Working/Functional Title

Dir. Foundation Relations, Health & Sci

Position Summary

BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITY

University Advancement is seeking a confident and entrepreneurial leader to help plan and co-lead the organization and operation of a comprehensive foundation development program for Health and Science at Michigan State University. This position will be a key partner working closely with, but not limited to, the College of Human Medicine, College of Osteopathic Medicine, College of Nursing, College of Natural Science, and College of Veterinary Medicine leaders and faculty to increase MSU's fundraising in the foundation space. Identification, cultivation, and solicitation of foundation and nonprofit entities will comprise the managed portfolio. The Director of Foundation Relations -- Health and Science will be a key member of the central Foundation Relations team and be someone who can assist in growing our philanthropic efforts that support the present and growing potential of MSU's Health and Science work. This position will primarily focus on foundation prospects with a capacity to make grants of $100K and more. This position will report to the Senior Director of Foundation Relations.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising:

• Plans and implements methods of prospect identification, cultivation, and solicitation to match foundation interests with the strengths of Health and Science at MSU.

• In collaboration with development staff in MSU health and science-focused units and the Senior Director of Foundation Relations, this position will be responsible for the foundation development program for the Health and Sciences and broader MSU community. The Director will focus on six- and seven-figure gifts, with required in- and out-of-state travel.

• Regularly meet with faculty to support their foundation funding needs and to source potential foundation partners.

• Be able to communicate CHM, COM, Nursing, CNS, CVM, and other applicable research/programs clearly and concisely to foundation staff, with the goal of building relationships and securing funding.

• Prepare an annual operating plan that outlines measurable goals, objectives, and strategies to ensure fundraising success.

Foundation Development Programmatic Management:

• Manage a robust portfolio and prioritize projects and research most appropriate to pitch to foundation partners.

• Audits internal operations to develop standardized procedures and to ensure conformity with established policy.

• Plans, hosts, and communicates at meetings and training of the public and university personnel to provide information on the college and/or university.

COMMUNICATIONS/INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS

• Foundations - to solicit potential donors and handle direct communication with foundations to solicit mainly programmatic and research support.

• MSU Faculty - to educate, train, and partner with them in the development process, seek their advice on needs, answer funding questions, and collaborate on prospect/proposal strategy.

• Department Heads/Michigan State University Executive Management - to consult and coordinate work within the university structure to aid in the identification of potential donors and gain support for special projects.

• Michigan State University Vice President and Associate Vice Presidents of University Advancement - to advise on the progress of specific college campaigns.

• Peers/Professional Organizations - to obtain advice and council on options being considered for programs.

Unit Specific Education/Experience/Skills

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 progressiv