Senior Director of Development for Special Projects - MSUAASF Range E

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Working Title:

Senior Director of Development for Special Projects - MSUAASF Range E

Institution:

Southwest Minnesota State University

Classification Title:

MSUAASF Range E

Bargaining Unit / Union:

211: Minnesota State University Association of Administrative Service Faculty

City:

Marshall

FLSA:

Job Exempt

Full Time / Part Time:

Full time

Employment Condition:

Unclassified - Limited Academic (Fixed Term)

Salary Range:

• $63,722.00 - $128,942.00
• Job Description

University Advancement engages alumni, businesses, and friends of the University in meaningful and mutually beneficial ways. The Director of Major Gift Giving leads major and principal gift fundraising for assigned university and project areas. This position has a university wide impact and serves as the recognized expert in major and principal gift strategy on behalf of the university. The Director of Major Gift Giving is expected to engage with alumni, donors, corporations and foundations to secure significant philanthropic commitments and collaborate closely with university leadership. The position is being established for a limited three-year term to advance designated special projects and strategic fundraising priorities of the University.

Minimum Qualifications

• •A Master’s plus five years OR Bachelor’s degree plus six years of successful and progressive experience in a comparable role or a combination of related experience in donor relations, sales/marketing, mission advancement, communications, and fundraising.
• •Demonstrated success in major gift fundraising, corporate partnerships, and/or donor stewardship.
• •Ability to serve as the recognized authoritative expert in major and principal gift strategy on behalf of the university.
• •Proven interpersonal and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• •Proven track record in negotiation and closing significant (6-figure or greater) philanthropic commitments.
• •Proficiency in donor database systems.
• •Direct experience at Southwest Minnesota State University as a graduate or former student.

Priority will be given to those who apply by 11/20/2026

Work Shift (Hours / Days of work)

Monday - Friday; 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Telework (Yes/No)

No

About

Southwest Minnesota State University is one of seven universities in the Minnesota State system. SMSU gives highest priority to excellence in teaching and preparing students to be lifelong learners through quality undergraduate teaching/advising and close student/faculty relationships. Its mission, dating back to 1967, provides access to university-level programs in liberal arts & professional studies. The University has a special commitment to the educational needs of the people in its service region reflected through its curricula, cultural programs, diversity of staff and students, cooperative relationships with the public and private sectors, and regional institutions. The 216-acre campus encompasses 24 modern, interconnected, and accessible buildings. Marshall (pop. 13,000) is the hub of a rich agricultural area and offers a variety of cultural, recreational and educational opportunities. The position is an opportunity to be part of a vibrant, dynamic and growing institution that is searching for exceptionally talented people.

Southwest Minnesota State University complies with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act. You can find our Annual Security and Fire Safety Report online at Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (smsu.edu) . This report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in certain non-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Southwest Minnesota State University. If you prefer a hard copy, please contact the Department of Public Safety at 507-537-7252.

We are committed to responding to the educational needs of our changing communities and to providing opportunities for enhancing knowledge, skills, and values in a supportive learning environment. We recognize and assert the value of inclusion as an ethical imperative and as a necessity for academic rigor, student success, and lifelong learning. Our goal is to strive for inclusive excellence in our commitment to preparing all students and employees for success.

Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota

Southwest Minnesota State University prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex and/or gender in education programs and activities. SMSU maintains compliance with the federal Title IX law, Minnesota statute § 135.A.15 (Campus Sexual Misconduct Policy), and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustee’s, 1B.3 Sexual Misconduct policy and 1B.3.1 Response to Sexual Violence and Title IX Sexual Harassment procedure. For a comprehensive review of the aforementioned federal, state, system, and university policies, please go to https://www.smsu.edu/administration/titleix/index.html .

Southwest Minnesota State University is a member of the Minnesota State system and is an equal opportunity educator and employer. SMSU is committed to equal employment opportunities for all applicants and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. SMSU does not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind. Women, diverse populations and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be able to lawfully accept employment in the United States. Requests for reasonable accommodation of a disability during the application and/or interview process should be made to the Affirmative Action Office, 507-537-6208. For TTY communications, contact Minnesota Relay Service at 1-800-627-3529. This vacancy notice is available in alternative format upon request.

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:

12-01-2026

Position End Date:

12-01-2029

Open Date:

11-06-2026

Close Date:

12-30-2026

Posting Contact Name:

Bailey Falconer

Posting Contact Email:

[email protected]