Working/Functional Title

Assoc Director of Devel, Natural Science

Position Summary

The College of Natural Science (NatSci), along with the Office of University Advancement, is seeking an accomplished, responsive, and collaborative member for its Advancement team. This team member will be the primary development liaison with several units within the college and will identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward alumni and friends of NatSci, as well as business, industry, and foundations, in support of the Land Grant mission and the units’ priorities. The ability to think and act strategically will be critical to the success of this position. 

The Associate Director of Development will focus efforts on face-to-face contact with prospects whose philanthropic capacity is $100,000 and more, managing a portfolio of 75-100 major donor prospects. It is expected that the Associate Director will average 15 face-to-face strategic visits, which result in “moves” toward major gifts and 2 to 4 major gift solicitations per month. The Associate Director will play a pivotal role in identifying and qualifying major donor prospects for this campaign and in preparation for the next campaign. The Associate Director reports to the Senior Director of Development.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Directly reporting to the Sr. Director of Development for the College of Natural Science, the Associate Director of Development will:

Solicitation, Cultivation & Discovery:

• Collaborate and coordinate with administrators and faculty of NatSci and University Advancement to create and carry out fundraising strategies and solicitation of gifts of $100,000 and more.
• Build strong, engaged relationships with major gift prospects to determine and merge prospect passions/interests/needs with MSU/NatSci areas of funding priority and opportunity.
• Build working relationships with internal constituents to enhance information exchange between NatSci departments and programs, including advising faculty and administrators of appropriate fundraising strategies.
• Engage 15-20 major prospects through monthly personal visits, which result in strategic “moves” toward closure of major gifts ($100,000+).
• Maintain accurate donor/prospect records in the Ascend system, planning and documenting significant strategic prospect “moves” toward closure of major gifts.
• Execute appropriate stewardship for prospects and donors with the goal of moving the relationship forward.
• Recruit, train, and manage volunteers who assist with planning and carrying out development objectives.
• Regular travel required, involving automobiles and other forms of transportation.

Strategy & Coordination:

• Interpret needs and priorities of NatSci units, verbally and in writing, to engender a level of understanding that is conducive to giving.
• Participate as part of the Advancement team in strategic planning and initiatives, budgeting, reporting, and special events.
• Serve as a liaison between the donor/prospect and the University/College to ensure that information and service that may be desired are provided to the full extent permitted by University policy, rules, and regulations.
• Build working relationships with internal constituents to enhance information exchange between NatSci units, including advising faculty and administrators of appropriate fundraising strategies.
• Provide support, as needed and directed, to Senior Director of Development.

Data Management & Planning:

• Prepare annual personal fundraising goals and analyze/report goal accomplishment.
• Assist in planning and implementing special purpose appeals as necessary.
• Attend appropriate workshops and seminars to enhance professional development.
• Act as a public goodwill ambassador for Michigan State University and the College of Natural Science.
• Ensure best practices in office systems, practices, files, and record keeping; ensure effective use of strategic tools and resources such as contact reports, prospect management, research, and analysis, and the Ascend database.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing and/or Business; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in public relations, volunteer administration, professional and higher education fund raising, marketing or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Travel is required; must have a valid driver’s license.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communication, public relations, marketing, agriculture, business, liberal arts, or a related field.
• Three – five years of alumni/ donor relations, professional major gift fundraising experience in higher education or readily transferable skills, and a proven track record of working in a complex environment. Working knowledge of tax laws affecting charitable giving.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, organizational skills, and intellectual curiosity.
• Collaborative team-oriented style. Ability to work with a variety of personalities.
• Experience with “Moves Management” or related strategic relations hip development.
• Proven ability to “close” gifts.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Travel required.

If you have experience with the responsibilities outlined in this job description or possess transferable skills, we encourage you t o apply! We seek driven, successful fundraisers to join our team and contribute to our ambitious campaign.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Resume and cover letter

Special Instructions

If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Patricia Karam, Director of Talent Acquisition, at karampat@msu.edu.

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Work Hours

8 am - 5 pm with possible evenings and weekends

Website

Advancement.msu.edu

Bidding eligibility ends September 23, 2025 at 11:55 P.M.