Associate Director of Development

Michigan State University; East Lansing (MI); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan State University seeks an Associate Director of Development to lead fundraising efforts in East Lansing. The role manages a portfolio of donors, develops strategies, conducts donor meetings, and prepares proposals and stewardship materials.

Collaboration with faculty and Advancement colleagues drives data-driven prospect research and campaign planning. The successful candidate will track activities in the donor database, report progress, and align fundraising with university priorities

Qualifications

• Experience in fundraising, donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Strong relationship-building and communication with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to develop and execute strategic fundraising plans using data.
• Excellent writing, presentation, and proposal development skills.
• Experience with donor analytics and reporting.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent; higher ed fundraising experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of donors and prospects.
• Develop and implement fundraising strategies.
• Conduct donor meetings and presentations.
• Prepare proposals and stewardship materials.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and Advancement colleagues.
• Perform data-driven prospect research and analytics.
• Track activities in the donor database and contribute to campaigns.
• Support campaign planning and reporting.

Skills

Fundraising experience

Donor relationships

Data-driven

CRM proficiency

Proposal writing

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

CRM software

Job description

Company Description

Michigan State University (MSU) is a leading global public research university offering more than 400 academic programs across diverse disciplines. Known for its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and community impact, MSU provides a collaborative environment for students, faculty, and staff. The university emphasizes student success, global engagement, and research that addresses real-world challenges. Guided by the “Spartans Will” ethos, MSU fosters a culture of inclusion, leadership, and service.

Role Description

The Associate Director of Development is a full-time hybrid role based in East Lansing, MI, with flexibility for some work from home. This position is responsible for managing a portfolio of donors and prospects, cultivating relationships, and securing philanthropic support for university priorities. Day-to-day responsibilities include developing and implementing fundraising strategies, conducting donor meetings, preparing proposals and stewardship materials, and collaborating with faculty, staff, and colleagues in University Advancement. The role also involves data-driven prospect research, tracking activities in the donor database, and contributing to campaign planning and reporting. The Associate Director of Development will work closely with internal partners to align fundraising efforts with academic programs and strategic initiatives.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in fundraising or development, including donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Strong relationship-building, communication, and interpersonal skills to engage effectively with donors, volunteers, and internal stakeholders.
• Ability to develop and execute strategic fundraising plans, set goals, and use data to inform decisions.
• Excellent writing, presentation, and proposal development skills, with attention to detail and clarity.
• Proficiency with CRM or donor management systems, and comfort working with reports and donor analytics.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work in a team environment and across diverse units and disciplines.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience; prior experience in higher education fundraising or nonprofit development is highly beneficial.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and to representing the mission and values of Michigan State University.