Associate Director of Devel, Engineering / Development Officer II

About the Role

MSU College of Engineering is seeking an Associate Director of Development to increase philanthropic support for student and faculty-focused, capital, and programmatic priorities. The preferred candidate will be an outcomes-oriented, proven fundraiser with a strong proclivity for teamwork, collaboration, diplomacy, and an authentic appreciation for the power of philanthropy in higher education.

The MSU College of Engineering is finishing a historic year of fundraising success – nearing $100M in total philanthropic support and leadership on the fundraising efforts for a new $340M+ multidisciplinary project, the Leinweber Center for Engineering and Digital Innovation. The College is poised to significantly expand its fundraising activity from prospects within Michigan, across the United States, and abroad who are interested in the College’s agenda to impart knowledge to students at all levels, including secondary, undergraduate, graduate, and lifelong learning.

The College believes in the discovery of new knowledge through innovative research that encourages entrepreneurship and economic development to benefit global society. To support this mission, the College seeks a major gift officer with a proven track record in closing 6- and 7-figure gifts. This position will partner with the Senior Director of Development and the Development and Alumni Relations Team to plan and implement a comprehensive fundraising program.

The Associate Director of Development will manage a dynamic portfolio of approximately 75 major donor prospects, focusing on those with philanthropic capacity of $100,000 or more to maximize fundraising potential. The role requires averaging 12-15 strategic interactions per month, resulting in 2 to 4 major gift solicitations per month, all coordinated with the College and University Advancement. A significant amount of travel to key major metro areas, both in-state and out-of-state, is required.

Responsibilities

• Fundraising:
  • Identify and maintain an active pool of approximately 75 prospects under strategic management.
  • Qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major donor prospects for gifts of $100,000 or more, averaging 2 to 4 major gift solicitations per month.
  • Collaborate with University Advancement colleagues and College administrators to create and execute fundraising strategies.
  • Build strong relationships with major gift prospects to align their interests with the College’s funding priorities.
  • Achieve individual and college fundraising goals through 150+ significant annual contacts via phone, email, mail, social media, and in-person interactions.
  • Attend college events as needed and collaborate with major gift officers across units to maximize philanthropic support.
  • Engage 12-15 major prospects monthly through personal interactions to drive strategic "moves" toward gift closure.
  • Support volunteers, development staff, and college representatives in cultivating and soliciting donors for college-wide priorities.
• External Communication and Donor Stewardship:
  • Support the development of briefings, proposals, and talking points for fundraising priorities.
  • Partner with the Assistant Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship to implement major donor communication and stewardship plans, including updates, engagement events, and gift stories.
  • Monitor prospect contacts to ensure positive and purposeful donor relations.
• Program Management:
  • Serve as a fundraising consultant and advisor to department/division heads and faculty to grow philanthropic support.
  • Coordinate and participate in alumni and donor engagement, prospecting, recognition, and stewardship events.
  • Utilize the alumni and donor database to record contact activities, update donor information, and document strategic moves and gifts.
  • Foster a collaborative work environment that recognizes and rewards team-based efforts.

Requirements

• Knowledge equivalent to a four-year college degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Business, or related field.
• Three to five years of progressively responsible experience in public relations, volunteer administration, professional/higher education fundraising, marketing, or a related field.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel frequently to manage prospect activity in key metro areas.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; advanced degree in business, communications, public relations, marketing, or a related field is desirable.
• Five years of experience in major gift fundraising, with a proven track record of securing gifts of $50,000 or more from individuals, corporations, and foundations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with demonstrated ability to work effectively in a complex higher education environment.
• Collaborative, team-oriented style with experience in academic medicine or biomedical research fundraising.
• Knowledge of fundraising and tax laws affecting charitable giving.

Schedule

Standard work hours are 8 AM – 5 PM, with possible evenings and weekends as needed.

Remote Work

This position is designated as remote-friendly, meaning some or all duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.