Director of Foundation Relations, MI/MW / Development Officer II

MSU Internal Job Postings Details • East Lansing, MI

1d • Remote

About The Position

Michigan State University Advancement is seeking a Director of Foundation Relations with a strategic focus on private foundations based in Michigan and the greater Midwest region. This position is responsible for managing a portfolio of regional foundation prospects and donors, deepening MSU’s engagement with these funders, and helping to secure philanthropic support that aligns with university priorities in research, education, outreach, and innovation. The Director will play a key role in strengthening and expanding MSU’s relationships with foundations rooted in the Midwest, cultivating new regional partnerships, and elevating the visibility of MSU's work in areas aligned with funder interests.

Requirements

• 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
• An equivalent combination of education and experience
• A valid driver’s license
• Willingness to travel within Michigan and the Midwest

Nice To Haves

• A four-year college degree in Nonprofit Leadership, Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Business, or a related field.
• Three to five years of progressively responsible experience in higher education fundraising, foundation relations, or working directly at a private foundation or similar organization.
• Demonstrated success in managing external relationships and securing funding.
• Strong familiarity with Michigan and Midwest-based foundations and their philanthropic priorities.
• Experience aligning faculty research and institutional initiatives with regional funder interests.
• Excellent writing, communication, and interpersonal skills with an ability to distill complex ideas into compelling narratives.
• Goal-driven, collaborative, and highly organized, with strong initiative and attention to detail.
• High level of comfort working with university leaders, faculty, and external partners.

Responsibilities

• Manage cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of assigned Michigan and Midwest-based foundation donors and prospects, including those with ongoing or annual grant programs.
• Identify new foundation opportunities within the region and build relationships that connect funder interests with MSU’s mission and strengths.
• Act as a primary liaison to regional foundation program officers and leadership, maintaining consistent communication and engagement to promote MSU as a strong funding partner.
• Collaborate with development officers, faculty, and campus leaders to coordinate proposal development that aligns with foundation priorities and ensures compliance with funder guidelines.
• Support MSU faculty and administrators in pursuing competitive regional foundation awards and assist in developing compelling proposals and strategic narratives.
• Coordinate stewardship activities and grant reporting for regional foundation awards, ensuring timely submission of deliverables and strengthening long-term partnerships.
• Organize strategic visits and meetings with Midwest foundation representatives for MSU leadership, deans, faculty, and University Advancement leadership.
• Develop and implement engagement strategies for foundations in Michigan and surrounding states to increase awareness of MSU’s research strengths, community engagement, and statewide impact.
• Monitor and track regional foundation trends, priorities, and funding cycles, sharing relevant opportunities with campus partners and leadership.
• Stay informed about MSU’s programs, strategic initiatives, and institutional priorities to identify alignment with regional foundation interests.
• Work closely with colleagues across the Foundation and Corporate Relations Teams and the broader University Advancement division to integrate foundation strategy into overall advancement efforts.
• Help position MSU as a go-to grantee and thought partner for regional foundations addressing key issues such as health equity, workforce development, education access, sustainability, and innovation.

Benefits

• Consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees