experience in marketing, sales, or public relations;
• Demonstrated success in managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment with a positive attitude and commitment to collaboration;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong interpersonal skills;
• Proficient in the use of PC software, such as Microsoft Office; experience working with databases and related technologies;
• Robust attention to detail;
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends;
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team, values and actively promotes diversity.

Preferred Experience:

• Knowledge of fundraising;
• Solicitation management (mail, email, and/or phone);
• Program/project planning, execution, evaluation, and reporting;
• Recruiting and managing volunteers;
• Comfort working in a large, complex university setting;
• Sense of humor and positive outlook

Diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

https://www.law.umn.edu/give/driven

• 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.
• This position will remain open until filled.
• To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [email protected] 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.

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), 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.