Position Summary

The Development Assistant will serve as a key member of Michigan State University’s central Foundation Relations team, providing both frontline fundraising support and administrative coordination. Reporting directly to the Senior Director of Foundation Relations, this individual will also provide support to the Senior Director of Corporate Relations and their team.

The Office of Foundation Relations and Office of Corporate Relations provide leadership and support to MSU’s 29 colleges and units in engaging with philanthropic foundations and corporations to secure strategic funding partnerships. To be successful, the Development Assistant must be organized, adaptable, and motivated, with strong communication and customer service skills. The role requires someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, demonstrates accuracy and attention to detail, and can balance independent initiative with collaborative teamwork.

 

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Responsibilities:

• Identify and research new foundation prospects aligned with university priorities.
• Draft and edit high-quality requests for proposals (RFPs) and related materials.
• Manage a small portfolio of health and science-focused foundations with the goal of cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding philanthropic support.
• Partner with MSU faculty to understand research priorities and connect them with funding opportunities.
• Build and maintain relationships with foundation representatives to advance MSU’s mission.
• Contribute as a collaborative, positive, and solutions-oriented member of the Foundation Relations team.

Administrative Support:

• Provide direct support to the Senior Director of Foundation Relations and Senior Director of Corporate Relations, including scheduling and coordinating complex meetings with faculty, unit leadership, and external constituents.
• Coordinate logistics for meetings, campus visits, and special events involving foundation and corporate representatives.
• Assist with travel arrangements, reimbursements, and reporting for team members.
• Prepare and proofread correspondence, briefing papers, itineraries, presentations, and other documents for internal and external use.
• Maintain accurate data entry and records in foundation and corporate relations databases.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which would normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college program in Communications, Public Relations, or Marketing; up to six months of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in professional fundraising, public relations, marketing; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Experience in a professional fundraising or higher education environment.
• Familiarity with foundation and corporate philanthropy.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize competing demands.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office and experience working in large databases and reporting tools.
• Proven ability to proofread and edit complex documents with accuracy.
• Experience planning and executing high-level meetings, visits, or events.
• Outstanding customer service skills and ability to interact with donors and external stakeholders with discretion, professionalism, and warmth.
• Commitment to teamwork and collaboration, with the ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.

If you have experience with the responsibilities outlined in this job description or possess transferable skills, we encourage you to apply! We seek driven, successful fundraisers to join our team and contribute to our ambitious campaign.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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.

Required Application Materials

Resume and cover letter 

Special Instructions

If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Patricia Karam, Director of Talent Acquisition, atkarampat@msu.edu.