Engineering Development Major Gifts Lead — Remote

MSU - Michigan State University; East Lansing (MI); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan State University seeks an Associate Director of Development to increase philanthropic support for student, faculty, and program priorities within the College of Engineering. The role manages ~75 major donor prospects, targeting gifts of $100,000+ and coordinating with University Advancement.

The position emphasizes collaboration, donor relations, and a results-driven fundraising program across Michigan and beyond, with travel to key metro areas and steady engagement with prospects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing and/or Business; 3–5 years of related fundraising experience.
• Experience in major gift fundraising and securing gifts of $50,000 or more.
• Ability to work in a complex higher education environment and collaborate with teams.

Responsibilities

• Identify and manage a pool of approximately 75 prospects for major gifts.
• Collaborate with University Advancement to develop fundraising strategies and solicitation plans.
• Engage 12-15 major prospects monthly toward moves and closures.
• Travel as needed to manage prospect activity in key metro areas.

Skills

Verbal and written communications

Donor relations

Strategic thinking

Team collaboration

Education

Four-year college degree in Communications/Public Relations/Marketing/Business

Advanced degree (desirable)

Job description

Michigan State University seeks an Associate Director of Development to increase philanthropic support for student, faculty, and program priorities within the College of Engineering. The role manages ~75 major donor prospects, targeting gifts of $100,000+ and coordinating with University Advancement.

The position emphasizes collaboration, donor relations, and a results-driven fundraising program across Michigan and beyond, with travel to key metro areas and steady engagement with prospects.