Position Description

President & Chief Executive Officer

University of Minnesota Foundation









Nalini Perkins
Alison P. Ranney


Position Description

Page 1
President & Chief Executive Officer
University of Minnesota Foundation



Our Client
The University of Minnesota Foundation (UMF) is an independent, nonprofit foundation which
advances the University oI Minnesota`s mission oI teaching, research and outreach to the community
by raising and managing private dollars for scholarships, world class faculty, leading-edge research,
new facilities and academic programs on all five campuses. With $2.3 billion in assets and an annual
operating budget of $40 million, the Foundation acts as the central development office for the
University of Minnesota and coordinates raising nearly $250 million in private gifts annually from
approximately 90,000 donors. In addition, the UMF works with the University to identify other
sources of revenue to support its vision for the future and its goal to be among the top public
universities in the world. Recently, the Minnesota Medical Foundation, which supports fundraising for
health-related research, education and service, has merged with the University of Minnesota
Foundation. This historic move is designed to better serve University donors by providing one voice
for private giving at the University and ensuring even greater efficiency in the administration of gifts,
including solicitation, stewardship and asset management. Both foundations have had a long history of
delivering a low 'cost to raise a dollar, consistently ranking high in eIIiciency.
The Foundation is governed by a Board of Trustees comprised of 45 community and corporate leaders,
alumni and friends who support UMF`s mission to engage the resources oI the private sector to build
and sustain excellence at the University of Minnesota. The Board of Regents of the University
appoints one-quarter oI the Foundation`s trustees as its representatives, with no more than three
standing regents serving at any one time. The alignment of the UMF`s fundraising priorities with the
strategic initiatives of the University is a key factor in the efficiency and effectiveness of maintaining
high levels of private support.
Professional oversight of UMF investments is managed by University of Minnesota Foundation
Investment Advisors (UMFIA), a nonprofit subsidiary formed in 1998 to focus on long-term
investment goals. UMFIA has a staff of 8 and its own board of directors, of which the UMF President
serves as an ex officio voting member of the board. The University of Minnesota Foundation Real
Estate Advisors (UMFREA) was formed to provide expertise and strategic oversight of Foundation
owned real estate assets, solicitations and analysis of real estate gifts, real estate investments and
community development in support oI the University`s mission.
UMF`s development services are provided through both a centralized and decentralized structure. The
Medical School development team reports directly to Foundation development leadership. The
University-wide campuses (UM-Crookston, UM-Duluth, UM- Morris and UM-Rochester), and 24
colleges, programs and units in the Twin Cities report to their respective chancellors, deans, or
directors with accountability to the Foundation development leadership for annual work plans,
strategic development oversight, donor prospect coordination in addition to collaboration in other
operational areas. University-wide development services such as Planned Giving, Corporate and
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President & Chief Executive Officer
University of Minnesota Foundation




Foundation Relations, Regional Development and other development-related services are based in the
Foundation and partner with all University of Minnesota development.
UMF has a staff of approximately 200 full and part time employees with an additional 150 part time
students who primarily provide annual fund calling services with some office support. More
information about the University of Minnesota Foundation can be found at http://giving.umn.edu/.
The Role
The President is the chief executive officer of the University of Minnesota Foundation, an independent
nonprofit organization, as well as a key member of the team working with the President of the
University. The Foundation President sets the vision and guides the Foundation strategically with
oversight Irom the Board oI Trustees and in alignment with the University`s mission. S/he is also
responsible for day-to-day operational excellence and exemplary donor relations.
The President of the Foundation leads university-wide development/fundraising and, through strong
relationships with key constituents, secures private support for the benefit of the University and its
mission. This person is a strong leader who is responsible for activities constituting effective and
trustworthy stewardship oI UMF`s assets, including eIIective governance oI the investment portIolio
and real estate assets through its subsidiaries, and with technology transfer.
The President is accountable to lead and develop a team of highly motivated professionals who will
oversee development/fundraising, technology and operations, finance, and human resources. S/he
works collaboratively with the Board of Trustees, as well as the leaders throughout the University and
its several other Ioundations, to ensure that all activities and resources are aligned with the University`s
priorities.
The University of Minnesota Foundation has experienced significant fundraising success, most
recently raising $244 million in fiscal year 2012 and $221 million in fiscal year 2011. This current
fiscal year is on pace to continue to that level of support through the generosity of many donors. In
addition to important fundraising goals in support of University priorities, the Foundation is focused on
completing and achieving alignment with the University`s goals, ensuring operational excellence
through continuous improvement and innovation and leveraging the UMF`s strategic and operational
expertise, financial acumen and assets in partnership with the University to engage the resources of the
private sector.
The President is the primary spokesperson for the Foundation, participating actively with donors and in
the communities touched by the University and its alumni.
Key Relationships
Reports to: Board of Trustees, University of Minnesota Foundation

