Associate Director of Development, Communication Arts & Sciences
Deadline: 08-15-2024
Job No.: 966376
Department: University Advancement
Type: Administrative Professional
Salary Range: Negotiable
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Description
At the College of Communication Arts and Sciences, we're a vibrant and eclectic bunch, examining communication from neurons to nations. Our smart, passionate people and vibrant, collaborative culture empower opportunity and create extraordinary impact on the way we communicate and connect for a better, more inspired world. Around the world, over 58,000 alumni are leaders in a staggering array of successful careers, including CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, presidents of entertainment companies, producers of award-winning films and documentaries, and researchers determining the impact of messages upon society.
The College of Communication Arts and Sciences, together with the Office of University Advancement, is seeking an accomplished, dedicated, collaborative, enthusiastic, creative, and results-oriented fundraiser to join its Advancement team. This team member will identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward alumni and friends of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences, as well as periodic special purpose appeals and programs with business, industry, and interested foundations, in support of the future of communication. The ability to think and act strategically will be critical to the success of this position.
The Associate Director of Development will manage a portfolio of approximately 75 major donor prospects, focusing efforts on prospects whose philanthropic capacity is $100,000 or more in order to maximize the fundraising potential on behalf of Michigan State University. The Associate Director will average 12-15 face-to-face strategic visits per month, which will result in greater engagement and movement toward a major gift solicitation at a rate of 2 to 4 solicitations per month, with all solicitation efforts cleared and coordinated with University Advancement at Michigan State University. The Associate Director will travel as needed to facilitate donor engagement and close major gift solicitations. The Associate Director will play a pivotal role in the cultivation and solicitation of major donor prospects for MSU’s upcoming capital campaign.
Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities:
Directly reporting to the Senior Director of Development for the College of Communication Arts and Sciences, the Associate Director of Development will include, but is not limited to, the following:
Solicitation, Cultivation & Discovery:
- Collaborate and coordinate with Communication Arts and Sciences Advancement, University Advancement, and administrators and faculty of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences to create and carry out fundraising strategies and solicitation of gifts of $100,000 and more.
- Utilize phone calls, email, mail, social media, and other strategies to identify, connect with, and engage alumni with the goal of soliciting financial support.
- Identify, qualify, and work to build strong, engaged relationships with an active pool of 75 major gift prospects to determine and merge prospect passions/interests/needs with ComArtSci’s areas of funding priority and opportunity.
- Achieve fundraising goals through an active and consistent program of prospect/donor outreach that includes 180 significant contacts annually.
- Schedule prospect/donor visits with members of the Unit leadership, faculty, or other Development colleagues, when appropriate.
- Serve as a liaison officer between the College and donors/prospects to ensure that the engagement and stewardship provided are to the full extent permitted by University policy, rules, and regulations.
- Serve as a consultant to donors on the tax advantage of various types of gifts.
- Plan and host campus visits for donors or potential donors or their representatives.
- Prepare annual personal fundraising goals and analyze/report goal accomplishment.
- Assist in planning and implementing special purpose appeals as necessary.
- Regular travel involving automobile and air travel.
Strategy & Coordination:
- Interpret needs/priorities of Communication Arts and Sciences units, verbally and in writing, to engender a level of understanding that is conducive to giving.
- Participate as part of the Communication Arts and Sciences 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 Communication Arts and Sciences units, including advising faculty and administrators of appropriate fundraising strategies.
Data Management & Planning:
- 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 Ascend database.
- Prepare annual personal fundraising goals and analyze/report goal accomplishment.
- 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 Communication Arts and Sciences.
Qualifications
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; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in public relations, volunteer administration, professional and higher education fund raising, marketing or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Desired Qualifications
- A Bachelor’s degree
- 3-5 years of professional major gift fundraising experience in higher education or readily transferable skills and a proven track record of working in a complex environment
- Working knowledge of tax laws affecting charitable giving
- Collaborative team-oriented style. Ability to work with a variety of personality types
- Experience with “Moves Management” or related strategic relationship development
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, organizational skills and intellectual curiosity
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Experience in public speaking
How to apply
HOW TO APPLY
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 want to become part of our team and, help us help us in our ambitious campaign!
If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Patricia Karam, Director of Recruitment at karampat@msu.edu.
All candidates must submit an application resume and cover letter through the Michigan State University Human Resources web-based system, the URL for this website is careers.msu.edu. Please indicate the position number 966376 when submitting your application.
Screening of applicants will continue until the position is filled.
MSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer.
MSU is committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. The University actively encourages applications and/or nominations of women, persons of color, veterans, and persons with disabilities.
MSU is committed to achieving excellence through cultural diversity. The university actively encourages applications and/or nominations of women, persons of color, veterans and persons with disabilities.