Associate Director, International Advancement

Associate Director, International Advancement

Michigan State University

Reporting to the Senior Director of International Advancement, and working in a high volume, highly complex organizational setting, the Associate Director of International Advancement coordinates international alumni engagement, donor relations, and parent fundraising for MSU’s Office of International Advancement. The associate director will be responsible for developing a strategic framework for engagement and discovery of alumni in key international markets under the guidance of the International Advancement team, and in collaboration with key colleges across campus, MSU Alumni Association, University Advancement, as well as with the area studies centers and education/service units in MSU’s International Studies & Programs.

The associate director will be responsible for establishing and building mutually beneficial relationships with a wide range of alumni, as well as parents, stateside and internationally, to advance the international agenda and goals of Michigan State University.

Alumni & Donor Relations

• Plan and implement programs that promote alumni participation to support MSU’s international agenda and goals.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for MSU’s network of international alumni clubs and contacts and, in coordination with the MSU Alumni Association, provide them with resources and tools to grow their engagement activities on behalf of Michigan State University.
• Manage social media outreach platforms including WeChat, Facebook, Instagram, KaKaotalk and LinkedIn to engage alumni, parents, and potential students.
• Coordinate closely with the Office of China Programs through the Director of Employer and Alumni Relations of MSU China Office.
• Develop and maintain collaboration with the MSU Alumni Association and college advancement staff to generate strategic alumni engagement in identified countries for the benefit of MSU’s academic mission.
• Develop relevant alumni and related briefings to inform university leadership prior to international travels for alumni engagement and events at least 7 days prior to departure.
• Conduct research on and outreach to emerging markets and constituencies with fundraising potential at the direction of the Senior Director of International Advancement.

Parent Fundraising

• Work closely with fellow International Advancement colleagues, Office of Annual Giving, Office of Individual Giving, and Office of International Students & Scholars to develop and execute an international parent fundraising strategy that leverages existing structures and incorporates cultural differences.
• Develop a pool of international parent prospects for individual cultivation and solicitation in coordination with advancement colleagues across campus.

Data Management, Reporting, and Planning

• In collaboration with international advancement team and other colleagues grow a highly effective and organized database of alumni, donors, and parents with potential to support MSU’s international agenda.
• Gather and share relevant feedback from various constituencies to ensure excellent strategic planning and execution of next steps in alumni and donor relations and parent fundraising.
• Utilize internal database to record alumni, donor, and parent contact and engagement activities and update information following international advancement events or activities (international or on campus) within two weeks after the activity.
• Prepare, monitor, and administer alumni and donor relations budget.
• Manage student interns supporting International Advancement Office. Activities include but are not limited to prospect research, social media outreach and communications.

Qualifications

The job requires: 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 3- 5 years of professional major gift fundraising experience in higher education or readily transferable skills and a proven track record of working in a complex environment.
• Collaborative team-oriented style. Ability to work with a variety of personalities.
• Knowledge of and experience conducting international alumni relations and fundraising.
• Experience with “Moves Management” or related strategic relationship development.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Experience with International travel or living/working abroad.
• Bilingual/Multilingual, with a preference for Mandarin language skills.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and passport.

If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Patricia Karam, Director of Recruitment  at karampat@msu.edu.

All candidates must submit an application and resume through the Michigan State University Human Resources web-based system, the URL for this website is careers.msu.edu indicate the position number 767677 when submitting your application.

MSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer.

MSU is committed to achieving excellence through cultural diversity. The university actively encourages applications and/or nominations of women, persons of color, veterans and persons with disabilities.