Business Development Jobs at University of Minnesota with Visa Sponsorship
Business Development roles at University of Minnesota span partnerships, research commercialization, and corporate engagement across a large public research institution. The university has a consistent track record of sponsoring international talent in this function, supporting candidates through employer-initiated visa processes from offer through filing.
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The Regional Development team builds lasting relationships with alumni, donors, and friends of the University of Minnesota to inspire meaningful philanthropic support. This work includes identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major and principal gifts through personal engagement with individuals in assigned regions. Regional Development Officers partner closely with unit-based development staff, central advancement colleagues, and other University leaders to align donor interests with University priorities.
Position Impact
Regional Development Officers play a critical role in connecting donors’ passions with the University’s highest priorities. By fostering authentic relationships and securing transformative gifts, this position helps advance groundbreaking research, expand educational opportunities, and strengthen the University’s ability to serve communities locally and globally.
Responsibilities
Major Gifts Development (70%)
- Personally engage transformational and major gift donors capable of making gifts of $50k+ by conducting qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship visits.
- Develop and implement individual strategies for each prospect, connecting their interests with University priorities.
- Collaborate with unit-based development colleagues and decentralized teams to build trust, coordinate strategies, and strengthen donor engagement.
- Use current and planned giving vehicles to meet donors’ philanthropic goals and financial capacities.
- Support fundraising in both established and emerging markets where prospects are concentrated.
- Track and report activity consistently, including donor visits, solicitations, and outcomes, using the University’s donor management system.
- Meet or exceed established annual performance metrics (e.g. number of visits, solicitations, closed gifts, and qualified prospects).
Regional Advancement Leadership (20%)
- Serve as the University’s primary advancement leader for the assigned geographic region.
- Act as a liaison across campus, unit, medicine & health, and central development teams, ensuring strong communication and coordination.
- Build and execute engagement plans for alumni and donors in the region to increase awareness, connection, and philanthropic support.
- Partner on planning and delivering high quality, multidisciplinary engagement opportunities that highlight the University’s broad impact.
Additional Responsibilities (10%)
- Participate in or lead special projects and committees as assigned (e.g. process improvement or search committees).
- Travel extensively (approximately 50% of work time; averaging 10-15 prospect visits per month); evening and weekend events may occasionally be required.
- Maintain secure, timely, and detailed records of donor activity in the Donor Management System.
Demonstrate commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an equitable and inclusive working and learning environment (exhibit 100% of the time)
- Continuous learning in diversity, equity and inclusion for oneself and team via training, podcasts, articles, etc.
- Seek to explore and understand cultural differences and create a culture of belonging.
- Develop and employ anti-racist practices and principles to accomplish work.
- Advocate for employees of all ethnicities, genders, ages and backgrounds.
- Cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with employees, colleagues, stakeholders, etc.
Qualifications
Required qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree.
- Four or more years of experience in major gift fundraising, or comparable experience in relationship-focused fields such as marketing, sales, financial advising, or public relations.
- Demonstrated success in cultivating and soliciting individuals or organizations.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain professional, collaborative relationships.
- Experience in joint prospect cultivation and solicitation with colleagues or partners.
- Ability to travel nationally for approximately two weeks each month (typically 2-4 business days per trip).
- Strong oral and written communication skills; able to convey a compelling case for support.
- Adaptability and creativity in problem-solving while exercising sound judgment.
- Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends for donor engagement.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in a large, complex organization.
- Six or more years of experience facilitating gifts of $100,000 or more.
- Experience working in higher education or a land-grant research University.
- Capital campaign fundraising experience.
- Genuine commitment to advancing the mission of public higher education.
About The Department
At the University of Minnesota Foundation (UMF), our mission is to connect passion with possibility, inspire generosity, and support greatness at the University of Minnesota by placing donors at the heart of everything we do and every decision we make. UMF is a nonprofit organization responsible for raising and managing gifts to the University of Minnesota.
