Advancement Operations Director

Company: University of Minnesota
Location: Minneapolis
Posted on: April 7, 2025

Job Description:

Starting Date: Negotiable upon offer.Salary Range: $83,000 - $88,000 annuallyThe Advancement Operations Program Director is a new position in the organization reporting to and working in partnership with the Executive Director (ED). The Advancement Operations Director will spearhead fundraising and stewardship efforts as MCEE continues to expand its programming and reach. Focus areas include individual giving, corporate and foundation giving, planned giving and, in partnership with lobbyists, legislative efforts. This position coordinates grant writing, fundraising, reporting functions and development-related communications. The Advancement Operations Director will have primary responsibility for writing or coordinating the writing of most grant applications and grant reports.MCEE is a hybrid work environment: Team members work on-site from a couple days a month to two to three days a week depending on their roles and organizational needs. Each team member has an individual-specific hybrid work plan.Key Responsibilities:

• Advancement Operations & Communications (70%)
  • Create and lead the stewardship plan for the organization.
  • Partner with cross-functional leadership to create comprehensive development strategies and goals that align with the MCEE's strategic plan and deliver measurable results.
  • Lead all MCEE advancement and fundraising efforts, including grant writing and reporting, major gifts, and solicitations to corporations, foundations, board members and individual donors.
  • In conjunction with the Executive Director (ED), and on occasion outside fundraising consultants, create and lead annual fundraising strategies.
  • Become familiar with all aspects of MCEE's mission and programming, and the societal and community needs MCEE is working to address so as to be able to effectively and compellingly convey MCEE stories to funders and stakeholders.
  • Network to raise awareness about MCEE and attend at least 2 networking events per month.
  • Partner with ED in building and maintaining relationships with current and potential key funders and donors.
  • Lead prospect research for securing new funders and donors.
  • Work with the entire MCEE staff and board to create and execute friendraiser/fundraiser events.
  • Responsible for content and design of all fundraising communications in partnership with the ED and Communications and Program Director (CPD).
  • In consultation with ED and CPD, evaluate all communication strategies to ensure MCEE is positioned as the leader in economic and personal finance education.
  • In consultation with ED and CPD develop, implement, and evaluate the annual communications plan for the organization as it pertains to individual and institutional donors.
  • Write solicitation letters for individual donor campaigns and, with the CPD, content for digital fundraising campaigns.
  • Fundraising and Grant Administration (25%)
    • Manage the complete life cycle of grants including research, grant writing, implementation, goal setting, budgeting, and reporting.
    • Create a grant flow chart for submission and reporting.
    • Create and maintain the grants calendar as well as the progress of submitted proposals. Serve as the MCEE contact with grantors.
    • Ensure that all incoming donations are appropriately coded per accounting procedures and that acknowledgment letters are sent.
    • Manage and oversee the tracking of annual donations in GiftWorks and/or other donor tracking software applications.
    • Develop quarterly development reports for board meetings.
    • Serve as staff lead for the Development Committee of MCEE Board. Coordinate, attend, and take minutes of the meetings.
    • Workflow / Teamwork (5%)
      • Attend professional development workshops as required by development needs.
      • Expect occasional evening and weekend work (approx. five to seven times per year).
      • Other work-related duties may be assigned.QualificationsPreferred
        • Experience as a Development Director in a mid-size organization.
        • Experience designing and writing communications with a focus on customizing messaging to specific audiences.
        • Experience with project management.
        • Experience with event planning and implementation.
        • Demonstrated skill in making presentations to small audiences.Required
          • Bachelor's degree plus four or six years of relevant professional experience
          • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to create positive professional relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
          • Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to articulate a compelling case for support.
          • Experience in several of the following: achieving plans for individual giving, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, corporate and foundation grant writing, and/or planned giving.
          • Experience with fundraising database software.
          • Possess the skills to work with and motivate staff, board members and other volunteers.
          • Be willing to call and meet with donors in person outside of the office.
          • Display a positive attitude, show concern for people and community, demonstrate presence, self-confidence, common sense and good listening ability.About the DepartmentThe Minnesota Council on Economic Education (MCEE) is located in the Department of Applied Economics, a department within the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. MCEE is an entrepreneurial non-profit organization (501c3) with a mission to equip Minnesotans with the economic and personal financial knowledge and skills to make informed decisions and thrive in our complex world. MCEE accomplishes this mission by developing and delivering professional development courses and workshops for K-12 teachers, providing direct programs to K-12 students, and working with community agencies in personal finance education for adults. For more information about MCEE, visit http://www.mcee.umn.edu/.Pay and BenefitsPay Range: $83,000 - $88,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experienceThe University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
            • Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
            • Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
            • Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
            • University HSA contributions
            • Disability and employer-paid life insurance
            • Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
            • Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no costApplications 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.A COMPLETE application must include the following, and only complete applications will be reviewed:
              • Cover letter (a) outlining how your career goals, training, and experience support your candidacy and (b) explaining how your past fundraising experience will benefit MCEE and help you transition into your Advancement Operations Director position.
              • ResumeInitial review of applicants will begin on April 21, 2025.To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.DiversityThe 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.Employment RequirementsAny 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 MThe University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)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.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).
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Keywords: University of Minnesota, Minneapolis , Advancement Operations Director, Executive , Minneapolis, Minnesota