Development and Membership Assistant

We are looking for individuals to join our team who are inspired by our mission to ignite and sustain curiosity for nature and the Universe and achieve our vision of a hopeful future where all are inspired by nature and empowered by science. We believe that difference is a strength and are looking for candidates who reflect and respect diversity. We encourage you to apply for the position even if you do not believe you meet every qualification.

This position is a part-time student position in the Bell Museum’s Development Department. The person in this role will perform a variety of tasks that advance the mission and strategic priorities of the Bell Museum through fundraising and membership.  Primary tasks involve supporting the Bell Museum’s membership and fundraising programs.  These responsibilities require excellent customer service skills, data management, high attention to detail, and a strong work-ethic.

Working hours

• Scheduled hours will be M-F, between 9:00am-3:00pm. With optional weekend or evening hours around 5 times a year. 

Working location

• In-person, Hybrid, Remote (ex. In person based out of Bell Museum, St Paul Campus. This position is in-person)

Major Areas of Accountability

50% Membership administration and fulfillment

• Assist with weekly processing of new and renewing museum memberships
  • Keen attention to membership detail and mail-merge
  • Assembly of materials
• Assist in processing payment for new or renewing membership purchases
• Prepare membership and development mailings such as folding, inserting, collating, and printing materials for stewardship, solicitation, or renewal campaigns

25% Membership Data maintenance

• Update donor data in donor management system and AudienceView
• Maintain high-level of accuracy in donor accounts
• Complete data/account tasks to maintain development account data accuracy 
• Assist in event attendance tracking using the Donor Management System

15% Development Administrative Support

• Provide prompt, thorough, and professional responses to email and phone membership questions
• Maintain excellent and friendly customer service and support for membership inquiries
• Staff registration or activity facilitation for membership-specific events
• Serve as a membership advocate, knowledgeable of the membership program and process

10% General Office support

• Provide general office support such as word processing, printing/copying materials
• Assist with development/marketing research projects 
• Assist with development inventory tracking 

Required

• Must be a registered undergrad student at the University of Minnesota.
• High level of organizational skills, with an ability to keep track of data in an orderly and structured system
• Ability prioritize multiple projects and ensure information and data is accurate with minimal error
• Intermediate experience with Microsoft Office suite
• Strong written and interpersonal communications skills
• Commitment to protecting and maintaining confidential information

Preferred

• Data entry or database management experience
• Customer service experience
• Experience communicating with diverse populations of differing ages and backgrounds
• Experience using the University of Minnesota Foundation's Donor Management System
• Experience using the University of Minnesota Ticketing system, AudienceView
• Knowledge of nonprofit membership, fundraising, or institutional advancement practices
• Previous work experience that demonstrates self-motivation and creative problem-solving ability
• WORK STUDY PREFERRED, but not required

*Background Check will be conducted prior to hiring.

The mission of the Museum is to ignite and sustain curiosity for nature and the universe. The Bell envisions a hopeful future where all are inspired by nature and empowered by science.

For over 150 years, the Bell Museum of Natural History has collected, preserved, interpreted, and displayed the natural history of Minnesota as the state’s official natural history museum. The Bell serves learners of all ages. Additionally, our scientific collections contain over one million specimens, representing every county in Minnesota and various locales around the globe.

The museum is powered by the great minds on campus–from our faculty-curators, student lab assistants, and undergraduate interpretive guides to our dedicated staff and collegiate partners. 

Pay Range: $15.25 - $16.75 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Office of Student Health Benefits website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.
 

Student workers are eligible to participate in the Student Health Benefit Plan, if they maintain 6 or more eligible course credits within a given semester. The same applies for Undergraduate Students, Graduate Assistants, Residents, Fellows and Interns.

Student positions are a form of financial support while pursuing an education at the University of Minnesota.

Applications must be submitted online.  To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.  You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a 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.

In addition to the application, please upload a resume and cover letter. Your cover letter is a central component of your application. It should discuss your qualifications and relevant experience as it is related to the responsibilities and required qualifications for this job posting. 

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [email protected].

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

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.

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 Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.