University Development Assistant

This position contributes to the success of major and principal giving efforts and provides strategic support for community engagement initiatives. This position is a member of the team that supports University Development leadership, playing a crucial role in shaping the university’s philanthropic direction and supporting its long-term success.

Two positions available.

Salary and Benefits:

C4 Level. Minimum starting salary of $22.04 per hour

Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources and tuition waiver effective on date of hire. ​

Essential Functions:

• Support the University Development leadership team in executing principal and major giving, campaigns, community engagement, and special projects by setting goals, defining objectives, and developing tactics aligned with the External Engagement and Philanthropy Teams.
  
  
• Apply project management skills to oversee workflows, requests, and calendars.
  
  
• Draft and organize materials, presentations, and talking points for donor and prospective donor engagements.
  
  
• Communicate with donors, External Engagement and Philanthropy Team members, as well as with other key constituents.
  
  
• Prepare for internal and external meetings, including project updates, agenda preparation, donor materials, and financial reports.
  
  
• Coordinate regular meetings for the teams, track progress, collect reports, and update leadership on project statuses.
  
  
• Manage timelines and deliverables for assigned fundraising campaign priorities.
  
  
• Prepare and analyze reports using Raiser’s Edge, manage expense reports, and monitor budgets.
  
  
• Compile, format, and track statistical data, and prepare strategic documents, planning materials, and insights to inform decision-making.
  
  
• Handle confidential administrative tasks efficiently.
  
  
• Provide event coordination support.
  
  
• Perform additional duties as assigned by leadership.
  
  

Required Qualifications:

• High school graduate or equivalent.
  
  
• Minimum of four years of relevant work experience.
  
  
• Demonstrated administrative and organizational skills.
  
  
• Experience with various computer software applications such as Microsoft Office and/or equivalent.
  
  
• Data entry experience.
  
  
• Typing and spelling competency with grammar and proofreading skills.
  
  
• Possess strong verbal and written communication skills.
  
  
• Demonstrated experience to successfully provide quality customer service.
  
  
• Demonstrated experience to successfully work independently, organize own work and coordinate work activities of others.
  
  
• Demonstrated experience to successfully coordinate large projects.
  
  
• Demonstrated experience to successfully handle multiple demands efficiently.
  
  
• Demonstrated experience to successfully organize and prioritize workload.
  
  
• Demonstrated experience to successfully navigate challenging situations in the
  
  
• workplace, while using good judgement.
  
  
• Demonstrated experience to successfully work under pressure and meet deadlines.
  
  
• Demonstrated experience to successfully maintain satisfactory work performance and
  
  
• attendance records.
  
  
• Ability to successfully maintain positive intercultural and interpersonal relationships.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree.
  
  
• Experience in a higher education fundraising environment.
  
  
• Experience with a customer relationship management tool, such as Raiser’s Edge
  
  
• Supervisory experience.
  
  

Supervision Received:

• Receives minimal supervision from a designated supervisor. Much of the work is self-initiated. Person is expected to function with considerable independence and apply appropriate policies and procedures within the assigned area of responsibility.
  
  

Supervision Exercised:

• Hire, train, schedule and coordinate the work of student employees and may act as lead worker to PSS staff members within the department/unit/division.
  
  

Working Conditions: Standard Office Environment, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

How to Apply:

Please attach your cover letter and resume. The system will allow you to attach these documents electronically. If you have questions about the position or the posting, please contact University Development at 616-331-6000. If you need technical assistance, please call Human Resources at 616-331-2215.

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.

Application Deadline:

Application closes January 26, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See www.gvsu.edu/affirmative/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).

Grand Valley State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for racial and ethnic minorities, women, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.