Working/Functional Title

Assistant Director of Devel, CANR

Position Summary

Basic Function and Responsibility

Are you passionate about building relationships and securing major gifts for interdisciplinary research that tackles pressing global challenges? The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University is the largest STEM academic unit. It is a dynamic interdisciplinary powerhouse focused on solving global challenges that reach far beyond traditional agriculture. The college, along with MSU Extension and AgBio Research, serves as an epicenter of innovation that tackles pressing global issues such as: climate science, sustainability, urban planning, food security, and public health.

The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University is seeking a talented and ambitious individual to join our collaborative development team as the Assistant Director of Development.

In this results-oriented position, you'll play a critical role in shaping the future of STEM education and research. You'll leverage your strategic thinking and interpersonal skills to cultivate relationships with alumni and friends, securing vital resources that fuel innovation and opportunity in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

What will you do?

• Become a champion for the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and Michigan State University by raising support for cutting-edge research with a real-world impact across multiple fields: You'll manage a portfolio of 75 - 100 prospects, fostering long-term relationships that elevate the College's reputation and fuel its success.
• Uncover hidden potential: Employ your keen eye for discovery to identify new alumni and donors, building a robust pipeline for future giving.
• Leverage your strategic planning experience: Develop and execute personalized cultivation and stewardship strategies, averaging 12-15 strategic face-to-face visits and 2-4 solicitations per month.
• Collaborate for collective success: Partner with faculty, college leadership, and internal stakeholders to deepen relationships and maximize your impact.
• Be a part of and learn from a team dedicated to building a cohesive culture: Work alongside a high-performing development team, sharing best practices and celebrating collective achievements.

Why You'll Love Working Here:

• Make a tangible difference: Your efforts will directly translate into increased resources that empower students, faculty, research, and programs in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, AgBio Research, and MSU Extension.
• Join a collaborative environment: We foster a supportive and team-oriented atmosphere where you'll be empowered to grow and excel.
• Be part of a prestigious institution: You'll have the privilege of donning Spartan green and white, while representing the land grant mission to provide high-quality education, conduct research, and engage with the public to advance knowledge and improve lives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Discovery, Cultivation, and Solicitation:

Maintain an active pool of 75-100 prospects under strategic management.

Achieve fundraising goals through an active and consistent program of prospect/donor outreach, including 200 significant personal contacts annually. Extensive out-of-state travel is required.

Conduct research to identify and meetings to qualify major gift prospects through discovery visits, commensurate with portfolio composition.