What are the responsibilities and job description for the Principal Gifts Communications Strategist / Development Officer II position at Michigan State University?

Working / Functional Title

Principal Gifts Communications Strategist

Position Summary

BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITY

Reporting to the Associate Vice President, University Advancement, the Principal Gifts Communication Strategist plays a critical role on the Principal Gifts team in creating high-level, tailored proposals for principal gift prospects, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities, donor interests, and the overall advancement strategy.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Writing and Proposal Development

Develop strategic, persuasive, and impactful proposals for principal gift prospects, aligning with institutional priorities and donor interests.
Participate in high-level strategy meetings, conduct thorough research, and synthesize all data to craft well-informed cases for support, incorporating compelling impact stories, institutional vision, and future goals.
Take the lead in drafting high-quality concept papers, case statements, white papers, and other high-level fundraising materials to articulate funding opportunities.
Revise, edit, and improve proposals to ensure clarity, conciseness, tone, and alignment with both donor expectations and institutional goals, incorporating feedback from multiple stakeholders.

Strategic Collaboration

Partner closely with development officers, senior academic leaders, deans, faculty, and other key stakeholders to identify and prioritize funding opportunities that resonate with major donors.

Collaborate with leadership to gather insights, ensuring proposals reflect institutional vision, long-term strategies, and top philanthropic priorities.

Proactively serve as a strategic thought partner in crafting unique donor-centric communication and cultivation strategies.

Work cross-functionally with marketing, communications, and alumni relations teams to ensure proposal alignment with broader institutional messaging and external communications.

Research and Data Utilization

Conduct advanced research into donor interests, philanthropic trends, and nonprofit fundraising best practices to inform proposal content and strategy.

Leverage institutional data and research to provide evidence-based narratives that demonstrate the potential for measurable impact, maximizing donor engagement.

Design and Visual Content

Collaborate with design teams or oversee the creation of visually compelling proposal layouts, incorporating advanced graphics, charts, infographics, and multimedia elements to strengthen storytelling.

Ensure proposals adhere to the institution’s brand standards while enhancing the overall donor experience, balancing aesthetics with functional messaging.

Project Management

Lead and manage multiple high-priority proposal projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines are met while maintaining the highest quality standards.

Develop and maintain comprehensive project timelines, work plans, and tracking systems to ensure seamless coordination and efficient proposal delivery.

Take responsibility for managing the proposal approval process, ensuring all relevant stakeholders are engaged and feedback is incorporated in a timely manner.

Stewardship and Follow-Up

Contribute to donor stewardship by drafting comprehensive impact reports and other updates that highlight the outcomes and lasting legacy of philanthropic investments.

Support ongoing donor cultivation by creating tailored materials and communication that engage donors through their giving journey, ensuring continued support and increased donor retention.

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, or marketing; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

Expertise in persuasive, technical, and creative writing, with an exceptional ability to translate complex concepts into accessible, donor-focused narratives.

Significant experience in higher education, healthcare, or large-scale nonprofit organizations, with a focus on fundraising and principal gift development.

Proficiency with graphic design tools (e.g., Adobe InDesign, Canva) for light design work.

Strong project management skills, with the ability to lead multiple projects, prioritize competing deadlines, and handle complex, high-stakes assignments.

Experience as a grant writer, particularly in major gift fundraising, and a proven track record of successful proposal submissions.

If you have experience with the responsibilities outlined in this job description or possess transferable skills, we encourage you to apply!

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 get in touch with 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 possible 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 February 18, 2025 at 11 : 55 P.M.

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Principal Gifts Communications Strategist / Development Officer II

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