Stewardship Coordinator, Extension Development Office (# 370326)

Job ID: 370326

About the Job

Working Title: Stewardship
Coordinator, Extension Development Office

Appointment: Full-time, AD Officer 1-Adv Ops Gnrlst (Job code
8341AO), Civil Service

Extension area: Extension Development Office

Office
location: Coffey Hall, St. Paul Campus

Pay range: $22-$30/hour; depending on
education/qualifications/experience

Apply by: September 28, 2025

About the Position

University of Minnesota Extension seeks Stewardship Coordinator
to support donor engagement and stewardship. This role combines advancement operations, donor relations, volunteer coordination, and program
support.

You will work with the systems, processes, and tactical implementation that bring Extension’s donor engagement strategy to
life. You will often be the first point of contact for donors and volunteers, with your professionalism and expertise directly shaping their
perception of Extension.

Extension programs advance youth development through Minnesota 4-H, agricultural innovation, volunteer
programs, community and economic development, family financial wellness, nutrition education, natural resources education, and more. This
position helps to ensure that these vibrant programs have the sustainable funding needed to serve communities across Minnesota.

This
position reports to the Director of Development and is part of a collaborative advancement team that includes annual
giving, stewardship, and communications professionals. Together, the team secures more than $5M annually in support of Extension’s mission.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Operations (40%)

• Process daily gifts,
  ensuring accurate entry, timely acknowledgments, and seamless stewardship fulfillment.
• Monitor gift reporting, fund management, and
  compliance tracking in Donor Management System (DMS).
• Integrate data between PEARS, 4-H Online, registration, and DMS systems,
  ensuring alumni and contact information updates, participation, and volunteer engagement data flows seamlessly between platforms.
• Work in complex data operations, including list preparation, audience segmentation, and query coordination to support annual
  giving, stakeholder engagement, communications, and major gift initiatives.
• Coordinate gift agreements and maintain comprehensive
  advancement filing systems, donor correspondence protocols, and record-retention procedures.
• Maintain inventory management systems
  for advancement materials, event supplies, donor recognition items, and program resources.
• Work closely with an accountant to track
  budgets, respond to inquiries, manage expenses, and coordinate contracts for advancement activities.
• Provide operational support
  that enables gift officers and annual giving specialists to focus on strategy and relationship-building.

Donor
relations (40%)

• Implement stewardship programs for donors including customized impact reports, recognition
  experiences, and communications demonstrating Extension’s accountability and gratitude.
• Monitor and report on giving milestones for
  major donors, planned gift donors, and Dean’s Circle members.
• Work with the advancement team to plan and execute donor and
  volunteer events, including venue agreements, invitations, registration systems, attendee communication, and logistics — plus coordination
  of youth involvement for 4-H donor events.
• Coordinate the team’s presence at signature events (Minnesota State Fair, advisory
  meetings), including scheduling, displays, materials, and follow-up.
• Support gift officers with meeting coordination, document
  preparation, and prospect research.
• Coordinate with the Extension communications team to update/finalize donor-facing materials,
  impact stories, and recognition pieces.

Project support (20%)

• Coordinate multi-channel
  annual giving campaigns, specialized crowdfunding initiatives, event/program sponsorship, and digital fundraising efforts.
• Serve as
  process facilitator for 4-H scholarships and youth grant programs: facilitate volunteer evaluation committees and cross-functional teams
  (finance, 4-H colleagues, technology, communications); manage communications with donors, applicants, recipients, and 4-H clubs.
• Coordinate cross-departmental advancement projects between development, communications, and program teams.
• Coordinate
  volunteer scheduling and logistics for select events, including supply ordering, setup, and staffing of the 4-H Alumni Booth at the
  Minnesota State Fair.
• Support Minnesota 4-H Council communications, meeting logistics, and advancement alignment.
• Manage
  archival projects for 4-H historical materials, preserving Minnesota 4-H heritage through coordination with UMN Libraries. Manage a 4-H
  history display in the State Fair 4-H Building. Engage 4-H alumni and Extension retirees in this work.

