Position Summary

The Broad College of Business and the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation seek an enthusiastic, collaborative, and results-oriented individual to join its dynamic fundraising team as the Associate Director of Development.

The Associate Director will play a critical role in advancing the Burgess Institute’s mission to foster a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation across Michigan State University. Through strategic philanthropic partnerships, this individual will help create opportunities that support student entrepreneurs, faculty innovation, alumni engagement and the broader Spartan entrepreneurial ecosystem.

As entrepreneurship continues to expand across disciplines, the Associate Director will serve as a connector between the Burgess Institute, academic units, regional development colleagues, alumni entrepreneurs, corporate partners and university leadership. This position will identify shared priorities, strengthen collaboration, and create pathways for philanthropic investment that support entrepreneurial thinking and experiences for students across MSU.

The Associate Director of Development is expected to be an accomplished, responsive and collaborative member of the Eli Broad College of Business and University Advancement teams who executes a strategic donor engagement plan to build a sustainable pipeline of private support for the Burgess Institute and entrepreneurship initiatives across Michigan State University.

FUNDRAISING -

• Identify, cultivate, solicit and steward major gifts from individuals, corporations, foundations and professional groups in support of Burgess Institute strategic priorities and Michigan State University’s broader entrepreneurship ecosystem.
• Manage an active portfolio of approximately 70 major gift prospects with philanthropic capacity of $100,000 or more, utilizing strategic moves management practices to advance donor relationships and secure philanthropic support.
• Partner with regional development officers and college/unit-based Advancement teams to identify and advance opportunities related to entrepreneurship, innovation, venture creation, experiential learning and student success across Michigan State University.
• Serve as a university-wide Advancement resource and connector for entrepreneurship-related philanthropic opportunities by aligning donor interests with initiatives that encourage innovation and entrepreneurial thinking across disciplines.
• Develop strategies to engage Spartan entrepreneurs, founders, investors, corporate partners and industry leaders to strengthen MSU’s entrepreneurial network and create meaningful opportunities for mentorship, engagement and philanthropic support.
• Collaborate with Burgess Institute leadership, faculty, academic partners and Advancement colleagues to identify emerging priorities and develop fundraising strategies that strengthen MSU’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
• Achieve annual fundraising goals through a proactive and consistent program of donor engagement, including approximately 180 significant contacts annually through personal visits, events, phone, email and other outreach strategies.
• Build strong relationships with major gift prospects by understanding donor interests and connecting their philanthropic passions with Michigan State University priorities and opportunities.
• Develop and implement strategies to engage key volunteers, alumni entrepreneurs, faculty, university leaders and Advancement partners in the cultivation and solicitation process. Coordinate joint prospect visits when appropriate.
• Serve as a primary liaison between the Burgess Institute, University Advancement partners, donors and prospective supporters to ensure strong communication, collaboration and engagement.
• Plan and host meaningful campus experiences for donors, alumni entrepreneurs, corporate partners and prospective supporters.
• Establish annual fundraising goals, monitor progress, analyze results and support special initiatives and campaign strategies designed to advance the mission and priorities of the Burgess Institute and Michigan State University.

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT -

• Develop proposals, case statements, impact materials, donor communications, and other fundraising resources that clearly articulate the vision, priorities and impact of the Burgess Institute and entrepreneurship at MSU.
• Partner with Burgess Institute leadership and Advancement colleagues to identify compelling funding opportunities and create strategies to inspire philanthropic support.
• Assist with the planning and execution of donor engagement, prospect cultivation, recognition, stewardship and entrepreneurship-focused events.
• Utilize donor database systems to document activity, manage prospect strategies, track progress and coordinate efforts with Advancement partners.

COMMUNICATION AND STEWARDSHIP -

• Build and maintain strong partnerships with University Advancement colleagues across campus to ensure entrepreneurship-related opportunities are identified, coordinated and strategically aligned with donor interests.
• Develop relationships with faculty, academic leaders, program directors and campus partners to understand emerging priorities and identify opportunities for philanthropic support.
• Communicate the vision and impact of entrepreneurship at Michigan State University by sharing stories of student innovation, alumni success, industry engagement and cross-campus collaboration with donors and external partners.
• Collaborate with Advancement peers to coordinate prospect strategies, share information and ensure a unified approach to donor engagement.
• Provide meaningful stewardship to donors by demonstrating the impact of their philanthropy and maintaining strong long-term relationships with the Burgess Institute and Michigan State University.

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; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in public relations, volunteer administration, professional and higher education fund raising, marketing or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred
• Five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive experience in professional fundraising, public relations, marketing, or related field
• Working knowledge of tax laws affecting charitable giving, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Possession of a valid vehicle operator’s license
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills
• Experience in public speaking
• Collaborative team-oriented style
• Experience with “Moves Management” or related strategic relationship development
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to “close” gifts or business deals with demonstrative experiences closing gifts of $50,000 or more
• Working knowledge of tax laws affecting charitable giving
• Travel involving automobile, airline, and rail

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.