Development Assistant

Michigan State University; East Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan State University is seeking a Development Assistant to provide administrative and project management support to the Nat Sci Advancement Team, University Advancement, and the College of Natural Science.

You will coordinate calendars, travel, budgets, and donor communications, while fostering collaboration with campus partners. The role offers opportunities to advance fundraising initiatives and engage alumni and donors in meaningful ways.

Qualifications

• Exceptional interpersonal skills for donor and external engagement.
• Strong organizational and project coordination abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative and project coordination support to senior director and team.
• Coordinate calendars, meetings, travel, purchasing, reimbursements.
• Maintain financial tracking and assist with budget development.
• Coordinate donor stewardship, communications, and engagement activities.
• Plan, implement, and track fundraising campaigns and initiatives.
• Support events planning and execution for development and alumni engagement.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Communications skills

Independent worker

Detail oriented

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, or Marketing

Tools

Microsoft Office

Database management

Financial processes

Job description

Position Summary

The Development Assistant will provide administrative and project management support to advance the mission and goals of the Nat Sci Advancement Team, University Advancement and the College of Natural Science.

Responsibilities

Administrative, Financial & Operational Support

• Provide administrative and project coordination support to the Senior Director of Development and College Advancement team.
• Coordinate calendars, meetings, travel, purchasing, reimbursements, and other operational activities.
• Coordinate annual operating plans, assist with budget development, and maintain financial tracking in collaboration with advancement leadership.
• Process and reconcile financial transactions, purchasing card expenses, and reimbursements using university systems.
• Maintain departmental records, correspondence, financial documentation, procedural resources, and operational materials.
• Serve as a liaison with University Advancement, campus departments, donors, alumni, and external partners to support advancement operations and team priorities.
• Recommend process improvements to enhance operational efficiency and program effectiveness.

Annual Giving & Fundraising Initiatives

• Serve as the lead coordinator for the College's annual giving program, including planning, implementing, and tracking fundraising campaigns and initiatives.
• Coordinate multichannel fundraising efforts, including direct mail, digital communications, social media, and telemarketing.
• Collaborate with College Marketing and Communications, University Advancement, and campus partners to coordinate campaign timelines, fundraising communications, and outreach strategies.
• Prepare and coordinate fundraising proposals, donor communications, solicitation materials, and related correspondence.
• Represent the College in annual giving meetings, activities, and initiatives.
• Track campaign performance and fundraising results to support program assessment and improvement.

Donor Relations, Stewardship & Advancement Data

• Coordinate donor stewardship, recognition, and engagement activities in collaboration with advancement staff.
• Prepare donor acknowledgments, impact reports, stewardship communications, and personalized donor outreach.
• Coordinate stewardship projects, communications, mailings, and donor recognition initiatives through completion.
• Maintain donor, alumni, and prospect records in university advancement systems, including contact reports, proposals, and engagement activities.
• Prepare donor research, prospect information, briefing materials, and reports to support fundraising and engagement strategies.
• Assist with gift processing, gift agreements, acknowledgments, and other donor-related documentation.
• Compile, organize, and analyze advancement data to support fundraising strategies, stewardship activities, and decision-making.
• Support accurate data management and compliance with university policies and applicable privacy requirements.

Advancement Events & Alumni Engagement

• Coordinate the planning, preparation, execution, and evaluation of development and alumni engagement events.
• Manage event logistics, communications, registration, materials, guest hospitality, and follow-up activities.
• Collaborate with advancement staff and campus partners to support donor, alumni, and student engagement initiatives.
• Gather and organize information, coordinate outreach, and support engagement projects through completion.

Special Projects

• Coordinate and support special projects, fundraising initiatives, and other duties that advance the College's philanthropic, alumni engagement, and strategic priorities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to professionally engage with donors, alumni, and external constituents, build positive relationships, and represent the College with professionalism, discretion, and excellent customer service.
• Strong organizational, administrative, and project coordination skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, database management, and financial processes. Ability to organize and analyze information, coordinate projects and events, maintain confidential records, and collaborate effectively with internal and external constituents. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, adaptability, and commitment to accuracy and efficiency.
• Excellent communication skills to communicate effectively and credibly, both verbally and in writing, with all audiences.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which would normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college program in Communications, Public Relations, or Marketing; up to six months of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in professional fundraising, public relations, marketing, previous advancement/philanthropy experience, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

• Previous advancement/philanthropy experience

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

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Name and contact information for 3 References

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Bidding eligibility ends November 10, 2026 at 11:55 P.M.