Work
location and Travel

This is a campus-based position at the University of Minnesota’s St. Paul campus that
requires regular on-campus presence for operational coordination, team support, and daily advancement operations.

• Work
  arrangements:
  • Preferred: Full-time on-campus.
  • Alternative: 1 day a week remote/hybrid
    flexibility.
  
  
• Final work arrangements will be finalized collaboratively during the offer process based on
  candidate location, experience, and team needs.

Travel requirements:

• Occasional
  travel is essential for donor engagement. Typical travel includes:
  • Occasional weekend or evening events (2-5 annually), with weekday
    flexibility provided.
  • Additionally, the role requires a significant presence at the Minnesota State Fair.
  
  
• All
  work-related travel expenses are reimbursed per University policy.

Qualifications

Required
qualifications:

• Four years of progressive professional experience in relationship-driven fields involving data
  management, engagement, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship; or a combination of relevant degree and experience to total 4 years
• Experience with phone/video-based outreach and in-person interactions, with an approachable demeanor that builds rapport with
  donors and volunteers.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills: active listening, compelling writing, and clear
  presentations with excellent grammar and formatting.
• Demonstrated success working independently and collaboratively in team
  settings.
• Demonstrated proficiency with database/CRM systems and data analysis tools (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge, Excel, or
  similar).
• Proficiency with multi-channel fundraising and engagement tools, including digital platforms, direct mail, crowdfunding,
  email marketing systems, phonathon, social media, and/or mass email best practices.
• Strong analytical skills with ability to
  interpret data and identify trends.
• Proven track record of meeting goals and managing multiple projects simultaneously with
  attention to detail and quality.
• Program/project planning, execution, evaluation, and reporting experience.
• Creative and
  entrepreneurial approach balanced with sound judgment.
• Experience with Google and Microsoft
  applications.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license and own means of
  transportation with required liability insurance. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University
  policy.
• Must be able to work regularly at a dedicated/assigned Extension office and must have reliable internet if/when working
  outside of the office.
• Must be reachable with a mobile number when not in the assigned office location.
• Ability to
  maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening and weekend work.
• This position is not eligible for
  employment visa sponsorship.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience supporting
  capital campaigns or multi-year fundraising initiatives.
• Knowledge of gift processing, compliance requirements, and advancement
  services best practices.
• Experience in higher education advancement or agricultural/youth development nonprofits.
• Knowledge of Extension’s mission and/or Minnesota 4-H.
• Experience thriving in hybrid or remote work environments.
• Experience in event planning and coordination, with ability to engage, motivate, and support volunteers in fundraising or outreach
  activities.
• Familiarity with marketing/branding principles, planned giving, estate giving, and philanthropy vocabulary.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and inspire others.
• Experience managing volunteers in a fundraising or program context.
• Experience drafting donor-facing materials (proposals, stewardship reports, impact stories).

About the
Department

About Extension

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the
University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by
connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain
high-quality, passionate employees, and weave diversity, equity and inclusion into all aspects of Extension’s programming and employee
engagement. Find further information on the Extension website.

Pay and
Benefits

Pay Range:
$22-$30 an hour ($45,760 – $62,400 annually); depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment
Category: 100% Appointment (40 hours/week)

Position Type: Civil-Service

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding
benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays,
  and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the
  Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy
  plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and
  employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness
  (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at
  no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin
  Cities metro area

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position,
please click Apply and follow the instructions.

Please include the following attachments with your online application:

1. Cover letter that speaks to your experience related to donor engagement and stewardship
2. Resume/Vitae

Names and contact information for three professional references will be required
during the interview process.

Additional documents may be attached after the application by accessing your “My Job Applications”
page and uploading documents in the “My Cover Letters and Attachments” section. See full application instructions.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [email protected] or call
(612) 624-UOHR (8647).

For questions about this position, contact the hiring manager:

Brad Starbuck,
Extension’s Director of Development, [email protected]

Diversity

The
University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in
supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and
backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without
regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status,
sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent
upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal
convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.