Assc Director of Devel, College of Music /Development Officer II

MSU Internal Job Postings Details•East Lansing, MI

5d•Remote

About The Position

The Michigan State University College of Music seeks an Associate Director of Development to help plan and implement a comprehensive fundraising program that advances College priorities and supports the University’s mission. The position identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards major gift prospects and secures philanthropic support for students, faculty, programs, facilities, and strategic initiatives. The Associate Director manages a portfolio of approximately 70–80 major gift prospects, with a focus on individuals capable of gifts of $100,000 or more. Annual performance expectations include raising at least $3 million in philanthropic commitments, completing approximately 180 significant personal visits, conducting at least 30 major gift solicitations, and securing funding from approximately 20 or more donors. The role also emphasizes discovering and qualifying new prospects to develop a sustainable major gift pipeline. The position involves substantial donor engagement and travel within Michigan and periodically nationwide. It collaborates with College leadership, faculty and staff, Community Music Schools leadership, University Advancement colleagues, volunteers, and donor relations staff. The role reports to the Senior Director of Development, College of Music. The position is remote-friendly, with remote work arranged by mutual agreement. Regular work hours are 8 a.m.–5 p.m., with possible evenings and weekends for donor engagement and special events.

Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to completing a four-year college degree program in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Business, or a related area, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Three to five years of related and progressively responsible or expansive experience in public relations, volunteer administration, professional or higher education fundraising, marketing, or a related field.
Valid Michigan driver's license required at the time of hire.
Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to work effectively within a complex organization, preferably in higher education, with a collaborative, team-oriented approach.
Knowledge of fundraising principles, best practices, and charitable giving regulations, including applicable tax laws.
Ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed for donor engagement and special events.
Ability to travel regularly throughout Michigan and periodically nationwide.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in music, liberal arts, business, communications, public relations, marketing, or a related field.
At least five years of major gift fundraising experience, including a demonstrated record of securing gifts of $100,000 or more from individuals, corporations, and foundations.
Appreciation for and understanding of the performing arts, particularly music and music education.

Responsibilities

Manage a portfolio of 70–80 major gift prospects through identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Build and maintain a pipeline of major gift prospects, including identifying and engaging new prospective donors.
Partner with University Advancement, College leadership, faculty, staff, and Community Music Schools leadership to develop and execute strategies for gifts of $100,000 and above.
Conduct a minimum of 180 significant personal visits annually.
Meet or exceed annual benchmarks of at least 30 major gift solicitations, 20 funded proposals, and $3 million in philanthropic commitments.
Align donor interests with College priorities to secure support for students, faculty, programs, facilities, and strategic initiatives.
Represent the College at performances, events, and donor engagement activities.
Collaborate with volunteers, faculty, administrators, and advancement colleagues to maximize philanthropic support.
Advise donors on charitable giving opportunities and gift vehicles.
Prepare prospect briefings, proposals, stewardship reports, gift agreements, and donor communications, in collaboration with donor relations staff as appropriate.
Partner with the Assistant Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship on major donor stewardship plans, including impact reporting, recognition, engagement opportunities, and donor experiences.
Collaborate with College and University Advancement leadership on stewardship and engagement initiatives.
Develop and execute annual fundraising plans and monitor progress against goals, metrics, and strategic objectives.
Support major fundraising initiatives, campaign priorities, and special projects.
Maintain accurate prospect strategies, contact reports, fundraising activity, and gift documentation in the University's constituent relationship management system.
Use prospect data and moves management practices to inform strategies, evaluate portfolio performance, and identify engagement and giving opportunities.
Coordinate prospect strategies, portfolio management, and fundraising efforts with advancement colleagues.
Communicate fundraising results, pipeline activity, and portfolio performance to College and University Advancement leadership as appropriate.
Cultivate relationships, solicit philanthropic support, and respond to donor inquiries and interests.
Communicate fundraising priorities and development guidance to College faculty and staff, and identify funding needs and philanthropic strategies.
Coordinate prospect management and cultivation and solicitation strategies with University Advancement colleagues and development peers.
Engage with professional organizations, industry partners, foundations, and grant-making organizations to explore opportunities and pursue aligned support.