Position Summary

Michigan State University seeks an Assistant Director of Annual Giving and Operations to join the Student Success Development team. The Student Success Development team is focused on raising funds to support campus wide programs and initiatives that within the Office of the Provost, the Division of Student Affairs, and the Executive Vice President for Administration.

The Assistant Director of Development will increase philanthropic support for the Student Success Development Office and its programs. The Assistant Director will manage a portfolio of annual giving campaigns and advancement operations to support the complexity of the unit’s reporting and data management and build pipeline development for Student Success Initiatives. This role requires meticulous organizational skills to design and implement high-quality annual giving strategies and programs, as well as work with central University Advancement’s data and reporting team to ensure all current and active funds are being properly accounted for. The ideal candidate will not only be organized and motivated but also possess a positive mindset.

Reporting directly to the Senior Director of Development, Student Success Development, the Assistant Director will actively work with colleagues from both University Advancement’s annual giving team as well as our unit partners to collaborate on best strategies. This position will also supervise the Development Assistant position.

 

ANNUAL GIVING -

Develop and maintain an annual giving and membership plan that supports prospect and donor moves management, quantified in positive impact on year-over-year fundraising program growth. Specific project responsibilities include:

• Create, manage, and execute increased Annual Giving strategies.
• Create digital annual giving campaigns to acquire new donors.
• Use data, reporting, and analysis to develop creative and successful strategies to increase giving and identify new major donor prospects.
• Pursue professional development opportunities to understand and implement new approaches in annual giving and membership.

 

OPERATIONS AND REPORTING -

Ensures the smooth execution of development activities through data analysis, systems management, financial coordination, and programmatic support related to fund review and expenditures.

• Manage complex, multi‑step operational workflows with consistency and precision.
• Identify process improvement opportunities and implement efficiency-enhancing solutions.
• Provide high-level administrative and operational support for the Senior Director of Development, and development leadership team.
• Serve as the primary resource for troubleshooting data issues, reconciling records, and standardizing procedures.
• Assist with operational budget planning and reconciliation of expenses, ensuring fiscal accuracy and alignment with unit priorities.

 

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 fund raising or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Must have a valid driver’s license.

Desired Qualifications

• Meticulous organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Master’s degree.
• Excellent communication and analytic reasoning skills.
• Excellent customer service skills and the ability to work with a variety of people.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a complex higher education institution, and understanding and experience in development are highly desirable, as is a collaborative, team-oriented style.
• Experience in higher education fundraising or advancement services.
• Demonstrated experience with data analysis, CRM systems, or development operations.
• Some evenings and weekends are required throughout the year.

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, atkarampat@msu.edu.