Major Relationships: President of the University of Minnesota
University of Minnesota Board of Regents
University leadership (chancellors, deans, directors, administration)
Boards of Subsidiaries (UMFIA, UMFREA, University Gateway Corp.)
A select group of major and potential donors
Community at large
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President & Chief Executive Officer
University of Minnesota Foundation




Direct Reports: EVP and Chief Advancement Officer
VP, Finance and CFO
VP, Human Resources
VP, Information Services and Prospect Development
Senior Board Relations Manager
Managing Director, UMF Real Estate Advisors (subsidiary)
President and CIO, UMF Investment Advisors (subsidiary, reporting to
a separate Board of Directors)

Major Responsibilities
x Provide vision and leadership for the Foundation relating to the development programs of the
University.
x On an on-going basis, over multiple years, maintain momentum through major donor
cultivation and solicitation and monitor and report progress to the Board and the University.
x In collaboration with the Board Chair, facilitate the deliberations of the Board of Trustees to
ensure alignment oI strategy, goals, budgets and new initiatives to support the University`s
mission. Serve as the key liaison to the Board and its committees; providing updates, soliciting
feedback and engaging board members in dialogue on issues that matter. The President helps
to identify and recruit trustees who will help ensure the independence and success of the
Foundation. In addition, the President works to ensure meaningful engagement for each
trustee.
x Engage leaders within the private sector to support advancement activities for the University,
including the development oI new revenue sources necessary to achieve the University`s
aspirational goals.
x Ensure the appropriate stewardship of the UMF`s assets, including active participation of the
Board of University of Minnesota Foundation Investment Advisors and the University of
Minnesota Foundation Real Estate Advisors.
x Work closely with the President of the University as an active member of the executive team
and with the Board oI Regents to develop Iundraising strategies that support the university`s
strategic planning priorities and needs. Build credible relationships throughout the University
that ensure a broad understanding and support for the unique role of an independent nonprofit
foundation established to serve the needs of a public university.
x Work with the UMF staff and University development staff to establish fundraising strategies
best suited for specific purposes for colleges, schools or other campus units; to measure
fundraising progress and productivity; to assist with donor cultivation activities and to
personally cultivate and solicit individuals, corporations and foundations.
x Serve as the key spokesperson for the Foundation, clearly articulating strategies and the
Foundation`s relationship with the University and its mission.

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President & Chief Executive Officer
University of Minnesota Foundation




x Build, lead and motivate a high performing, collaborative team that is committed to the
Foundation`s success and understands the critical balance among stewardship, intimate donor
relationships and bold programmatic initiatives. Build and sustain the culture within UMF that
values individual development and achievement in an environment of collaboration and strong
team work. Role model a culture of accountability and integrity.
x Administer the Foundation by ensuring the highest standards, including transparency in donor
stewardship and communication.
x Value the contributions of volunteers and seek ways to engage alumni and friends of the
University to their best advantage. Provide for recognition that is genuine and meaningful for
volunteers at all levels.

Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will have experience in most of the following areas:
x Successful leadership track record in a large academic, corporate or nonprofit setting with the
scope and financial complexity to provide a smooth transition to this role.
x Experience in a leadership role where success is dependent on building strong relationships
within a political environment in which limited resources must be allocated among competing
priorities.
x Demonstrated success leading a team of motivated professionals by establishing the right
balance of clearly articulated values, autonomy to act and accountability to perform to high
standards. Demonstrated ability to inspire creative thinking and to ensure fact-based decision
making.
x Successful fundraising experience as a development professional or demonstrated success in
building relationships that provide assurance that the candidate can lead a major foundation,
steward a significant endowment, and lead a team of development professionals to achieve
aggressive annual and multi-year fundraising goals.
x Previous fiscal management accountability and comfort with the fiduciary responsibility
accompanying an organization with a large asset base.
x Experience working with a diverse, sophisticated and engaged board operating in the public
domain that has successfully governed a large organization through growth and leadership
transitions.
x Demonstrated success in a situation where the candidate was required to provide both strategic
vision and be accountable for consistent execution and operational excellence.
x An undergraduate degree is required; an advanced degree would enhance the candidate`s
qualifications.


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President & Chief Executive Officer
University of Minnesota Foundation




The ideal candidate will possess these desired personal characteristics:
x High Integrity The stewardship oI other people`s money requires this, the staII thrives on it
and the University expects it.
x Commitment to Higher Education Personal commitment and passion for higher education,
learning and research.
x High Intellectual Capacity and Curiosity The University and Foundation value both quick
thinking and deep thought.
x Caring and Empathetic The staff and donors expect authenticity.
x Hardworking This is a significant role with time required by all constituents: donors,
university leaders, board, staff and community.
x Sophistication This job requires someone who understands the challenges of the University,
the needs of the donors, the aspirations of the Board and the capacity of the team.
x Strong Communicator and Presenter The President must speak and write to many audiences
on a broad range of issues. These communications must be transparent and motivating.

The successful candidate will have demonstrated these competencies in prior roles and provide
tangible examples of achievement regarding the following:
Fundraising and Relationship Building: The successful candidate must enjoy working with donors
to help them realize their charitable goals. In working with individual donors, as well as corporations
and foundations, the President must be genuinely excited about and enthusiastically committed to the
University and its mission. The candidate will have demonstrated success in relating to people of all
ages, articulating a compelling case and leading a team that is client-focused and creative in its
approaches to donors. While it is not critical that candidates have a development background, they
must have demonstrated success in a way that ensures the Board that fundraising will be both
comfortable and personally satisfying to them. The successful candidate will thrive on building
personal relationships inside the University and with both community and corporate leaders. This
person will follow an individual for whom this has been a particular strength and at a time when the
Foundation must broaden its relationships with donors. Success will be measured by the relationship
oI the Foundation`s partnership with the University.
Wor king Collaboratively within the University and the Community: The environment of the
University, combined with the mandate of an independent nonprofit foundation, suggest that the
successful candidate must have strong self-confidence. It is important for the Foundation to work in
partnership with many entities within and outside the University. The leader will be expected to take a
proactive role in building collaborations that benefit the University in the long term. The President
must be able to initiate collaborations that will benefit the University, as well as move into existing
long-standing partnerships. While experience in an academic setting is not required, it is critical that
the new President have demonstrated the ability to work within a setting that includes multiple leaders,
multiple boards, multiple constituents and multiple cultures.


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President & Chief Executive Officer
University of Minnesota Foundation




Leading Strategically: Given the recent merger of the two foundations, the successful candidate will
be comIortable leading without a map. The University and the Foundation`s Board expect a bold
vision and creative thinking that can also be realized through the efforts of a cohesive and high
performing team. The environment is challenging and changing. The new leader must be capable of
leading entrepreneurially and independently within the bureaucracy of the University. The successful
candidate will be comfortable with ambiguity and capable of bringing clarity to decision making
processes.
Contact
Russell Reynolds Associates has been exclusively retained for this search, and prospective candidates
are invited to contact Russell Reynolds Associates directly. All inquiries and discussions will be
considered strictly confidential.
Nalini Perkins Alison P. Ranney
Russell Reynolds Associates Russell Reynolds Associates
1701 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 400 155 North Wacker Drive, Suite 4100
Washington, DC 20006 Chicago, IL 60606
Direct: +1-202-654-7821 Direct: +1-312-993-0740
nalini.vasagam@russellreynolds.com alison.ranney@russellreynolds.com