Position Summary

This role serves as a strategic liaison between Donor Services and campus units, with a primary role to maximize the utilization and institutional impact of existing gift funds. Functioning as an operational engine, the position identifies stagnant funds and builds the processes necessary to transition them into active support for campus units, or, where appropriate, toward closure.

While this role may provide essential insight into navigating gift terms, its focus is operational and consultative. By driving the continued evaluation of fund health and providing standardized tools and processes, this position ensures that philanthropic resources are used effectively, remain in alignment with university policy and laws, and honor the donor’s original intent. Ultimately, this role reinforces our collective responsibility to ensure that every donor dollar is spent and spent well.

This position is hybrid-eligible and requires regular on-site presence. Remote work is not guaranteed and must be approved through a Remote Work Agreement.

 

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

- Identifies underutilized gift funds and establishes a reporting cadence to track institutional progress toward optimal fund utilization. Leverages the CRM and financial data to flag funds with high balances and low spending activity. Leads the development and distribution of a Remediation Pipeline and Gift Fund Health Scorecard.

- Leads the administrative process for fund modifications, amendments, and closures. Coordinates comprehensive reviews, partnering with campus units to determine if a fund requires a formal update to its terms or a shift in its administrative structure.

- Develops tools and guidance to help campus units interpret gift agreement language into actionable spending plans. Provides strategic consultation on the processes required to bring gift funds into institutional alignment.

- Provides the strategic direction and framework for the notification process when a fund requires modification or closure. Ensures efficiency, consistency, and ease for campus partners by developing and maintaining standardized templates, consistent messaging, and process guidance.

- Manages the end-to-end pledge fulfillment process, including monitoring outstanding pledge balances, issuing reminders, and tracking payment statuses for all major gift pledges. Communicates with internal colleagues and donors regarding pledge fulfillment timelines, outstanding balances, and resolution of fulfillment issues. Prepares regular pledge status reports for leadership and development officers. Coordinates with Finance and Gift Management on pledge write-down and write-off protocols in accordance with institutional policy.

Minimum 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; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in professional fundraising, public relations, marketing, higher education fundraising or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

One to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in office management, including developing reports utilizing work processing, database, and spreadsheet software. One to three years of experience providing executive level support including, but not limited to, confidential office protocol. Experience in drafting or reviewing legal/contractual documents in higher education or nonprofit setting. Familiarity with UPMIFA and endowment management principles.

Strong technical abilities and excellent grammatical skills. Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills, and an ability to exercise sound judgment. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality, multi-task, and balance and prioritize multiple projects. Experience in Ascend, AdobeSign, and SharePoint.   

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

Interested in joining the team at Michigan State University? For questions, contact Patricia Karam, Director of Talent Acquisition, at karampat@msu.edu.