Job Description

Why Join Us?

The University of South Dakota Foundation & Alumni Association is committed to supporting the mission of the University of South Dakota by engaging alumni, building community relationships, and promoting a culture of philanthropy.

We exist to support the University of South Dakota through donor-centric and mission-driven efforts. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in an organization dedicated to advancing education and fostering connections.

Position Overview

The Director of Development for the Minneapolis/St. Paul region is a dynamic and results-driven fundraising professional responsible for securing major philanthropic gifts of $50,000+ to support the University of South Dakota (USD). This individual will focus on identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding high-potential donors to advance the university’s strategic priorities and fundraising goals.

As a key member of the Foundation’s development team, they will manage a portfolio of current and prospective donors, primarily within their assigned geographic area, with additional non-regional development work as needed. The role requires a self-motivated relationship builder with strong communication, strategic thinking, and donor engagement skills to drive philanthropic investment in USD.

*This is position is a remote position that must reside in the Minneapolis/St. Paul region.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Major Gifts Fundraising (75%)

• Manage a portfolio of 80-120 major gift prospects ($50,000+) and actively engage in all aspects of donor relationship management.
• Develop and execute customized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for major donors, aligning their philanthropic interests with USD’s fundraising priorities.
• Conduct at least 12-15 significant donor interactions per month, including face-to-face meetings, phone/video calls, and strategic engagement events.
• Partner with university leadership, faculty, and athletic staff to identify and develop compelling major gift opportunities.
• Track all donor interactions, proposals, and solicitations in the CRM database (Raiser’s Edge or similar system) in compliance with the Foundation’s prospect management policies.

Alumni & Donor Engagement (25%)

• Develop strategies to increase alumni engagement, identify new major gift prospects, and strengthen relationships with high-capacity alumni and friends of USD.
• Attend and participate in key university events, donor gatherings, and regional alumni activities to foster deeper connections and expand the donor pipeline.

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts ($50,000+).
• Strong relationship-building skills with high-net-worth individuals and corporate partners.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet fundraising goals, and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of fundraising, gift acceptance policies, and general information affecting the Foundation’s operation.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.
• Donor database experience preferred (Raiser’s Edge).

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, communications, or related fields.
• One to three years of combined fundraising, business development, sales, marketing, or communications experience. Experience in fundraising for a higher education institution is strongly preferred but not required.
• Valid driver’s license and safe driving record.

The University of South Dakota Foundation is an equal-opportunity employer. This position includes an excellent benefits package and a generous PTO policy. Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest and resume to Joe Hoose, Vice President of Talent Management, at [email protected].

Job Tags

Similar Jobs