University of Minnesota | Minneapolis, MN
Salary Range: $83,000 - $88,000
The 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.
Qualifications
Preferred
- 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 Department
The 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 Benefits
Pay Range: $83,000 - $88,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience
Time Appointment: 75%-100% Appointment
Position Type: Faculty and 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
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.
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.
Resume
Initial 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.