Development Assistant

Position Summary

Based in the College of Osteopathic Medicine at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan, this position supports the Advancement team and will be responsible for providing administrative support and handling project management tasks that support fundraising and alumni engagement. Specific job duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to: assisting with donor/prospect identification, tracking, screening, and preparation for meetings; prospect and portfolio reporting needs; event coordination, support, and logistics; general support of office administration and coordination; and other duties as assigned to carry out the fundraising mission of the College of Osteopathic Medicine. Top candidates will demonstrate the ability to work well under pressure, provide excellent customer service, convey professionalism and an ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Provide administrative support for the colleges Advancement Team - (20%)

Provide support to the Sr. Director, Director and Alumni Coordinator in making travel arrangements, preparing for donor meetings and events, and completing travel reimbursements. Scheduling and calendaring of internal and external meetings Assist with preparation and follow-up for prospect and donor meetings, including, assembly of meeting materials, meeting itineraries, data, contact report and proposal entry Assist Sr. Director in establishing short- and long-term budget planning and yearly budget allocations Assists in development of annual Operating Plan Authorizes, monitors, and approves purchasing card expenses Tracks and regularly provides updated information for accounts and contacts, including allocation code list, departmental directories, unit contact list, development officer contact lists, etc. 

Oversee data and related communication projects for the Advancement Team (35%)

Oversee the process for tracking charitable gifts received in the college Provide monthly gift reports to department fiscal officers Prepare various reports for team and leadership meetings Update address information for alumni, donor and prospect records in the Ascend database system, prepare mailing lists, maintain COM alumni, VIP and top donor lists, request appeal codes, allocation codes, and develop fundraising reports as needed. Provides contact report, proposals and other data entry following donor meetings and advancement events Serve as a resource for departmental support staff regarding issues related to unit endowments, stewardship, retrieval and use of alumni data and other questions as they arise related to advancement Assist with prospect research for building engagement and cultivation strategies, including, identifying alumni/development prospects audiences, using various Advancement software tools, researching for biographical and business information on prospects, and gathering donor giving history Retrieval of COM endowment and scholarship account balances as needed.

Provide support for donor and prospect identification, engagement, cultivation and stewardship (35%)

Process all gift agreements and endowment agreements for the unit. Coordinate with the office of Finance and Endowments in University Advancement to ensure that endowment agreements proceed in a timely manner through the entire process. Acts as a host to donors and invited guests at events and in the college. Donor cultivation and stewardship activity includes meeting and greeting donors and guests and addressing questions and concerns. Prepares donor and prospect briefing papers and Advancement guest itineraries Assists fundraising staff with the development and preparation of proposals, stewardship reports and other support materials for prospects and donors. Responsible for data integrity for yearly solicitation mailing to clinical faculty and to honor roll donors.

Assist with advancement events and activities for the college (10%)

Researching, planning, implementation and execution of advancement events, including but not limited to the alumni engagement events, donor meetings and events. Assists with careful follow-up and strategic next steps after events. Maintains event attendee registration and record tracking.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which would normally be acquired by completing a four-year college program in communications, public relations, or marketing; up to six months of related work experience in professional fundraising, public relations, marketing, event planning or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience with Microsoft Suite systems (Excel, Word and PowerPoint). 

Desired Qualifications

Knowledge of donor identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship processes that would normally be acquired by working in a development office for a minimum of two or more years; possession of a valid vehicle operator’s license; experience in public speaking and professional writing; demonstrates a work orientation that includes problem solving, teamwork and adaptability to change; displays a great attention to detail; demonstrates a work orientation that includes problem solving, seeing the bigger picture, forecasting potential trouble spots, taking initiative, and a dedication to continuous self-improvement; this position requires professionalism, confidentiality and the ability to communicate clearly and work collaboratively at all times. Preferred software knowledge; Microsoft OneNote, Ascend by UC Innovation, Cognos Analytics (CARL) reporting tool, EBS Systems at MSU, Microsoft Access and MSU Scholarship database

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

Cover letter and resume.

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

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 October 6, 2026 at 11:55 P.M.