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

Position: Senior Director of Development, CAL / Development Officer III/S

Senior Director of Development, CAL / Development Officer III/S

Michigan State University College of Arts and Letters invites applications for a Senior Director of Development. The incumbent will lead the College’s advancement program and play a pivotal role in the university’s $4 billion Uncommon Will. Far Better World comprehensive campaign, targeting a college campaign goal of $55 million.

Overview

The Senior Director serves as the chief development officer for the College, managing a team of three full‑time staff and overseeing major gift prospecting, cultivation, and solicitation. Key responsibilities include maintaining a personal portfolio of 60‑75 major gift prospects, leading a strategic moves management program, and working closely with the Dean, senior administrators, and volunteer leadership to maximize philanthropic potential.

Fundraising Responsibilities

• Plan and execute prospect identification, cultivation, and solicitation strategies to maximize support, matching donor interests with College needs.
• Manage a portfolio of approximately 60‑75 major gift prospects, conduct 15‑20 significant contacts per month, and deliver 2‑3 proposals monthly.
• Implement the major and planned gifts strategy, including corporate and foundation funding.
• Assist donors with tax law, policy, and procedural questions, resolving issues to maintain a positive institutional image.

Personnel Management

• Supervise, direct, motivate, and evaluate staff to ensure consistency in quality and quantity of work.
• Set direction, priorities, and measurable goals for staff, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration.
• Mentor, train, and provide professional development opportunities to staff and volunteers, promoting retention and capacity building.
• Structure roles to create a high‑performance culture aligned with the College and university missions.

Programmatic Management

• Coordinate with external relations staff (development, alumni, public relations, communications) for seamless information flow.
• Audit internal operations to develop standardized procedures and ensure policy conformity.
• Assist in setting long‑ and short‑term goals and resource planning.
• Plan, host, and communicate at public and university meetings to promote College initiatives.
• Assist in budget preparation, ensuring efficiency and consistency with department goals.
• Oversee composition, editing, and publication of College literature, including campaign progress reports.

Communications & Interpersonal Relationships

• Engage Michigan State University Alumni, Major Corporations, and Corporate Leadership as potential donors and volunteers.
• Collaborate with faculty and college leadership to determine priorities, gather insights, and advise on fundraising strategy.
• Guide staff on goals, priorities, and cohesive execution.
• Coordinate with department heads, university executive management, and advancement leadership for support and resources.
• Consult with Trustees and professional organizations for advice and assistance in donor cultivation and solicitation.

Minimum Requirements

• Four‑year college degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing and/or Business.

• Five to eight years of progressive fundraising experience in higher education, including development budgeting, case statement preparation, and operations analysis.

• Travel required; valid vehicle operator’s license necessary.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in higher‑education arts, humanities, or social sciences fundraising.
• Eight years of successful fundraising, preferably in higher education, with director or manager experience.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and verbal/written communication skills.
• Experience facilitating major gifts through planned giving instruments.
• Knowledge of tax laws affecting charitable giving.

Equal Employment Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, or protected veteran status.

Application Materials

Resume and cover letter.

Special Instructions

Michigan State University has partnered with the Aspen Leadership Group to fill this position. View the prospectus or apply via this link: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Contact Tonya Malik-Carson ton for questions.

Work Hours

8 am – 5 pm, with possible evenings and weekends.

Remote Work Statement

MSU offers a flexible work environment; this position is designated remote‑friendly, meaning duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed.

Bidding Eligibility Ends

September 2, 2025 at 11:55 p.m.

Seniority Level

Executive

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Other

Industry

Higher Education

Location

East Lansing, MI

Salary Range

$45,000.00 – $55,000.00

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