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University Advancement

Associate Director of Foundation Relations

Post Date: 03-13-2019
Deadline: 07-26-2019
Job No.: 564799
Department: University Advancement
Type: Administrative Professional
Salary Range: Negotiable

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Description

The Associate Director of Foundation Relations is responsible for maintaining a portfolio of private foundation donors and prospects for Michigan State University and for coordinating and directing activities that will ensure regular and increased support from these foundations to fulfill the University’s goals and priorities.  Activities include, but are not limited to, the following: 

Cultivation, Solicitation, and Stewardship (60%)

  • Assist colleges and units in identifying potential private foundation funding sources for programs; cultivate and maintain relationships with assigned foundation donors and prospects; and develop strategies, systems and procedures for advancing MSU’s goals with these foundation donors and prospects.

  • Act as liaison to an assigned set of foundation donors and prospects to develop and maintain their interest in MSU with the objective of increased funding.

  • In pursuit of support, actively seek and develop new foundation relationships.

  • Manage cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of assigned foundation donors and prospects.

  • In conjunction with the college or unit directors of development and other staff, work with administrators, deans, department heads and faculty to develop and submit proposals consistent with funder programs and policies and ensure appropriate contacts between MSU and foundation representatives.

  • Coordinate follow-up on successful proposals ensuring timely submission of narrative and financial reports.

  • With appropriate colleges and units, develop cultivation and stewardship activities for assigned foundation donors and prospects on behalf of the University.

  • Arrange strategic visits for MSU leadership and faculty members with assigned foundation prospects and donors.

    Strategy Development and Implementation (40%)

  • Monitor assigned foundation donor/prospect strategies and funding interests with the objective of identifying potential alignment with MSU priorities and faculty research, education, and outreach activities.

  • Become knowledgeable about and conversant with the University’s strengths and current relationships with assigned foundation donors and prospects.

  • Gather and disseminate information on funding opportunities with assigned foundation donors and prospects to faculty and administrators.

  • Collaborate and cooperate with members of the Foundation Relations and Corporate Relations Teams as well as with Advancement colleagues to advance fundraising priorities and achieve strategic goals.

  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required 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.  This position requires travel; a valid driver’s license is required.

 

Desired Qualifications for the Successful Candidate:

The successful candidate will have excellent written and verbal communication skills and will be team-oriented. She/he will have a demonstrated ability to establish and manage multiple business relationships with complex, multifaceted organizations successfully and simultaneously. Individuals sought for this role will have the ability to understand quickly and translate clearly and succinctly faculty research and its value to potential funders.

 

  • A Bachelor’s degree is required. An advanced degree is desired.

  • Three to five years fundraising experience seeking foundation support for a university, or experience in another strongly related field, is necessary.

  • A demonstrated record of identifying the interests of foundations and matching them to university resources is highly desirable.

  • Candidate should be goal-driven, show strong initiative and be a self-starter.

  • Excellent verbal and written communications and interpersonal skills.

  • Strong organizational skills.

  • Ability to work effectively in a complex institution.

  • High comfort level working with people in leadership positions.

  • A collaborative team-oriented style is highly desirable.

  • Reasonable experience and knowledge of foundations and fund raising is necessary.

 

How to apply

If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Pat Karam, Recruitment Manager at karampat@msu.edu.

Candidates must submit an application and resume through the Michigan State University Human Resources system, the URL for this website is www.careers.msu.edu.  Please indicate the position number 564799 when submitting your application.

MSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer.

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.