Working/Functional Title
Senior Director of Gift Planning
Position Summary
BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITY – JOB SUMMARY
Michigan State University is seeking an enthusiastic, energetic, and results-oriented individual with a deep understanding of gift planning, to join its dynamic fundraising team as the Senior Director of the Office of Gift Planning. This position will play a leadership role, expanding the number of MSU donors with sophisticated gift plans and the level of their charitable commitments in coordination with development/advancement colleagues and university leadership. The Senior Director will set the tone, vision, and strategy for the Office of Gift Planning in the organization and implementation of a comprehensive gift planning program. The Senior Director of Gift Planning will exercise functional and administrative supervision over gift planning professional staff, fundraising staff, and/or support staff as assigned.
The Senior Director of Gift Planning will be an accomplished, responsive, and collaborative member of MSU University Advancement Team. The Senior Director will be responsible for executing an aggressive schedule of donor activity to ensure a continuous pipeline of private future and current support for Michigan State University. The successful candidate will model and disseminate effective donor-centric fundraising techniques and will play a central role coordinating and coaching fundraisers and donors, as well as the donors’ attorneys, accountants, and financial planners, through complex transactions. The best candidate will be proficient in major gift fundraising, and in technical areas such as estate and wealth planning, tax, illiquid or hard to value assets, complex charitable giving vehicles and structures, and the financial and personal issues affecting wealthy families.
The Senior Director of Gift Planning will manage a revolving three-year portfolio of 75 principal, major and/or gift planning prospects. The Senior Director will average between 10-15 strategic personal meetings and conversations per month, which will result in greater engagement and movement toward solicitation. The Senior Director will report to the Associate Vice President of University Advancement, while still serving as a key resource and consultant to the entire University Advancement leadership team regarding gift planning and prospect/donor strategy.
CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The duties of the Senior Director of Gift Planning are as follows but not limited to:
Fundraising:
- Manage a portfolio of 75 principal, major, and planned giving prospects and donors.
- Annual fundraising activity should include over 100 significant personal meetings with prospects/donors/advisors and the delivery of over 25 proposals each year.
- Research selected individuals to identify, develop strategy for, and cultivate potential planned and major gifts.
- Assist donors and University Advancement colleagues regarding gift planning strategies, tax law, policies, procedures, and in resolving problems to effectively increase philanthropic support on behalf of Michigan State University.
- Maintain donor/prospect records to facilitate future commitments, current major gifts and establish and maintain gift histories and records.
- Coordinate and strategize solicitation activities with regional and constituency-based fundraising colleagues.
- Develop and maintain consistent professional and collegial relationships with all college, program, and/or central fundraising personnel.
- Respond to requests from donors and potential donors, follow-up with timely cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship as needed and appropriate.
- Maintain fundamental knowledge of college, athletic, and cultural centers strengths and critical private supports needs and campaign initiatives.
- Prepare and issue timely correspondence with alumni, friends, and donors.
- Possess a thorough understanding and ability to articulate the priorities and objectives for Michigan State University and the “Uncommon Will. Far Better World.” campaign.
- Understand and administer the University’s stewardship and gift acceptance policies and procedures.
- Prepare and submit a personal annual operating plan.
Program Management/Team Supervision:
- Set a leadership example of collaborative gift planning at Michigan State University and model best practices and behaviors for donor-centric fundraising.
- Work with the Gift Planning Support Specialist in the development and implementation of comprehensive gift planning marketing and communications plan.
- Collaborate with the members of the Gift Planning team to devise an annual Op Plan on behalf of the Office of Gift Planning.
- Take the lead in developing proposals and reviewing marketing materials, strategies, and technology in support of Office of Gift Planning programs and initiatives.
- In coordination with the Gift Planning team, envision and execute gift planning training and workshops that will enhance the knowledge and preparation of the entire fundraising team at Michigan State University.
- Analyze fiscal year gift planning results and opportunities and determine future priorities and strategies as part of the annual Office of Gift Planning operating plan process.
- On behalf of the Office of Gift Planning, prepare fiscal year reports, analyze annual production, determine future priorities, new strategies, initiatives, etc.
- Recruit, hire, train, and guide all Gift Planning fundraising and support/administrative staff.
- Conduct the annual review process and evaluations for all direct reports, as well as providing guidance, input, and oversight for all other members of the Gift Planning team.
- Represent the Office of Gift Planning at general staff meetings, prospect/principal gift strategy meetings, or gift planning work and functions.
- Represent the Office of Gift Planning in campus and donor activities.
- Assist the Associate Vice President in meetings and/or other University Advancement management personnel.
- Complete other relevant tasks as assigned and mutually negotiated.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Direction received from the Associate Vice President of University Advancement.
COMMUNICATIONS/INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS
Interacts with: Michigan State University alumni, friends, administration, staff, and faculty as potential gift planning and major gift prospects, donors or volunteers.
University Development College fundraisers to develop donor solicitation strategies and collaboration on the implementation and follow through of said strategies.
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; five to eight years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in professional and higher education fundraising, public relations, marketing, development of budgets, preparation and presentation of case statements and analysis of operations; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Desired Qualifications
- An advanced degree preferred; fundraising experience at an institution of higher learning.
- Demonstrated excellent writing and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to speak in public and small group environments.
- Collaborative and team-oriented work style; strong work ethic; experience with “Moves Management” or related strategic relationship development techniques and practices.
- Ability to “close” current and future gifts and/or business deals.
- Working knowledge of tax laws affecting bequests, split income gifts, current giving, charitable and general estate planning.
- Travel involving automobile, airlines and rail; Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
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
Remote Work Statement
MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment, and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.
Bidding eligibility ends on February 24, 2026, at 11:55 PM
