Director of Development, Extension

Working Title: Director of Development, University of Minnesota Extension

Classification: AD Manager 2 - Development Admin (9362DV)

Appointment: Full-time, academic administrative (P/A), annually renewable

Location: Coffey Hall, St Paul Campus

Salary Range: $125,000-$145,000 depending on educ/quals/experience

Apply By: July 2, 2025

About the Position

University of Minnesota Extension and the University of Minnesota Foundation (UMF) collaborate to develop and implement strategic fundraising initiatives in support of Extension's mission and programs. The Director of Development provides leadership for all aspects of fund development for Extension, combining high-level strategy with hands-on execution.

This position reports to the Dean of Extension and works in close partnership with the Foundation's designated liaison. The Director collaborates with faculty, educators, staff, and collegiate development teams across the University. This position also supervises a team of three staff members.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Leadership and Strategy (70%)

• Serve as the primary lead for major and planned giving initiatives for University of Minnesota Extension.
• Increase fundraising activity and donor revenue to support Extension's core and emerging programs.
• Cultivate and sustain relationships with individuals, corporations, foundations, and other external partners to identify new giving opportunities.
• Set annual fundraising goals and design strategies for securing major, planned, and corporate/foundation gifts.
• Collaborate with Extension and UMF communications teams to enhance donor messaging, storytelling, and brand alignment.
• Lead the planning and execution of capital campaign strategies on behalf of Extension.
• Lead with a donor-centered, relationship-focused approach that aligns with the values and processes of both Extension and the Foundation.
• Track and report on fundraising progress, including solicitation outcomes, portfolio activity, and performance metrics aligned with University expectations.

Team Leadership and Advancement Operations (25%)

Oversee departmental operations, including fundraising programs, communications, and administrative systems that support strategic goals.

• Inspire and engage volunteers, committee members, alumni, partner organizations, and donors in the fundraising mission.
• Manage and support a high-performing team, including coaching and training staff in effective development practices.
• Implement systems to evaluate fundraising success and communicate impact to internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage the Extension Development department budget.
• Serve as a member of Extension's Dean Leadership Council.

Other Duties as Assigned (5%)

• Support special initiatives such as time-limited campaigns or milestone events.
• Partner with marketing, communications, or program teams on initiatives like impact reporting and donor storytelling.
• Represent Extension at community events, donor engagements, or networking functions, including those that arise with short notice.

Required:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• At least eight (8) years of experience in fundraising, development, or a related field (e.g., marketing, sales, public relations, financial advising), with demonstrated success in relationship-building and gift solicitation.
• Experience with youth development or 4-H related fundraising.
• Experience managing a departmental or program budget.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Effective problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace tools.
• Ability to drive frequently across Minnesota and stay overnight as needed; must maintain a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and appropriate insurance.
• Ability to work from an assigned Extension office and maintain consistent connectivity when working remotely. When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a number that will be published in the Extension staff directory.
• Ability to conduct work in many environments that include various weather, building, terrain, and temperature conditions.
• Flexibility to accommodate evening and weekend work and overnight stays.

Preferred:

• Previous experience working within a University Extension system.
• Experience supervising and managing development teams or leading fundraising programs.
• Capital campaign planning or management experience.
• Strategic planning experience within a mission-driven organization.
• Experience collaborating with advisory boards or volunteer councils.

This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

About Extension

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees, and weave diversity, equity and inclusion into all aspects of Extension's programming and employee engagement. Find further information on the Extension website.

Pay Range: $125,000-$145,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment

Position Type: P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University 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
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please note: This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click on the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position. The following attachments must be part of your online application:

• Cover letter
• Resume/Vitae

Contact information for three professional references will be required during the interview process.

Additional documents may be attached after the application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. See full application instructions.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please email employ@umn.edu 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.

The 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).