Pay And Benefits
Pay Range: $85,000-105,000 + eligible for 10% incentive opportunity; depending on education/qualifications/experience.
Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment
Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff
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 the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume. Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.
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.
About The U Of M
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations. At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).
About The Job
The Regional Development team builds lasting relationships with alumni, donors, and friends of the University of Minnesota to inspire meaningful philanthropic support. This work includes identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major and principal gifts through personal engagement with individuals in assigned regions. Regional Development Officers partner closely with unit-based development staff, central advancement colleagues, and other University leaders to align donor interests with University priorities.
Position Impact
Regional Development Officers play a critical role in connecting donors’ passions with the University’s highest priorities. By fostering authentic relationships and securing transformative gifts, this position helps advance groundbreaking research, expand educational opportunities, and strengthen the University’s ability to serve communities locally and globally.
Responsibilities
Major Gifts Development (70%)
- Personally engage transformational and major gift donors capable of making gifts of $50k+ by conducting qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship visits.
- Develop and implement individual strategies for each prospect, connecting their interests with University priorities.
- Collaborate with unit-based development colleagues and decentralized teams to build trust, coordinate strategies, and strengthen donor engagement.
- Use current and planned giving vehicles to meet donors’ philanthropic goals and financial capacities.
- Support fundraising in both established and emerging markets where prospects are concentrated.
- Track and report activity consistently, including donor visits, solicitations, and outcomes, using the University’s donor management system.
- Meet or exceed established annual performance metrics (e.g. number of visits, solicitations, closed gifts, and qualified prospects).
Regional Advancement Leadership (20%)
- Serve as the University’s primary advancement leader for the assigned geographic region.
- Act as a liaison across campus, unit, medicine & health, and central development teams, ensuring strong communication and coordination.
- Build and execute engagement plans for alumni and donors in the region to increase awareness, connection, and philanthropic support.
- Partner on planning and delivering high quality, multidisciplinary engagement opportunities that highlight the University’s broad impact.
Additional Responsibilities (10%)
- Participate in or lead special projects and committees as assigned (e.g. process improvement or search committees).
- Travel extensively (approximately 50% of work time; averaging 10-15 prospect visits per month); evening and weekend events may occasionally be required.
- Maintain secure, timely, and detailed records of donor activity in the Donor Management System.
Demonstrate commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an equitable and inclusive working and learning environment (exhibit 100% of the time)
- Continuous learning in diversity, equity and inclusion for oneself and team via training, podcasts, articles, etc.
- Seek to explore and understand cultural differences and create a culture of belonging.
- Develop and employ anti-racist practices and principles to accomplish work.
- Advocate for employees of all ethnicities, genders, ages and backgrounds.
- Cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with employees, colleagues, stakeholders, etc.
Qualifications
Required qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree.
- Four or more years of experience in major gift fundraising, or comparable experience in relationship-focused fields such as marketing, sales, financial advising, or public relations.
- Demonstrated success in cultivating and soliciting individuals or organizations.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain professional, collaborative relationships.
- Experience in joint prospect cultivation and solicitation with colleagues or partners.
- Ability to travel nationally for approximately two weeks each month (typically 2-4 business days per trip).
- Strong oral and written communication skills; able to convey a compelling case for support.
- Adaptability and creativity in problem-solving while exercising sound judgment.
- Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends for donor engagement.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in a large, complex organization.
- Six or more years of experience facilitating gifts of $100,000 or more.
- Experience working in higher education or a land-grant research University.
- Capital campaign fundraising experience.
- Genuine commitment to advancing the mission of public higher education.
About The Department
At the University of Minnesota Foundation (UMF), our mission is to connect passion with possibility, inspire generosity, and support greatness at the University of Minnesota by placing donors at the heart of everything we do and every decision we make. UMF is a nonprofit organization responsible for raising and managing gifts to the University of Minnesota.
Pay And Benefits
Pay Range: $85,000-105,000 + eligible for 10% incentive opportunity; depending on education/qualifications/experience.
Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment
Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff
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 the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume. Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.
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.
About The U Of M
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations. At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Business Development Jobs at University of Minnesota Jobs
Frame your credentials around research commercialization
University of Minnesota's Business Development function is heavily tied to technology transfer and sponsored research partnerships. Tailor your resume to show experience with licensing agreements, industry partnerships, or academic-to-market pathways rather than purely commercial sales backgrounds.
Target roles tied to specific university units
Business Development openings at a large research university are often unit-specific, sitting within the Office for Technology Commercialization or individual colleges. Search by department, not just job title, to catch postings that match your sponsorship-eligible specialty occupation classification.
Clarify your visa type early in conversations
Universities classify positions under different visa categories depending on the role structure. If you're on F-1 OPT, confirm whether your Business Development role qualifies as a specialty occupation before your OPT clock runs down, since the 60-day unemployment limit applies during any gap.
Use Migrate Mate to filter actively sponsoring openings
Not every Business Development posting at University of Minnesota comes with explicit sponsorship language. Use Migrate Mate to identify and track which specific openings are tied to their active sponsorship pipeline, so you're applying where the process is already in motion.
Prepare for a PERM-dependent permanent residency timeline
If you're targeting a Green Card through EB-2 or EB-3, know that PERM labor certification at a university can take longer than at private employers due to faculty-heavy hiring cycles and DOL audit rates. Build at least 18 to 24 months into your planning from petition to approval.
Confirm the university's I-9 and E-Verify process at offer stage
As a federal grant recipient, University of Minnesota uses E-Verify for employment eligibility confirmation. Ask your HR contact which USCIS filing category applies to your specific Business Development role before signing an offer, since specialty occupation determinations vary by position scope.
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Find Business Development at University of Minnesota JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does University of Minnesota sponsor H-1B visas for Business Developments?
Yes, University of Minnesota sponsors H-1B visas for Business Development roles that qualify as specialty occupations. These positions typically require at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related field such as business, finance, or a technical discipline tied to the role's focus. The university handles H-1B filings through its international faculty and staff office, so your offer letter stage is the right time to confirm the process and timeline with HR.
How do I apply for Business Development jobs at University of Minnesota?
Applications go through the University of Minnesota's official careers portal, where Business Development roles are posted by department or unit. Roles within the Office for Technology Commercialization or sponsored research offices are the most common placements for this function. You can also use Migrate Mate to browse open Business Development positions at University of Minnesota that are tied to active visa sponsorship, which narrows your search to the most relevant openings.
Which visa types does University of Minnesota commonly use for Business Development roles?
University of Minnesota sponsors a range of visa types for Business Development positions, including H-1B for specialty occupation hires, E-3 for Australian nationals, and TN for Canadian and Mexican professionals under USMCA. F-1 OPT and CPT are supported for current students or recent graduates. For longer-term pathways, the university also files EB-2 and EB-3 immigrant petitions, and J-1 exchange visitor status is sometimes used for specific program-based roles.
What qualifications does University of Minnesota expect for Business Development roles?
Most Business Development roles at University of Minnesota require a bachelor's degree at minimum, with preference for fields like business administration, life sciences, engineering, or a discipline aligned to the hiring unit's research focus. Experience with partnership development, licensing negotiations, or grant-funded project management strengthens your candidacy significantly. Roles within technology commercialization often favor candidates with both a technical background and demonstrated ability to translate research into market-facing agreements.
How do I navigate the visa filing timeline after receiving a Business Development offer from University of Minnesota?
Once you have an offer, the university's international office initiates the petition process, but timelines depend on your current status. H-1B cap-subject filings must be submitted in the April lottery window, meaning an offer in late fall may require you to bridge on OPT or another status until October 1 when the new fiscal year begins. If you're already on an H-1B with another employer, a cap-exempt transfer can begin immediately. Clarify your status category with HR at the offer stage so there are no gaps in your work authorization.
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