Overview:

This position is responsible for providing comprehensive leadership of the team who provides strategic planning and program evaluation to shape a sustainable program of annual support and pipeline development on behalf of a variety of colleges and programs at the University of Minnesota. This person serves as a supervisor and leader of staff in addition to serving as a central direct marketing partner for development staff in top-revenue-producing across the University. Responsibilities include developing strategy, creating annual plan, leading the design of marketing materials and writing copy, and interpreting and sharing results with partners. Manager also supports the Director on employee giving initiatives and other University-wide marketing initiatives.

Primary Responsibilities:

Provide leadership and management in the development of comprehensive direct marketing strategies and plans that align with fundraising goals, is clear in expectations, consistent (over a multi-year time period), and has demonstrable outcomes. Direct the work, with internal and external resources, for audience identification, messaging, strategic planning, and creative development. (40%)

• Work closely with unit partners, and collaborate with other members of the advancement team on overall strategy.
• Develop and manage multi-channel campaigns (telemarketing, texting, direct mail, social, e-communications, etc.), to increase the volume of annual donors and gift revenue from alumni, friends, faculty/staff, patients, health system employees and other prospects.
• Lead cross functional teams that help inform the development and execution of annual giving and direct marketing campaigns and programs.
• Lead and develop system-wide University faculty and staff participation strategies, including engagement, cultivation, and solicitation. Support colleges and units in development of their plans.
• Collaborate with internal and external resources for data/list segmentation.
• Oversee the creative development of content and design for marketing materials.
• Use statistics to evaluate and to make recommendations for program changes. Ensure that donor and patient data privacy protocols are in place and followed.
• In partnership with Operations Team, develop budgets to support the strategy; ensure maximum cost-benefit ratio is achieved.
• Lead cross functional teams that help inform the development and execution of direct marketing fundraising campaigns and programs.
• Participate as a strategic thought partner with other Account Manager(s), in analyzing results and making recommendations for new strategies for advancing donation goals.
• Take the lead on training and educating various internal teams about managing direct marketing capabilities, industry trends appropriate to the growth and success of the University of MN Foundation.
• Present, as appropriate, at bi-monthly U-wide Annual Giving and Stewardship meetings.

Manage human resources to achieve departmental and Foundation objectives. (25%)

• Actively participate in recruitment, selection, training, and coaching and on-going evaluation of staff.
• Daily management and work direction for two direct reports and their responsibilities.
• Ensure adequate cross-training is implemented and maintained for all critical functions.
• Identify staff training and development opportunities and work with individual staff on professional development planning. Ensure appropriate resources are available to staff.

Advance fundraising strategies through collaborative relationships (25%)

• Forge and maintain partnerships with senior development leaders, development staff, marketing and communications colleagues, information services, health system partners and University faculty/staff.
• Lead strategy discussions with fundraising vendors/consultants, and key partners throughout the Foundation, health system, University, and community. When necessary drive outcomes through negotiation and persuasion.
• Ensure appropriate reporting to key partners on giving progress, results, trends, etc.
• Partner with other UMF teams such as, donor relations, digital marketing, communications, gift administration, office operations, and finance to ensure smooth program operations, brand compliance to address issues and concerns.
• Participate as a strategic thought partner with other Manager(s), in analyzing results and making recommendations for new strategies for advancing donation goals.

Seek opportunities to increase knowledge and broaden the impact of fundraising strategies. (10%)

• Remain up-to-date on trends and developments in fundraising, direct marketing and annual giving/fundraising programs.
• Develop and cultivate a network of peers in the field.
• Develop a high level of familiarity with necessary software programs to effectively perform assigned responsibilities. (DMS, DESelect/SalesForce), Tableau, grateful patient database, others as needed).

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.

Starting Pay: $85,000 - $100,000 based on experience

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, not-for-profit management, or other related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in the development and execution of comprehensive giving campaigns, with a proven track record of achieving fundraising goals and initiatives, or closely related experience.
• Supervisory experience including managing staff, hiring, training, coaching, and performance management.
• Strong analytical skills including the ability to analyze trends from quantitative and qualitative data. Experience with MS Office and data systems required.
• Experience operating within a complex environment, and possess the ability to explain and promote annual giving strategies within that context, or strongly related experience.
• Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a commitment to providing excellent customer service.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills; ability to work towards goals within deadlines. Able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated success in building relationships in a team setting.
• Experience contracting with outside vendors and managing their work.

Preferred:

• 8+ years of experience in the development and execution of comprehensive giving campaigns, with a proven track record of achieving fundraising goals and initiatives, or closely related experience.
• Experience operating within a complex work environment - University, corporate or large non-profit.
• Experience in an academic, medical/health, or nonprofit setting.
• Formal training in multi-channel marketing strategies.
• Experience with fundraising databases and Google suite.

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

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