The posting
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Working Title:
Director of Development (MSUAASF Range D)
Institution:
Winona State University
Classification Title:
MSUAASF Range D
Bargaining Unit / Union:
211: Minnesota State University Association of Administrative Service Faculty
City:
Winona
FLSA:
Job Exempt
Full Time / Part Time:
Full time
Employment Condition:
Unclassified - Unlimited Academic
Salary Range:
$54,616.00 - $117,191.00
Job Description
The Director of Development serves as a primary major gift officer for Winona State University, contributing to the success and growth of the University Advancement Division by identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors to meet the university’s major gift, capital campaign and planned giving fundraising goals. This position also assists with development and implementation of programs and events sponsored by the University Advancement Division.
Responsibilities:
1. Major Gifts. Manage a portfolio of individual, corporate and foundation donors and prospects with significant giving capacity to accomplish their giving objectives in the form of major and planned gifts. Develop institutionally strong relationships with internal and external constituencies, implementing effective communication strategies, providing options for engagement, and opportunities for benefactors to co-mission with WSU. Participate in all aspects of the gift cycle: work with the development team to identify major donor prospects; initiate contacts with potential major donors; develop appropriate cultivation strategies, including working with volunteers; move potential donors in an appropriate and timely fashion toward solicitation and closure; make solicitations when appropriate; maintain stewardship contacts with donors, all in support of WSU’s mission. Ensure effective coordination of efforts to reinforce the prospect relationship continuum. Follow procedures for tracking and reporting prospect activity and outcomes. Execute and report on quarterly/annual fundraising goals. Convey the university’s goals and make a case for support and build a culture of philanthropy.
2. Program Development. Contribute to goals of the institution’s University Advancement Division by assisting in projects related to marketing, institutional image, alumni, public, community and government relations. Participate in alumni and friend events, regional receptions, recognitions, reunions, homecoming, etc. Participate in Advancement Division team efforts including prospect management, solicitation strategy and internal planning.
3. Perform other duties as assigned to ensure the smooth functioning of the department and maintain the reputation of Winona State University. Including but not limited to participating on university committees to provide development perspective and keeping current on programs and faculty and student initiatives.
Salary Range: $54,616-$117,191; Commensurate with qualifications and experience
Other Requirements:
1. The successful candidate must be able to lawfully accept employment in the United States by the day employment begins. The University regrets that we are unable to offer H1-B sponsorship at this time.
2. A complete online application will include the following:
- A cover letter that addresses the qualifications listed previously
- Current Curriculum Vitae / Resume
- Transcripts (undergraduate and graduate)
- A list of professional references with contact information
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree plus two (2) years of experience in marketing, public relations, sales, annual giving, and/or fundraising OR five (5) years of demonstrated, progressive experience in marketing, public relations, sales, annual giving, and/or fundraising.
- Strong oral, written interpersonal and electronic communication skills sufficient to prepare messages and materials for diverse audiences and clearly explain, discuss, and present.
- Experience establishing and maintaining effective relationships with diverse populations.
- Must have a valid driver’s license.
- Must be willing to travel and work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends.
Preferred Qualification
- Experience in higher education or non-profit organization.
- Successful experience in developing, documenting and presenting cultivation and solicitation strategies/proposals.
- Experience developing stewardship strategies that convey the University’s thanks to its constituents in a way that inspires donor loyalty
- Ability to communicate a strong affinity for the University, its mission, vision, and goals.
- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
- Self-motivated professional who can work collaboratively in a team environment.
- Evidence of ability to motivate others.
- Experience with databases and records management, spreadsheets and benchmarking techniques.
- Experience maintaining the integrity of highly confidential information.
Working Conditions
- Weekend and evening duties are required
- Overnight travel required
- Must have a valid driver’s license Other Requirements
Posting Information:
Application Deadline: Review begins November 6, 2026
Appointment Date: January 2027
Primary Location: Winona, MN
Type of Appointment: Probationary
Telework (Yes/No) No
About Winona State University
Founded in 1858, Winona State University is a regional public university and the oldest member of the Minnesota State system. Offering more than 200 majors and programs, Winona State has the #1 Student Success Rate in the Minnesota State System with 96.97 percent of WSU graduates being hired in a field related to their degree. U.S. News recognized Winona State as having top-ranking undergraduate programs in nursing, engineering, psychology, business, and computer science. With campuses in both Winona and Rochester, Winona State offers the best of both worlds. Widely known for its stunning natural setting, the Winona campus is nestled between picturesque bluffs and the Mississippi River - meaning rock climbing, paddle-boarding, hiking, and kayaking are within a mile of campus. WSU’s Rochester campus is located in Minnesota’s third largest city - a dynamic hub for industry, arts, and culture, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. Winona State University's mission is to enhance the intellectual, social, cultural and economic vitality of the people and communities we serve: a community of learners improving our world. For more information, visit winona.edu.
Employment for this position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement for Minnesota State University Association of Administrative & Service Faculty (ASF) which can be found at https://www.minnstate.edu/system/working/relations.html
Notice: In accordance with Minnesota State policy, employees driving on university business who use a rental or state vehicle shall be required to conform to Minnesota State’s vehicle use criteria and consent to a motor vehicle records check. The Winona State University Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available for your review. This report is required by federal law and contains policy statements and crime statistics for the University. The policy statements address the school's policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security. Three years' worth of statistics are included for certain types of crimes that were reported to have occurred on-campus, or in other University affiliated locations. This report is available online at https://www.winona.edu/about/safety-security/. You may also request a paper copy from University Security by emailing [email protected].
Winona State University is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.
The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.
A member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. A community of learners improving our world!
Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications and is subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable bargaining unit agreement or personnel plan.
Benefits Information:
At Minnesota State, we take your well-being and work-life balance seriously. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that features low-cost medical and dental insurance with affordable deductibles, employer-paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and pre-tax healthcare and dependent care accounts with a roll-over option. To further support your holistic health, employees also have access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health, legal, and financial counseling. Detailed plan details, rates, and coverage choices can be reviewed directly via the State Employee Group Insurance Program (SEGIP) website.
To support your life outside of work, our package includes 12 paid holidays, generous vacation and sick time, and six weeks of Paid Parental Leave. We also help you secure your financial future with a robust Pension Plan, 457(b) and 403(b) retirement accounts, and various investment options. Furthermore, we invest in your growth by providing dedicated professional development and tuition waivers for both you and your dependents. Please note that specific benefit eligibility and coverage levels may vary depending on the type of position, employee classification, and collective bargaining agreements.
Desired Start Date:
01-04-2027
Position End Date:
Open Date:
10-07-2026
Close Date:
11-07-2026
Posting Contact Name:
Robin M Delong
Posting Contact Email:
