Asst Director of Development, COL / Development Officer I

About the role

The Assistant Director of Development for the College of Law (COL) will be part of a collaborative team planning and directing the college’s Advancement program, including fundraising efforts in specific in-state and out-of-state geographic areas. Strategic thinking and action are critical to success. The position focuses on face-to-face contact with prospects whose philanthropic capacity is $100,000 or more, managing a portfolio of 75 major donor prospects. The Assistant Director is expected to average 16–17 strategic visits per month that result in “moves” toward major gifts and to conduct 2–3 major gift solicitations per month. Additional responsibilities include assisting with prospect identification, volunteer recruitment, and training as needed. The primary work location is East Lansing, Michigan, with regular travel by automobile and occasional air transportation to support fundraising across the state.

Responsibilities

• Implement the yearly strategic fundraising plan in collaboration with the development team to meet established dollar and donor goals for the college’s major gift program ($100,000 and above), supporting endowment, expendable, and capital priorities.
• Build strong, engaged relationships with major gift prospects to align their passions and interests with MSU/COL funding priorities and opportunities.
• Carry a portfolio of 75 prospects, creating and executing fundraising strategies and soliciting gifts of $100,000 and above.
• Engage 16–17 major prospects through personal visits each month that result in strategic “moves” toward the closure of major gifts.
• Interpret the needs and priorities of COL units verbally and in writing to foster understanding conducive to giving.
• Build working relationships with internal constituents to enhance information exchange between COL units and other MSU units, advising faculty and administrators on appropriate fundraising strategies.
• Recruit, train, and manage volunteers who assist with planning and carrying out development objectives.
• Assist with the development and writing of materials that identify funding priorities, articulate the case for support, and advance the college’s campaign fundraising goals, including solicitation appeals, proposals, and marketing communications.
• Coordinate and participate in alumni and donor engagement, prospecting, recognition, and stewardship events as appropriate.
• Serve as a liaison between donors/prospects and the university/college to ensure desired information and services are provided within university policy.
• Utilize the alumni and donor database to record contact activities, update donor information, document strategic moves management steps, and record gift documentation; maintain accurate donor/prospect records.
• Prepare personal fundraising goals and analyze/report goal accomplishments for the Dean, University Advancement, volunteers, and related groups.
• Serve as a fundraising consultant and advisor to department heads and faculty as necessary.
• Assist in planning and implementing special purpose appeals as needed.
• Attend workshops and seminars to enhance professional development.
• Act as a public goodwill ambassador for Michigan State University and the College of Law.

Requirements

• Knowledge equivalent to that normally acquired by completing a four-year college degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Business, or a related field.
• One to three years of progressively responsible or expansive work experience in professional fundraising, public relations, marketing, higher education fundraising, or a related field.
• Valid driver’s license; travel required.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Business, or a related field.
• Five to seven years of experience in professional fundraising, public relations, marketing, or a related field.
• Professional fundraising experience in higher education.
• Availability to manage 50% travel, including evenings, weekends, and holidays when needed.
• Proven ability to work autonomously, collaboratively, and within a team structure.
• Demonstrated track record of financial development and/or productivity in a complex work environment.
• Knowledge of tax laws affecting charitable giving.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Positive attitude and strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to multitask and manage time effectively in a fast-moving environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work within a campus culture that includes a diverse array of personalities.
• Some knowledge of the Land Grant University context.
• Collaborative, team-oriented style.
• Experience with Moves Management or related strategic relationship development.