Executive Director of Advancement & Lead Development Officer
Apply NowCompany: University of Minnesota
Location: Duluth, MN 55811
Description:
SALARY RANGE: $157,854-$191,000
Overview:
The Executive Director of Advancement and Lead Development Officer at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) provides strategic leadership to the Advancement team, designing and implementing programs to increase engagement and fundraising. Reporting to the Chancellor and serving on the Senior Leadership Team, the Executive Director leads efforts in development, alumni relations, stewardship, operations, and marketing. This role aligns the Chancellor's vision of impactful philanthropy with UMD's broader goals, working in partnership with the University of Minnesota Foundation (UMF) to leverage central resources and build strong donor relations.
Primary Responsibilities:
Fundraising Leadership and Strategy (50%)
Advancement Operations and Team Leadership (30%)
Organizational Leadership (20%)
Demonstrate commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an equitable and inclusive working and learning environment (exhibit 100% of the time)
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
About the Department
The Executive Director of Advancement and Lead Development Officer at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) provides strategic leadership to the Advancement team, designing and implementing programs to increase engagement and fundraising. Reporting to the Chancellor and serving on the Senior Leadership Team, the Executive Director leads efforts in development, alumni relations, stewardship, operations, and marketing. This role aligns the Chancellor's vision of impactful philanthropy with UMD's broader goals, working in partnership with the University of Minnesota Foundation (UMF) to leverage central resources and build strong donor relations.
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:
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 [redacted] or call ([redacted].
Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is strongly encouraged. Don't miss the opportunity-apply today to ensure full consideration for this exciting role!
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.
About the U of M
University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)
The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.
Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.
At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).
Overview:
The Executive Director of Advancement and Lead Development Officer at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) provides strategic leadership to the Advancement team, designing and implementing programs to increase engagement and fundraising. Reporting to the Chancellor and serving on the Senior Leadership Team, the Executive Director leads efforts in development, alumni relations, stewardship, operations, and marketing. This role aligns the Chancellor's vision of impactful philanthropy with UMD's broader goals, working in partnership with the University of Minnesota Foundation (UMF) to leverage central resources and build strong donor relations.
Primary Responsibilities:
Fundraising Leadership and Strategy (50%)
- Lead UMD's development efforts, creating and executing a multi-year strategic fundraising plan.
- Guide university-wide and campus-specific campaigns, identifying growth opportunities and increasing donor engagement.
- Support the Chancellor and senior leaders in securing transformative gifts and cultivating key relationships with major and principal gift donors.
- Serve on the Chancellor's Leadership Team, collaborating with other senior leaders to align fundraising with institutional priorities.
- Foster a culture of philanthropy across UMD, engaging key stakeholders including faculty, staff, students, and alumni.
Advancement Operations and Team Leadership (30%)
- Integrate development and alumni relations into a cohesive, high-functioning Advancement department.
- Build a collaborative, mission-driven team culture focused on innovation, problem-solving, and professional growth, with a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Strengthen alumni relations and annual giving programs, while developing new donor engagement strategies.
- Ensure a well-resourced and effective infrastructure to support future campaigns, managing staff recruitment, retention, and performance.
Organizational Leadership (20%)
- Align advancement goals with UMD's mission and strategic priorities, providing guidance to the Chancellor and other senior leaders.
- Collaborate with university leaders to understand their goals and mobilize donor support for key initiatives.
- Represent UMD externally, building relationships with local communities, businesses, and stakeholders.
Demonstrate commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an equitable and inclusive working and learning environment (exhibit 100% of the time)
- Continuous learning in diversity, equity and inclusion for oneself and team via training, 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.
- Strive to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace when hiring, promoting, and offering career advancement opportunities.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- BA/BS degree plus at least twelve years of experience
- Minimum of three years of experience leading, supervising, or managing multiple staff including selection, performance management, and coaching
- Demonstrated ability to secure major gifts ($100K+)
- Sophisticated understanding of the role and function of advancement with an emphasis on alumni relations and development
- Superb oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
- Evidence of the ability to lead cross-functional teams and to work effectively and collaboratively with multiple groups and diverse constituencies
- Experience serving as an external advocate for a highly visible community institution or organization
Preferred Qualifications:
- Graduate or professional degree
- Effective advancement management experience in a higher education environment
- Volunteer board management
About the Department
The Executive Director of Advancement and Lead Development Officer at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) provides strategic leadership to the Advancement team, designing and implementing programs to increase engagement and fundraising. Reporting to the Chancellor and serving on the Senior Leadership Team, the Executive Director leads efforts in development, alumni relations, stewardship, operations, and marketing. This role aligns the Chancellor's vision of impactful philanthropy with UMD's broader goals, working in partnership with the University of Minnesota Foundation (UMF) to leverage central resources and build strong donor relations.
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 Tuition Benefit Program
- 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 [redacted] or call ([redacted].
Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is strongly encouraged. Don't miss the opportunity-apply today to ensure full consideration for this exciting role!
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.
About the U of M
University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)
The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.
Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.
At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).