Development Assistant

MSU Careers Details•East Lansing, MI

About The Position

The Development Assistant provides administrative and project management support to advance the mission and goals of the Nat Sci Advancement Team, University Advancement, and the College of Natural Science. The role supports advancement leadership and the College Advancement team through operational coordination, financial tracking, annual giving, donor stewardship, advancement data management, events, alumni engagement, and special projects. The position serves as the lead coordinator for the College's annual giving program, coordinating multichannel campaigns and working with University Advancement, College Marketing and Communications, and campus partners. It also supports donor and alumni relations by preparing communications and reports, coordinating stewardship and recognition activities, maintaining advancement-system records, and organizing data to inform fundraising and engagement strategies. The Development Assistant coordinates development and alumni engagement events from planning through evaluation, supports donor, alumni, and student engagement initiatives, and undertakes special projects that advance the College's philanthropic and strategic priorities. The role requires discretion, accuracy, strong communication and organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities independently and collaboratively.

Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that normally acquired by completing a four-year college program in Communications, Public Relations, or Marketing, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Up to six months of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in professional fundraising, public relations, marketing, advancement/philanthropy, or a related field.
Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to engage professionally with donors, alumni, and external constituents, build positive relationships, and represent the College with professionalism, discretion, and excellent customer service.
Strong organizational, administrative, and project coordination skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, database management, and financial processes.
Ability to organize and analyze information, coordinate projects and events, maintain confidential records, and collaborate effectively with internal and external constituents.
Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, adaptability, and commitment to accuracy and efficiency.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills for communicating effectively and credibly with all audiences.
Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed.

Nice To Haves

Previous advancement/philanthropy experience.

Responsibilities

Provide administrative and project coordination support to the Senior Director of Development and College Advancement team.
Coordinate calendars, meetings, travel, purchasing, reimbursements, and other operational activities.
Coordinate annual operating plans, assist with budget development, and maintain financial tracking with advancement leadership.
Process and reconcile financial transactions, purchasing card expenses, and reimbursements using university systems.
Maintain departmental records, correspondence, financial documentation, procedural resources, and operational materials.
Serve as a liaison with University Advancement, campus departments, donors, alumni, and external partners.
Recommend process improvements to enhance operational efficiency and program effectiveness.
Lead coordination of the College's annual giving program, including planning, implementing, and tracking fundraising campaigns and initiatives.
Coordinate multichannel fundraising efforts, including direct mail, digital communications, social media, and telemarketing.
Coordinate campaign timelines, fundraising communications, and outreach strategies with College Marketing and Communications, University Advancement, and campus partners.
Prepare and coordinate fundraising proposals, donor communications, solicitation materials, and related correspondence.
Represent the College in annual giving meetings, activities, and initiatives.
Track campaign performance and fundraising results to support program assessment and improvement.
Coordinate donor stewardship, recognition, and engagement activities with advancement staff.
Prepare donor acknowledgments, impact reports, stewardship communications, and personalized donor outreach.
Coordinate stewardship projects, communications, mailings, and donor recognition initiatives through completion.
Maintain donor, alumni, and prospect records in university advancement systems, including contact reports, proposals, and engagement activities.
Prepare donor research, prospect information, briefing materials, and reports to support fundraising and engagement strategies.
Assist with gift processing, gift agreements, acknowledgments, and other donor-related documentation.
Compile, organize, and analyze advancement data to support fundraising strategies, stewardship activities, and decision-making.
Support accurate data management and compliance with university policies and applicable privacy requirements.
Coordinate the planning, preparation, execution, and evaluation of development and alumni engagement events.
Manage event logistics, communications, registration, materials, guest hospitality, and follow-up activities.
Collaborate with advancement staff and campus partners to support donor, alumni, and student engagement initiatives.
Gather and organize information, coordinate outreach, and support engagement projects through completion.
Coordinate and support special projects, fundraising initiatives, and other duties that advance the College's philanthropic, alumni engagement, and strategic priorities.