Provides administrative leadership for a portfolio of transformational gift opportunities and priority fundraising areas critical to advancing the Department of Development’s business objectives. Serves in a liaison role for institutional leaders and subject matter experts related to the opportunity or priority area. For each area: understands primary institutional vision and strategy, facilitates Development access to in-depth knowledge of key activities, identifies ideal opportunities for philanthropic investment, partners to advance readiness for philanthropic proposals, develops gift opportunities of varying complexity and scope, and coordinates the optimal engagement of priority area experts with benefactors and Development staff. Considers how a priority area fits into the comprehensive Development fundraising portfolio and strategically modifies tactics and solutions to enable appropriate scalability across the giving pyramid. Makes strategy recommendations based on strong understanding of priority area, benefactor interests, fundraising objectives, program best practices, department processes and policies. Applies strategic thinking, business and financial acumen, strong judgement, and interpersonal skills to ensure philanthropy is maximized. Responsible for securing access to core content and business plans, facilitating timely connections to information or subject matter experts, consulting with frontline fundraisers on potential gift opportunities for qualified prospects, supporting meaningful benefactor engagements and events, informing proposal development and impact reporting, creating memorandums of understanding, advising on gift agreements, and providing ongoing education of Development colleagues. Work is focused on complex biomedical and technical opportunities  and transformational gifts, including leading the development of eight-figure+ gift opportunities.  

Applies leadership skills and operational expertise to plan, collaboratively develop, and execute integrated strategies and tactics that facilitate fundraising in alignment with Development objectives and institutional direction. As appropriate for the priority area or gift opportunity, coordinates proactive and rapid opportunity development for top prospects and serves in a project management role to advance Development’s ongoing planning and programmatic objectives related to the priority area. Guides stakeholders in identification of tasks, communication of expectations, management of project schedules, and evaluation of resources. Leads contributors in team building, conflict resolution, negotiation, and problem solving. Regularly provides transparent and up-to-date information to partners, Development leaders, and priority area leaders while promptly managing issues, risks, and action items. Contributes as a servant leader, consistently demonstrating a coaching approach and continuous learning perspective.   

Brings an institutional perspective to departmental decisions to keep the fundraising effort across the enterprise integrated. This shared perspective is essential for advancing Mayo Clinic’s strategic and operating plans. Builds relationships and collaborates effectively with Development colleagues, Mayo leadership, administrative, and physician/scientist colleagues in Clinical Practice, Education, and Research at all sites and across the Mayo Clinic Health Systems. Contributes to advancing the Campaign Administration program by proactively identifying and communicating business issues, streamlining strategy approaches/methodologies, developing shared tools and best practices. Supports and reviews science and technology-driven proposals and other deliverables while also advising peers to bolster the team’s overall science and technology acumen in opportunity development.  Approaches work with an entrepreneurial mindset and seeks opportunities to drive innovation, implement solutions and support operations to maximize fundraising. Fosters an internal culture of positive teamwork and transparency that drives excellent service, quality, diversity of thought, an engaging work environment and overall continuous improvement approach.  

A Master’s degree in a related field is required plus seven years of professional experience, preferably in fundraising, marketing, health care, biomedical research, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, life sciences, or related area, including at least three years of fundraising or comparable experience.  

Experience working in an academic medical center and/or non-profit fundraising organization is strongly preferred 

Strong relationship building and interpersonal skills with excellent strategic judgment. Must possess strong leadership, analytical, oral and written communication, and project management skills. Skilled in collaborative problem solving, critical thinking and conflict resolution. Must possess political savvy and ability to function effectively in the face of ambiguity and change. Skilled at identifying and adapting to unique situational needs, integrating both strategic and tactical expertise. Must have the ability to build positive, cross-functional relationships and navigate a complex organization with consensus decision-making that expects and promotes teamwork. Must be an active listener who demonstrates a learning orientation and a consultative/coaching approach. Ability to independently set priorities, plan, organize, coordinate and direct multiple concurrent projects and complex tasks. Ability to quickly absorb information, develop and move projects forward rapidly and drive a high volume of work to completion in a fast-paced environment. Ability to prioritize and communicate priorities in alignment with strategy. Ability to inspire trust and confidence and communicate effectively with a variety of internal and external audiences, including benefactors and Mayo Clinic leaders and executives. Ability to maintain a high degree of professionalism and confidentiality. Demonstrated competencies in leadership, project management, operations, finance and budgets, and leadership communication. Position requires occasional travel and the flexibly to work weekends and evenings as necessary.