The Associate Director of Annual Giving is responsible for executing the day-to-day operations of a comprehensive annual giving program with the intention of growing alumni giving to the Carlson School of Management. The Associate Director will lead annual giving program development, execution and stewardship, the School’s Investor’s Circle giving society, and frontline fundraising with the goal of expanding and growing annual support to the school. This person is a critical member of the institutional advancement team, ensuring a strong base of charitable giving to enable the Carlson School to further its ambitious goals.

This position reports to the Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving. The Carlson School’s annual giving program is a vital element of the School’s overall advancement efforts, averaging nearly $2 million a year over the past five years.

Job Description

Leadership of Annual Giving Program (65%)

• Develop both annual and long-term plans and goals that grow retention, activation and dollars raised for the Carlson School annual giving program using strategic input and partnership with the Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving
  • Write and edit targeted solicitation letters and email copy.
  • Work with the U of M Foundation staff to manage project deadlines, mailing list segments, printing, and mailing of 3-4 centralized mailings per year.
  • Plan and execute a complex multi-segment, multi-channel annual giving program.
  • Responsible for key giving and stewardship efforts including Give to the Max Day, Gopher Gratitude, class gift and other events as needed.
  • Other special appeals as assigned by the Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving.
• Provide leadership and vision for the Dean’s Excellence Fund, positioning it as an essential and integrated component of the Carlson School advancement strategy.
• Build strong internal relationships with faculty and school leaders to achieve goals.
• Execute “best practice” fundraising through careful management, reporting, back-testing, and analysis.
• Execute programs that create a cultural of giving amongst Carlson School students, faculty/staff and alumni.
• Develop and execute overall stewardship program for annual giving donors.
• Manage a group of Alumni and GOLD Board volunteers to execute annual giving programs.
• Serve as the staff lead for 50 year reunion committee
• Responsible for the planning and management of annual giving budget

Leadership and Management of Leadership Annual Giving Program (25%)

• Strategize and execute growth of the Investor’s Circle program, the Carlson School’s exclusive leadership annual giving society, targeting leadership gifts of $1000-$50,000.
• Responsible for driving innovative marketing, retention and participation efforts to grow the Investor’s Circle.
• Partner with major gift officers in solicitation strategy of leadership annual giving donors when appropriate.
• Manage relationships of Investor’s Circle potential donors and current donors and those donors that may require significant service and communication from the donor’s development officer.
• Responsible for record keeping and reporting of all Investor’s Circle contributions.
• Work with stewardship team to execute a stewardship plan for Investor’s Circle members.

Front-Line Leadership Annual Giving (10%)

• Build and manage a small portfolio of annual giving prospects; secure philanthropic investments of $2,500+ in support of Carlson School of Management priorities.
• 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 Carlson School of Management from current members and prospects; maintain current contact reports on all prospect interactions.

** The employer reserves the right to change or assign other duties to this position **

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 [email protected] or call (612) 624-UOHR (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.