Associate Director of Foundation Relations

Associate Director of Foundation Relations

Classification: Development Officer II

Working Title: Associate Director of Foundation Relations

Level: AP14

Location: East Lansing, MI (Remote-Friendly)

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Associate Director of Foundation Relations is responsible for maintaining a portfolio of private foundation donors and prospects for Michigan State University and for coordinating and directing activities that will ensure regular and increased support from these foundations to fulfill the University’s goals and priorities. Activities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Cultivation, Solicitation, and Stewardship

• Manage cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of assigned foundation donors and prospects, with a heavy focus on foundations holding annual awards and competitions in the health and sciences.
• Assist colleges and units in identifying potential private foundation funding sources for programs; cultivate and maintain relationships with assigned foundation donors and prospects; and develop strategies, systems and procedures for advancing MSU’s goals with these foundation donors and prospects.
• Act as liaison to an assigned set of foundation donors and prospects to develop and maintain their interest in MSU with the objective of increased funding.
• In pursuit of support, actively seek and develop new foundation relationships.
• In conjunction with the college or unit directors of development and other staff, work with the office of research and innovation, administrators, deans, department heads, and faculty to develop and submit proposals consistent with funder programs and policies and ensure appropriate contacts between MSU and foundation representatives.
• Coordinate follow-up on successful proposals ensuring timely submission of narrative and financial reports.
• With appropriate colleges and units, develop cultivation and stewardship activities for assigned foundation donors and prospects on behalf of the University.
• Arrange strategic visits for MSU leadership and faculty members with assigned foundation prospects and donors.

Strategy Development and Implementation

• Monitor assigned foundation donor/prospect strategies and funding interests with the objective of identifying potential alignment with MSU priorities and faculty research, education, and outreach activities.
• Become knowledgeable about and conversant with the University’s strengths and current relationships with assigned foundation donors and prospects.
• Gather and disseminate information on funding opportunities with assigned foundation donors and prospects to faculty and administrators.
• Collaborate and cooperate with members of the Foundation Relations and Corporate Relations Teams as well as with Advancement colleagues to advance fundraising priorities and achieve strategic goals.
• Other duties as assigned.

Reporting:               

Reports to the Senior Director of Foundation Relations.

Required Qualifications:

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Nonprofit Leadership, Communications, Public Relations, Marketing and/or Business; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in professional and higher education fund raising, working at a foundation, public relations, volunteer administration, marketing or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. This position requires travel; a valid driver’s license is required.

Desired Qualifications for the Successful Candidate:

The successful candidate will have excellent written and verbal communication skills and will be team oriented. They will have a demonstrated ability to establish and manage multiple business relationships with complex, multifaceted organizations successfully and simultaneously. Individuals sought for this role will have the ability to understand quickly and translate clearly and succinctly faculty research and its value to potential funders.

• A Bachelor’s degree or, advanced degree is desired.
• Three to five years fundraising experience seeking foundation support for a university, or experience in another strongly related field, is necessary.
• A demonstrated record of identifying the interests of foundations and matching them to university resources is highly desirable.
• Knowledge relating to national foundations who focus on awards and competitions is desired.
• Candidate should be goal-driven, show strong initiative and be a self-starter.
• Excellent verbal and written communications and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a complex institution.
• High comfort level working with people in leadership positions.
• A collaborative team-oriented style is highly desirable.
• Reasonable experience and knowledge of foundations and fund raising is necessary.

How to Apply:

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

Candidates must submit an application, resume and cover letter through the Michigan State University Human Resources system, the URL for this website is careers.msu.edu. Please indicate the position number 789777 when submitting your application.

MSU is committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. The University actively encourages applications and/or nominations of women, persons of color, veterans, and persons with disabilities.