Principal Gift Officer / Development Officer III

Working / Functional Title

Principal Gift Officer

Position Summary

BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITY

Michigan State University seeks an experienced and collaborative fundraiser to join the University Principal Gifts Program. The Principal Gift Officer will play a key role – individually and collectively – in cultivating long-term relationships with donors who have the capacity to make transformative gifts, while leveraging the relationships and vision of university leaders to secure support for strategic university priorities and initiatives. The Principal Gift Officer will be a seasoned and exceptional team-oriented fundraising professional with a demonstrated successful track record in securing multi-million-dollar philanthropic gifts.

The Principal Gift Officer at Michigan State University reports to the Associate Vice President of Advancement. The individual will provide creative and visionary leadership and coordination of fundraising endeavors for university-wide programs. They will convene campus partners and advise on the development of coordinated strategies aimed to maximize the life-time engagement and support of a portfolio of high-net-worth households. They will help assemble key university members together with prospects around cross-cutting strategic funding priorities.

This role has three defining dimensions :

• The disciplined management of approximately 50 relationships with consistent focus and high-touch engagement, cultivation, and stewardship that leads to successful solicitations strategies.
• The ability to work closely with academic leaders, fundraising colleagues, faculty, and volunteers to shape compelling ideas that will attract transformational gifts based on institutional initiatives and presidential priorities.
• The ability to work in tandem with colleagues in the University Principal Gifts program and with officers of other schools to coordinate cultivation and solicitation of prospects where there are multiple interests.

Principal gift work requires understanding the University’s overarching strategic priorities, as well as the programs and aspirations of the colleges and units where Principal Gifts are needed. Consultation, coordination and collaboration with regional and unit-based colleagues is essential.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Principal Gift Officers major areas of responsibility include, but are not limited to, the following :

Fundraising :

Strategic Management :

RELATED DUTIES

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

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; five to eight years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in professional and higher education fundraising, public relations, marketing, development of budgets, preparation and presentation of case statements and analysis of operations; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

8 years of progressively responsible experience as a proven fundraising leader in a complex, decentralized, comprehensive university environment is preferred. An advanced degree or professional fundraising certification is valued. Experience with high-net-worth individuals, planned giving or wealth management, work in CFR or work in STEM highly valued. Experience managing a major / principal gift portfolio utilizing metrics, systems, and relationship building skills to maximize strategic cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of $5 million plus donors and transformational gifts. A deep understanding of and commitment to an integrated advancement program; and experience in a complex major research university environment. Keen understanding of the natural tension that exists when working with a multitude of colleges, departments, and programs with varying priorities is essential. Experience working to sustain strong working relationships with staff, donors, faculty, volunteers, and academic leadership is imperative. A strong ability to develop sincere, productive relationships and to build trust both with internal colleagues and external constituencies is a must. Clear and effective written and oral communication and presentation skills, including individual and large groups. Keen sense of requirements necessary to foster a team-centric culture and environment. Proven success at developing and implementing creative solicitation strategies for transformational philanthropic gifts in a team-oriented and collaborative environment.

ADDITIONAL BEHAVIORS AND COMPETENCIES

If you have experience with the responsibilities outlined in this job description or possess transferable skills, we encourage you to apply! We seek driven, successful fundraisers to join our team and contribute to 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 Talent Acquisition, at karampat@msu.edu.

Screening of applicants will continue until the position is filled.

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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 January 28, 2025 at 11 : 55 P.M.