Senior Director of Development, CANR​/Development Officer III​/S

Working/Functional Title

Senior Director of Development, CANR

The Senior Director of Development for the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) at Michigan State University will be a strategic, collaborative, and results-driven leader, guiding the advancement efforts for one of the nation’s premier agriculture and natural resources programs. As the college’s chief development officer, the Senior Director will manage a personal portfolio of major and principal gift prospects, meet individual fundraising goals, and lead the advancement team in achieving annual targets for fundraising and alumni engagement.

This role oversees a team of 11 professionals—including six frontline fundraisers, alumni engagement, and stewardship staff—and works closely with the Dean of CANR as a key member of his leadership team.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Constituency Programs, the Senior Director will serve as the primary liaison between CANR and the broader University Advancement community, contributing to a dynamic and collaborative advancement network across MSU.

The CANR advancement program is among the university’s highest performing academic fundraising units. With the energy and vision of a new dean, this role offers an exciting opportunity to elevate an already-strong program to new heights. It is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned advancement professional to enhance a robust development operation and play a critical role in advancing one of MSU’s most ambitious campaign efforts:
Uncommon Will. Far Better World.

CANR continues to lead nationally and globally in fulfilling its academic and land‑grant mission, with recognized strengths in areas such as packaging, plant sciences, climate, food systems and food security, and workforce development. With increased philanthropic investment, the college is poised to accelerate its impact—improving outcomes for students, advancing Michigan’s economy, and addressing global challenges through research and education

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to the Dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and to the Senior Executive Director of Constituency Programs:

Fundraising:

• Plans and implements comprehensive strategies for prospects through the donor cycle of identification, solicitation and cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, coordinating activities with development colleagues across campus and the geographic regions, where appropriate.
• Works collaboratively with leadership of the College to develop and implement strategies, systems, and procedures for advancing individual and collective goals and priorities.
• Plans and implements the major, planned, and principal gifts program for the College.
• Personally develops and manages a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects, with emphasis on 6- and especially 7-figure gifts.
• Provide assistance to donors regarding tax laws, policies and procedures, and resolves problems in order to maintain a positive image of the University.

Personnel Management:

• Supervises, directs, motivates, and evaluates staff in order to assure consistency, quantity, and quality of work performed.
• Sets clear direction and priorities for professionals and administrative support staff.
• Promotes excellence through well‑defined and measurable goals.
• Leads by example; fosters a work environment that recognizes and rewards team‑based efforts. Celebrate current achievements and set clear expectations for future success.
• Actively mentors and trains staff, providing frequent opportunities for professional learning and growth.
• Emphasizes retention as a means of increasing capacity and expertise of the team.
• Fully leverage human and financial resources and promote greater efficiency.
• Provides the structure and guidance necessary to promote a high‑performance culture that meets the needs and expectations of a successful and diverse alumni community.
• Recruits, trains, motivates, and evaluates volunteers in order to accomplish College goals and objectives.

Programmatic Management:

• Audits internal operations in order to develop standardized procedures and to ensure conformity with established…