Working/Functional Title
Assoc Director of Development, JMC
Position Summary
Join the James Madison College (JMC) Team: Seeking a Dynamic Associate Director of Development!
Are you ready to make a significant impact in the world of public affairs education? James Madison College (JMC) at Michigan State University (MSU) is on the lookout for an accomplished, responsive, and collaborative Associate Director of Development. As a vital member of the JMC Engagement Team, you will drive an ambitious schedule of donor activities, ensuring a robust pipeline of private support for the College.
About James Madison College
Founded in 1967, JMC was established with a visionary goal: to blend the intimate qualities of a small college with the resources and opportunities of a large research university. Our focus is on public affairs, deeply rooted in the liberal arts, and we have been a leader in this field since our inception. At JMC, students experience the best of both worlds. They live and learn in designated residence halls, like Case Hall, which not only houses students but also faculty offices, academic advisors, classrooms, seminar rooms, the South Pointe dining hall, and the JMC library. This immersive environment fosters a learning experience that goes beyond traditional classroom walls.
Our students are inherently engaged and take part in a wide array of activities that complement their coursework and career aspirations. Many participate in extracurricular activities and leadership opportunities through various clubs, organizations, and events within both the college and the larger university community. James Madison College is an inclusive, undergraduate residential learning community dedicated to innovative teaching, research, and engagement with public affairs on both domestic and global scales. We promote diverse perspectives and critical thinking, empowering our students to pursue equity and justice through public service and civic participation.
JMC offers undergraduate education in public affairs and international relations through four distinct majors. Our courses draw insights from various social sciences and related fields, including political science, economics, literature, sociology, philosophy, and history. This multidisciplinary approach prepares students for diverse careers with a strong sense of social awareness and global responsibility. Our graduates go on to pursue impactful careers in government, politics, business, education, and human services, with many continuing their education at top graduate and law schools. With approximately 1,200 students, JMC prides itself on offering inclusive and interdisciplinary learning environments. Faculty members work closely with students in small classes, typically with fewer than 50 students, ensuring personalized and impactful educational experiences.
The JMC Associate Director of Development will report to the Dean of the College of James Madison and the Senior Director of Development for the College of Social Science, providing a clear avenue for mentorship and partnership with many of the other social science units at Michigan State University and a supportive team of other development officers.
The duties of the Associate Director of Development are as follows but are not limited to:
Job Duties:
Across all job duties, the JMC Associate Director of Development will center diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging; maintain, elicit, and model ethical fundraising; and think and act collaboratively to advance advancement and ensure the overall success of JMC.
FUNDRAISING:
- Engage in the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of gifts from individuals, corporations, foundations, and professional groups in support of James Madison College’s campaign priorities as identified as part of JMC’s strategic plan established in 2023.
- Collaborate and coordinate with the James Madison College Engagement Team, Leadership Team, Faculty, as well as University Advancement to create and carry out fundraising strategies and solicitation of gifts of $50,000 and more.
- Identify and maintain an active pool of 75-100 prospects under strategic management.
- Achieve the College fundraising goals through an active and consistent program of prospect/donor outreach that includes 150 personal visits annually. Utilize phone calls, email, mail, social media, and other strategies to identify, connect with, and engage alumni, parents, and friends with the goal of soliciting financial support for the College.
- Identify, qualify, and work to build strong, engaged relationships with major gift prospects to determine and merge prospect passions/interests/needs with MSU/James Madison College areas of funding priority and opportunity.
- Serve as a consultant to donors on the tax advantage of various types of gifts.
Strategy, Coordination, and Communication:
- In collaboration with the CSS Senior Director and the JMC Engagement Team, design and implement programs and events (on and off campus) to promote engagement with the College and increase donor response.
- Develop and implement targeted strategies to maximize the involvement of key alumni, friends, and faculty members for James Madison College’s development efforts. Schedule joint prospect visits with members of the College Leadership Team or other Development colleagues, when appropriate.
- Serve as a liaison officer between the JMC and donors and potential donors to ensure that such information and service as may be desired is provided to the full extent permitted by University policy, rules, and regulations.
- Communicate with and coordinate donor/prospect activity with fundraising colleagues across campus, including regional representatives.
- Plan and host campus visits for donors or potential donors or their representatives.
- Develop and prepare solicitation appeals, development and alumni articles, marketing and communication materials, proposals, and other materials, with a focus on gifts of $50,000 or more that, through the clear identification of funding priorities and articulation of the case for support of the college, engender a level of understanding that is conducive to giving and that help achieve the Unit’s fundraising goals.
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT:
- Assist with the coordination of and participation in college alumni and donor engagement, prospecting, recognition, and stewardship events, as appropriate.
- Utilize Ascend, MSU’s alumni and donor database, to coordinate with other Development colleagues, record contact activities, update donor information, record strategic moves management steps, and gift documentation as appropriate.
- Build working relationships with internal constituents to enhance information exchange across James Madison College, including advising faculty and administrators of appropriate fundraising strategies.
COMMUNICATIONS/INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS
Interacts with:
- Michigan State University alumni and employees, individuals, corporations/businesses, and corporate leadership to solicit and cultivate them as potential donors, and manage donor requests, and volunteers.
- JMC faculty and advisors – with a focus on building a culture of philanthropy that includes working collaboratively to develop fundraising priorities and engaging them in the fundraising process.
- Peers – in order to obtain advice and counsel on options being considered for programs and in order to coordinate the cultivation and solicitation of donor prospects.
Minimum Requirements
Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing and/or Business; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in public relations, volunteer administration, professional and higher education fund raising, marketing or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Desired Qualifications
- A bachelor’s degree.
- Five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive experience in professional fundraising, public relations, marketing, or related field; working knowledge of tax laws affecting charitable giving; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Experience in public speaking.
- Collaborative (teamwork) skills and interest.
- Experience with “Moves Management” or related strategic relationship development.
- Ability to “close” gifts or business deals with demonstrative experiences closing gifts of $50,000 or more.
- Working knowledge of tax laws affecting charitable giving.
- Interest and ability to travel, including by automobile, airline, and rail.
Travel is required. A valid vehicle operator’s license is required.
If you review this job description and have done many of the responsibilities or have transferable skills, we want to hear from you and welcome your application! We are seeking successful, ambitious fundraisers who want to become part of our team and help us help us in our ambitious campaign!
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
Resume and cover letter
Special Instructions
HOW TO APPLY
If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Patricia Karam, Director of Recruitment, at karampat@msu.edu.
Screening of applicants will continue until the position is filled.
Work Hours
8 am - 5 pm with some evenings and weekends
Website
Advancement.msu.edu
Remote Work Statement
MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.
Bidding eligibility ends August 13, 2024 at 11:55 P.M.
