Gift Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

At the University of Minnesota, we dont just study the future, we build it. As a member of the professional Gift Planning team, this position conducts solo and joint contacts to counsel prospects on charitable gift planning, designing blended gift strategies that align donor joy with University needs. This role is a production powerhouse, specializing in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors to increase the quantity and size of estate, life-income, and other planned gifts.

Operating with a purpose-driven mindset, you will help donors find joy by connecting their passion with possibility. Success in this role requires being innovative in navigating complex gift tax laws and collaborative with unit-based development officers to maximize institutional impact.

Location and Work Environment

Location: McNamara Alumni Center, 200 Oak Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 

Work Environment: Hybrid; 2-3 days in office per week

Travel

This position involves some travel for strategic donor visits and professional development training

Reporting Structure

This position reports to the Director, Gift Planning

Primary Responsibilities

Planned and Major Gift Cultivation and Solicitation (Production & Purpose) (45%)

• Build and maintain relationships with a portfolio of assigned donors and prospects, ensuring timely steps are taken toward solicitation.
• File timely electronic contact reports and participate in team "Innovation" sessions for prospecting analysis and strategy.

Unit Partnerships and Educational Expertise (Collaboration & Innovation) (25%)

• Provide gift planning expertise to Foundation staff and collegiate development officers, serving as a nimble resource for complex gift vehicles.
• Collaborate with colleagues to develop and present effective gift planning educational programs enterprise wide.
• Maintain proficiency in charitable gift law and PG Calc software to provide rapid, accurate gift illustrations for prospects.

Marketing and Prospecting (Innovation) (15%)

• Partner with communications and prospect development teams to provide input for marketing materials and identify key market segments.
• Prepare and deliver presentations to alumni, staff, and faculty on estate and gift planning topics.

Stewardship and DE&I Initiatives (Purpose) (15% )

•  Initiate and monitor stewardship for assigned portfolios and discovery pools to ensure donors see the impact of their legacy.
• Participate in Heritage Society event planning and execution to honor those who build our future.
• Demonstrate a 100% commitment to valuing diversity by developing anti-racist practices and creating a culture of belonging where all talent meets the world's greatest needs.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree.
• For Gift Planning Officer: Minimum four years experience in gift planning, estate planning, trust management, or fundraising.
• For Sr. Gift Planning Officer: Minimum six years experience in gift planning or a closely related field with a strong emphasis on planned giving activities.
• Ability to work effectively in a complex, Collaboration-first environment across the enterprise.
• Demonstrated communication skills including writing, research, and presentation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate (JD) or other advanced degree.
• For Sr. Gift Planning Officer: Minimum ten years experience in gift planning or a closely related field with a strong emphasis on planned giving activities.
• Leadership experience in professional or volunteer settings, specifically within higher education fundraising.
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Familiarity with the University of Minnesota and its alumni community.
   

Every day at the University of Minnesota Foundation, we wake up with the rare privilege of knowing that our work will outlive us. We are the stewards of hope, turning millions in generosity into the literal fuel that cures the incurable, protects our fragile planet, and ensures no students potential is cut short by a lack of basic needs. Whether you are streamlining operations or building relationships, your hands are on the levers of a mission that changes the very trajectory of human lives. Join us and help us build a legacy that echoes for generations.

For more information about UMF, please visit https://give.umn.edu/about/about-umf.

Pay Range: Gift Planning Officer: $90,000-105,000. Sr. Gift Planning Officer: $115,000-130,000. Depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Time Appointment Category: 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

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 employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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 Americas 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).