Working/Functional Title
Assc Director of Advancement, Social Sci
Position Summary
Are you ready to make a real impact in the world of philanthropy? The College of Social Science, in collaboration with the Office of University Advancement, is on the lookout for a stellar fundraiser to join our Advancement team. We’re seeking someone who is both accomplished and responsive, collaborative, and results-oriented – ready to take our fundraising efforts to new heights!
As the development liaison for various units within our college, you’ll have the exciting opportunity to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward our amazing alumni, friends, corporations, foundations, and other stakeholders. Your work will directly support the critical fields of social, behavioral, and economic sciences, making a tangible difference in the world. The ability to think and act strategically will be critical to the success of this position.
But that’s not all – as our Associate Director of Development, you’ll dive headfirst into face-to-face interactions with high-capacity prospects ($100,000 or more), managing a portfolio of 150 to 200 major donor prospects. Imagine yourself engaging in 15 to 20 strategic visits each month, skillfully navigating “moves” toward 2 to 4 major gift solicitations per month. Your efforts won’t just stay local; you’ll also be reaching out to prospects beyond Michigan, with particular emphasis on Michigan, where most of our prospects reside.
Your role will be pivotal as we prepare for MSU's next capital campaign. You’ll be at the forefront, identifying and qualifying major donor prospects and laying the groundwork for our future successes. If you’re someone who thrives on strategic thinking, enjoys building meaningful relationships, and is ready to play a vital role in shaping the future of philanthropy at MSU, then we want to hear from you! Join us in making a difference – apply now and be part of something extraordinary.
If you review this job description and have done many of the responsibilities or have transferable skills, we want to hear from you and welcome your application! We are seeking successful, ambitious fundraisers who wish to become part of our team and, help us help us in our ambitious campaign!
Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities:
Directly reporting to the Senior Director of Development for the College of Social Science, the Associate Director of Advancement will:
Solicitation, Cultivation & Discovery:
- Collaborate and coordinate with Social Science Advancement, University Advancement, and administrators and faculty of the College of Social Science 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/Social Science areas of funding priority and opportunity
- Engage 15-20 major prospects through personal visits which result in strategic “moves” toward closure of major gifts ($100,000+) each month
- Maintain accurate donor/prospect records in the Advance system, planning and documenting significant strategic prospect “moves” toward closure of major gifts
- Recruit, train, and manage volunteers who assist with planning and carrying out development objectives
- Regular travel involving automobile and air travel
Strategy & Coordination:
- Interpret needs/priorities of Social Science units, verbally and in writing, to engender a level of understanding that is conducive to giving
- Participate as part of the Social Science Advancement team on strategic planning and initiatives, budgeting, reporting, and special events
- Assist the Senior Director of Development in planning for the capital campaign. This includes the development of funding priorities, the identification and cultivation of leadership gifts, recruitment of volunteers, and development of the case for support.
- Build working relationships with internal constituents to enhance information exchange between Social Science units, including advising faculty and administrators of appropriate fund raising strategies
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 all of the units contained within the College of Social 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 Advance database.
Unit Specific Education/Experience/Skills
The job requires:
- Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year degree program in communications, public relations, marketing, business, liberal arts, or related field
- Three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience volunteer administration, professional and higher education fundraising, public relations, marketing, or related field
- Or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Must have a valid driver’s license
Desired Qualifications
- A Bachelor’s degree
- 3-5 years of professional major gift fund raising experience in higher education, alumni/donor relations, 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 personality types
- Experience with “Moves Management” or related strategic relationship development
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Travel required
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
How to Apply:
If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Patricia Karam, Director of Recruitment, at Karampat@msu.edu.
Work Hours
8 am - 5 pm with some 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 April 16, 2024 at 11:55 P.M.
