Development and Communications Associate, Minnesota Urban Debate League

Augsburg University has maintained a strong academic reputation defined by excellence in the liberal arts and professional studies since 1869. A safe and welcoming campus in the heart of Minneapolis, Augsburg offers undergraduate and graduate degrees to nearly 3,200 diverse students.

Augsburg’s mission is to educate students to be informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical thinkers, and responsible leaders. The Augsburg experience is supported by an engaged community that is committed to intentional diversity in its life and work. An Augsburg education is defined by excellence in the liberal arts and professional studies, guided by the faith and values of the Lutheran church, and shaped by its urban and global settings.

The Minnesota Urban Debate League (MNUDL) is a program of Augsburg University which provides resources and programming to support competitive academic debate in Twin Cities middle and high schools.

The mission of MNUDL is to empower students through competitive academic debate to become engaged learners, critical thinkers, and active global citizens who are effective advocates for themselves and their communities. Currently, MNUDL serves more than 1,400 students at 60 partner schools and has seen sustained growth in student participation since its inception in 2004.

Augsburg invites individuals who share our mission and commitment to intentional diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging to join our community.  In particular, Augsburg invites BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, individuals with disabilities, women, veterans and those from underrepresented or marginalized backgrounds are encouraged to apply. 

Summary of Position

The Minnesota Urban Debate League (MNUDL) Development and Communications Associate will lead donor communication strategies for the annual fund (newsletter, giving day campaigns, and annual appeals), carry a portfolio of mid-level/major gift donors, and co-lead fundraising for the annual fundraising event. The Development and Communications Associate will contract with graphic designers, photographers, and videographers as needed.

Primary Responsibilities

Individual Portfolio

• Manage a donor prospect pool of approximately 100-150 mid-level donors. Work to grow mid-level donors to major gift donors. Work to move these prospects through the process from qualification to solicitation and increase of gifts. Assists the MNUDL Executive Director with prospecting and cultivating major gits.
• Develop and implement a strategy for each prospect, including ways to increase the involvement of donors and prospects. Cultivate, solicit, and steward gifts.
• Manage monthly giving program, and provide strategy and stewardship to donors giving monthly.
• Utilize Gratavids and other media tools to bolster donor cultivation and stewardship.

Donor Communications

• Contribute donor communications for the monthly e-newsletter, annual written report, e-blasts, and blog.
• Lead communications effort for donor-events, annual giving day, and year-end campaign. Devise strategy and after-campaign evaluation and follow through.

Annual Event

• Work in partnership with the MNUDL Executive Director to renew and grow sponsorships for the annual fall fundraiser.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward event and program sponsors.
• Provide coordination and support to volunteer board member fundraisers for the event.
• Coordinate with graphic designer as needed on event collateral.
• Lead the event registration process in partnership with the Events office.
• Assist with small donor cultivation events throughout the year.

Additional Responsibilities

• Contract with graphic designers, photographers, and other professionals as needed.
• Other duties as apparent or assigned by supervisor(s).

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Typical work environment is an office. Sedentary work for long periods of time.
• Regular computer and phone use.
• Regular assistance with event logistics, which includes walking rapidly and lifting, carrying, and arranging light materials (5-15 pounds).
• Infrequent carrying of up to 25-30 pounds.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• Three (3) years of relevant professional experience with fundraising (preferably individual donor experience) or sales.
• Reliable transportation to attend meetings and events as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three (3) to five (5) years of fundraising experience, preferably individual donor experience.
• Experience with competitive speech and debate in high school and/or college.
• Knowledge and proficiency with mass email platforms (MailChimp, etc.) and Raisers Edge or similar CRM.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Superior written and oral communication skills; the ability to convey with clarity, crispness, and passion to a wide variety of audiences.  
• Strong interpersonal skills, collaborative working style, and enthusiasm for building bridges among key stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a diverse work environment.
• Excellent eye for detail and work that is accurate and precise for proofreading and revisions.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and work independently with little supervision.
• Knowledge and proficiency with relevant computer software (e.g. Google suite, etc.).
• Shows initiative, proactive problem-solving, and organized workflow; ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Has a passion for education, equity, and elevating young voices.
• Flexible, can-do attitude with great problem-solving skills; willing to jump in and do what needs to be done to help the program achieve its goals.
• Ability to reason/analyze, maintain confidentiality, and demonstrate patience and understanding.

Application Requirements

Please submit a resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.

Compensation & Benefits at Augsburg

• The compensation range is $52,000 - $55,000 per year, DOQ.

Augsburg University offers a competitive and comprehensive total rewards program including: 

• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• A generous 403(b) matching program with an employer contributions of up to 8% upon eligibility
• Up to 100% tuition remission for employees, spouses and dependents, and participation in the Tuition Exchange program with colleges and universities throughout the US
• Generous paid time-off, including 14 paid holidays, 12 sick days, 2 community service days, and vacation of up to 22 days per year immediately upon hire
• Employer-paid STD, LTD and life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees

Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Statement

Augsburg is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, or any other protected class.  

Augsburg University is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all applicants and employees regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, national origin, familial status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status or public assistance status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. 

If you need a reasonable accommodation to complete our application process, please contact our Human Resources Department at phone number: 612-330-1058 or email: [email protected].